Plot
After Bond retrieves a mountain of cash belonging to Sir Robert King, an oil tycoon, and close friend of M’s – the money that was returned acts as an explosive when King gets near it – killing him.
The MI6 discover that the money can be traced to a terrorist known as Renard – who had recently had a failed kidnapping of King’s daughter Elektra.
Now Bond is tasked with protecting Elektra, while trying to stop Renard from his devilish plans.
Direction
Directed by the late Michael Apted, (who also has such movies like Gorilla’s in the Mist, Coal Miner’s Daughter and Nell on his resume).
Some solid action sequences, especially in the pre credits sequence.
Cast
This is Pierce Brosnan’s third outing in the role of Bond, and he has leaned into the action with ease. His ‘Bond’ girls this time around have little to no chemistry with him.
Robert Carlyle plays Renard, who is solid in the role – but as the narrative progresses – he becomes an almost ‘secondary’ villain.
Sophie Marceau plays Elektra, who Bond is tasked with protecting. Bond suspicions of her having ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ from her time in Renard’s capture are brought up early (and *** spoiler *** but the film is 25 years old), and later revealed that it is she who is the primary antagonist.
Judi Dench gets much more to do in this film than in previous entries. She is taken hostage by Elektra later in the film, as she suggested that Sir Robert not pay the ransom for her return.
Denise Richards plays… Dr Christmas Jones… who even the character hates her name… oh the innuendo that is said…
Like Teri Hatcher in the previous film, this is another American actress who just can’t do Bond… even though… the puns right themselves…
Returning cast are Robbie Coltrane as Zukovsky, returning from Goldeneye, Samantha Bond as Moneypenny – and ‘retiring’ the role of Q, Desmond Llewllyn (who sadly passed away not long after filming). He is joined by John Cleese as, R.
Breakdown
Starting with the ‘cold open’ where Bond retrieves some stolen cash, (and avoids being assassinated) – followed by an explosion at MI6 – and a boat chase along the Thames – and an explosive hot air balloon ride… and this is all in the first 15 minutes of the film!!!
This sets in motion a series of investigations, such as “who got close enough to Sir Robert” to exchange his pin he wears that caused the explosion, and the protection of Elektra by MI6 (which she turns down, but doesn’t turn down Bond).
James and his ladies are another eye roll, with such concubines as his Dr (who clears him for duty following the opening sequence which injurs his shoulder – a continued annoyance throughout the film, Elektra – and Dr Jones). Sadly there is little chemistry between Brosnan and any of them, as his ‘aggression’ is a little much with them.
The reveal that Elektra is not actually suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, rather it is she that has orchestrated pretty much everything is a pretty good twist. Marceau really does a solid job as the ‘victim’ to the main antagonist. She gets plenty to do once it is revealed, and has some great moments with Bond, as well as M – who she blames for her whole ordeal (M was after all the one who talked her father out of paying the ransom to free her…) and holds her hostage for a portion of the back end of the film.
As good as Marceau is, the same can not be said for Denise Richards, who feels like she was a ‘popular casting’. Her nuclear physicist – as well as Bond girl is the most unbelievable casting decision so far in the franchise (which is 19 strong now), and she is on par with the previous film’s Teri Hatcher as the least believable pairing.
There is some good action set pieces, and some gunplay (and helicopters with large saws that slice through buildings like butter). The final sequence following Bond ‘coldly’ getting rid of one bad guy – is stretched out slightly, which only provides more of Richards being a damsel in distress.
Overall
A step up from the previous film, with a better villain, better action – and better narrative with some of the supporting characters.
Still some downs, especially when it comes to the Bond girls (and the innuendo).
Q we will miss you!
3.5/5
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