GoldenEye

Rating:
Summary: The return of James Bond
Review: Personally, I think that this is the best Bond Brosnan's done so far. Even more so than Tomorrow Never Dies or The World Is Not Enough. The Tina Turner sung theme song is also one of the best yet. The villain is also one of the more original 007 villians, since he happens to be an old friend of Bond's, 006, who was "killed" by the Russians in a factory they were supposed to destroy. When Bond meets Xenia Onatopp, the link to the Russian Mafia, Bond learns that she is about to steal a powerful helicopter prototype. When things get worse, a military communications post in a small Russian town in the middle of nowhere is wiped out by a Russian secret weapon known as "Goldeneye" (an electrostatic pulse beamed from a satellite that will knock out any and all electronic circuits, to disable communication) under the corrupt Genreal Orumov, Bond is called in to investigate. The helicopter is Bond's link between the military post, General Orumov and the Russian Mafia, which is now run by, 006 (aka Alec Trevelyan) and General Orumov! The movie then goes into a cat-and-dog chase between Trevelyan and Bond, where each is out to get revenge on the other. Bond then learns that 006 plans to use Goldeneye on London, with the purpose of wiping out London's computer systems, causing global economic chaos.

The DVD's also one of the better Bond discs in the whole series. There's more stuff than a lot of the other ones combined - trailers, TV spots, commentary (I would've liked to have seen one with Brosnan, though), the two standard documentaries, and a really good transfer, too. I think, after Connery and Moore, Brosnan is the best choice they could've used for Bond, since he fits the role perfectly. Dalton didn't make as good of a James Bond as Brosnan did, IMO. While the action scenes were a little more far-fetched than in some of the other Bond movies, this one definately had its moments, like the tank chase through downtown St. Petersburg, or the factory chase in the opening. However, it's great to see that the Bond franchise didn't dissolve after Dalton left, though. It's also great that the return of Bond was one of the best Bonds in the series, too.

Rating:
Summary: Exciting Bond flick.
Review: When I first saw this movie in the cinema I was a little jaded with the Bond series and I really only found the climactic ending to be impressive. But having bought the video and viewed it many times I would rate this one of the best Bond movies (along with From Russia With Love,Goldfinger,Diamonds Are Forever,The Man With the Golden Gun and Licence to Kill being the other best Bond movies). Yes Goldeneye initially seems to suffer from the over the top set pieces and some whimsicality of the Roger Moore era and it drags a bit after the openning sequence until Bond next encounters Alex Trevellyn but it's best scenes have dramatic tension due to good acting and interesting characters. Sean Bean makes a great villian, in all respects just like Bond but having a twisted sense of loyalty,namely to himself only, at the expense of everyone else to their unbidden detriment. The end fight scene is very well staged and the movie has been copied by others such as Mission Impossible 2. Some of the best Bond movies have this one to one confrontation e.g.The Man With The Golden Gun (Roger Moore's best outing as JB). The script is consistent and the characters mouth intelligent lines in keeping with their characters. St.Petersberg looks beautiful and the Mount Arceibo radio telescope was an inspired setting for the climax, although why on Earth Alex Trevellyn needed a huge dish like Mount Arceibo to just control a satellite in near Earth orbit is a mystery. Anyway, we shouldn't question these things in a JB movie-remember the non-sequitors in Diamonds Are Forever? Robbie Coltrane turns in a good performance as Bond's former Russian adversary and Dame Judi Dench could probably take the place of the real M in MI6 (watch out for Stella Rimmington's book). An enjoyable film.

Rating:
Summary: Brosnan at last
Review: It's incredible to think that Brosnan has been waiting to be Bond since the days of Remington Steele. Now he's not only Bond, but ready to turn the series into a new direction. The new villains are just merceneraries who aren't going to explain their evil plots ("since you're going to chopped to pieces by my robot-laser and fed to my vat of bionic pirahna, why don't I just tell you?"). And while this Bond does come equipped with gadgetry (Desmond Llewlyn is here), he does best when using his own resourcefulness (in which he commandeers a tank and systematically tears apart bits of St. Petersberg). Brosnan can be a bit cold, but there's also the realization that the world itself is pretty cold, mostly from desperation - the directors set much of the film in bleak, post-Soviet Russia.

In this outer, Bond encounters the beautiful Xenia Onatopp (Famke Jansen), a lead to a mysterious cell of Russian Mafia. Xenia's theft of a new British super helicopter is bad enough. But when the theft of the chopper - unique in its immunity to electromagnetic-pulse - coincides with an EM pulse attack on a Russian "Star Wars" facility, Bond knows that the helicopter is only one step in a biger plan. Picking up the pieces in Russia, Bond must confront the darker world of the post-cold war, and must even rely on some old enemies (Like Robby Coltrane as an ex-KGB agent who's killed just about everybody but Bond who still carry the PPK). He must also confront the traitorious 006 and learn the secret of "Goldeneye", a Russian space-based weapon that can paralyze whole nations. ("Goldeneye" was supposedly Ian Fleming's carribean villa).

Too much of the action is frantic, and seems to interrupt those scenes for thinking and planning. Much of the fun of the film comes from watching Brosnan adjust to Bond. But most of the fun comes from the two Bond ladies - Jansen as a cold-blooded killer with cybernetic thighs, but also Izabella Scorupco as Natalya, a brilliant scientist who proves she can be equally tough.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Bond !
Review: I saw Dr. No in the theater, so I have been around long enough to have seen all of the Bond movies several times. Pierce Brosnan is definitely the best Bond. Not because he is the current Bond; he just is the best. He is the most suave, but he can handle the action. Famke is the best villan ever. Xenia is my favorite "bad guy". Izabella is the best Bond girl. she is #1.

Rating:
Summary: This is not your father's James Bond
Review: The best possible Bond movie anyone could have made, considering the mid-nineties-post-cold-war-politically-correct-after-a-six-year-hiatus circumstances it was made in. I've seen it several times and still temendously enjoy it. This is a thoroughly-modern-big-budget-blockbuster-pull-out-all-the-stops flick. Unfortunately, the Bond series can't help but apologize for its own success and rebirth. The movie even goes so far as to have shamelessy obvious built-in dialogue addressing the impression of James Bond as a misogynist-cold-blooded-cold-war-glorified-government-sponsered-assassin. That nonsense aside, this is one the best Bonds ever. The best since FYEO in 1981 and one of the top five Bond films. (Goldfinger, FRWL, FYEO and TSWLM are better, in that order). We have a new M played extremely well by Dame Judy Dench. I loved her as Queen Victoria in Mrs. Brown. Her M is not very nice but is a tough, intelligent, well-rounded character. The plot pits Bond against his former fellow double-o. Perfect. Sean Bean is extremely believable as a former secret-agent turned evil. Almost like good Bond vs. bad Bond. Of course, even the good Bond has had to be vicious, cold, ruthless and vengeful in the past. There is really a very thin line between an agent willing to kill for ideals and the common good and a man willing to kill for greed and revenge. Goldeneye is wall-to-wall fantastic eye-popping action but is careful to include plot, style and mood. Crude and annoying in its juvenile humor at times but never as corny as some of the 70's Bond films. Post cold-war Russia is an interesting locale for most of the movie. Famke Janssen is startling as the Henchwoman Onatopp and Izabella Scorupco is cute as the computer programming Bond Girl. Pierce Brosnan takes over as 007 and holds his own quite nicely. He doesn't look as solidly built as his predessors but makes up for it in every other area. As Bond, he's as good as Moore and nearly as good as Connery. This movie is exactly the shot in the arm the Bond series needed.

Rating:
Summary: Brosnan.....Pierce Brosnan!
Review: Back in 1987, a few years after Roger Moore announced he was retiring from playing James Bond, the search was on to find a new Bond to take his place. In the front-running, was up and coming Irish actor, Pierce Brosnan, who made a name for himself on the popular television series, Remington Steele. It should be pointed out that he in fact did win the part of 007 and was scheduled to begin filming, when, just a few weeks prior, it was realized that Brosnan's TV contract with Remington Steele conflicted with his working schedule on the Bond movie. Sadly, no compromise could be made and Pierce Brosnan reluctantly stepped down, being replaced by Shakespearean actor, Timothy Dalton, who would go on to star in only two James Bond movies (The Living Daylights and Licence To Kill, respectively). But soon after Licence To Kill ended, a huge court battle over the rights to the Bond franchise erupted, preventing producer, Albert R."Cubby" Broccoli from making any more 007 films. Soon, many wondered if James Bond had finally met his match, with Dalton's contract up, and the actor no longer interested in doing future Bond films, things began to look bleak for everybody's favorite spy. It would be 6 years, the longest in history without a 007 film in movie theaters, before Broccoli was finally able to produce another James Bond movie. The title, named after author Ian Fleming's home in Jamaica, Goldeneye would be the film to decide Bond's fate. And after nearly 9 years since he had to give up the coveted role, Pierce Brosnan was asked again to play James Bond. Thankfully, this time his schedule was open and he soon became the 5th actor to portray Bond on the big screen for United Artists and MGM Pictures (EON Productions overseas in Europe). So much was riding on this film. With a newer generation of movie goers out there, what modifications would be needed, if any, to insure Bond's appeal to the public? It was decided to modernize the franchise and bring in fresh talent to give it a new flavor. Replacing John Barry as composer would be Eric Serra, best known for his work on the films by director, Luc Besson (Subway, Leon, The Fifth Element). Deciding to stray away heavily from the traditional Bond themes, which to him, felt outdated, Serra began a complete overhaul on the scoring, a feat to this day, he has never regretted. Director, Martin Campbell was also looking for fresh ideas and concepts. He knew he had a great task before him, not just making a good film but living up to previous efforts and scores of fans everywhere. Things had to be memorable. What a choice it would be, indeed, to begin the film with what would be one of the greatest stunts in Bond history. Filmed at Contra Dam near Lugano, Switzerland, stuntman Wayne Michaels broke a world record for the longest bungee jump against a fixed object (a 640-foot drop). This one scene would set the tone for the entire film...Bond is back! But the film wouldn't stop there with amazing stunts. The now famous tank drive through St. Petersburg would also be a feast for the eyes. Partially shot at the famous Russian City, and the rest shot back at Leavesden Studios in England, it would take about 150 permits to execute the scene, with the citizens of St. Petersburg looking on, not knowing who James Bond even was, since all previous 007 films were banned in Russia. Bond's new BMW Z3 Roadster would be equipped with Stinger missiles behind the headlights, an ejector seat, an emergency parachute braking system, and an all-points radar tracking system. Although quite impressive, it was decided not to use these gadgets in the film as it had all been done before in previous Bond outings (Goldfinger, The Living Daylights, ect). Campbell wanted everything to be new and fresh, to see things we've never seen before in a Bond movie. Such was the case for the climatic confrontation between Bond and Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean) which was shot on the largest spherical radio telescope in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. A true eye grabber.

Good acting was also very crucial to make for a more believable (and memorable) outing. For another fresh touch it was decided that the character of "M" be portrayed by a woman instead of a man as it was usually done. Famed English actress, Judi Dench was offered the part and immediately responded to it. Her scene with 007 in her office would be another one of those crucial scenes that would set the mood as well as the standard for future Bond films.

Robbie Coltrane, playing Valentin Zukovsky, in a now quite memorable performance. Sean Bean as Alec Trevelyan (006), who was at one time considered for the role of James Bond. Izabella Scorupco (Natalya Simonova) and Famke Janssen (Xenia Onatopp) who are now considered two of the best Bond Women of all. All these wonderful performances would only enhance the film itself and take it to another level all its own.

With a unique main title sequence with lead vocals by Tina Turner and music by Bono and The Edge (of U2 fame) it made a memorable impression, although some Russian officials found some of the shots of Russian monuments crumbling very insulting.

But the happiest of ending is that Goldeneye did very well at the box office when it premiered in December of 1995, becoming the highest grossing Bond film of all, only to be beaten by the next two Bond films (Tomorrow Never Dies & The World Is Not Enough). The word was out. Bond is back and here to stay. "Bond.....Only Bond".

Rating:
Summary: James Bond's triumphant return to greatness
Review: By the time "Goldeneye" came out, James Bond was almost dead, the life and energy drained from it by the Timothy Dalton films that substituted brains (!) for fun and adventure.

But with "Goldeneye," the best of both worlds were merged, and we got a James Bond film for the ages. Yes, 007's role post-Cold War needs rethinking (said rethinking of Bond's persona was the best thing about the dull "Living Daylights," for instance). And here he gets it: Bond's sexist and a dinosaur. But he also shows why so few people care about his faults, with sex appeal, wit and lots of great action.

Brosnan is bolstered in this film by having two great opponents to go up against, most notably Famke Janssen (Jean Grey in "X-Men") as the over-the-top (literally) villainess Xenia Onatopp and, more importantly, a rogue MI-5 agent, 006. After years of pathetic foils (Grace Jones? What?!), Bond gets some worthy adversaries who could quite credibly off him, and not just by catching him with his pants down. (Which, admittedly, isn't all that difficult ...)

A lush tropical finale preceded by destruction in a major European city and one spectacular set piece after another round out the package.

"Goldeneye" is a definite buy for James Bond fans.

Rating:
Summary: Not as good as The World is not Enough, but great.
Review: In my opinion, Goldeneye was a great film, but I really did like The World is not Enough better. Pierce Brosnan was still adjusting with the role and he didn't appear as sturdy and comfortable, but it had a very good plot, excellent villains, and a lot of action. The supporting characters add a nice touch. Go for this movie if you're being introduced to the 90's Bonds, but if you haven't seen The World is not Enough, I suggest you pick that up, its great. As for the quality of the DVD, the picture has been nicely redone, but could have been a little better. Nevertheless, great picture. Sound is superb with some very good effects. Be sure to pick up the N64 game of Goldeneye too if you haven't already because it is incredible.

Rating:
Summary: Bond is Back... With A New Twist
Review: The new Bond is taking over the TV's! Pierce Brosnan's first Bond film is one of the best Bond films. Though it may seem strange that Bond is different in appearance, gadgets, and cars; Bond is still Bond. This was a smashing comback for Bond and deserves 5 stars! If you loved the old Bonds and are looking for a newer one to the addition, this movie is your choice.

Rating:
Summary: Brosnan is a great Bond
Review: In his first outing as James Bond,Pierce Brosnan does a great job.(he actually looked like he'd been playing Bond for years)As for the movie itself,it is very good.Even though the cold war is over,Bond still finds himself up against the Russians,who have a satellite called Goldeneye that can destroy anything with an electronic circuit.The main villain is former MI6 agent Alec Trevelyn,whom Bond thought had been killed.(in the excellent pre-title sequence)There's a beautiful Bond girl named Natalya Simonova,(she acts a little more independent than past Bond girls)and bad(but beautiful)Bond girl Xenia Onatopp.The title song,sung by Tina Turner was pretty good,and the musical score by Eric Serra was good.There's plenty of action and stunts,(I loved the beginning when Bond bungee jumps off an enormous dam)and lots of gadgets.Overall,it's a great Bond film,and Brosnan does great.