I really liked the first Bond-movie with Pierce Brosnan in the lead role, and looked forward to the second installment. Sadly, my expectations were not met. If this is the way Bond-movies of the future will look like, count me out.
First of all: James Bond is NOT John Woo-material. In this film, the kung-fu action is way, way over the top, and everything else you would expect to find in a Bond-movie is either reduced to a minimum, or removed all together. Where's the light-hearted, humourous Bond-touch? Where's the "Bond"-atmosphere of charm and luxury. Gone! What we're left with, is a kicking, screaming, machine-gunning run-of-the-mill action movie. A Bond movie is NOT supposed to be like any other action flick. If that's what you want, go rent John Woo instead. Let us keep the cavalier, smooth Bond-style, not this heavy-handed, humourless disappointment. Other drawbacks: Michelle Yeoh is dull as the primary Bond girl, doing way too much karate kicking, and being far too unattractive to hold any interest. The other Bond girl, beautiful Teri Hatcher gets all of what - five minutes screen time? - before she's gone. Pity! The main villain, Jonathan Pryce, is unconvincing at best. Maybe some of it is due to his far-fetched motivations, but still...not a memorable Bond villain.
The few upsides to this movie are a much improved soundtrack, with a genuine "Bond feeling" to it; and an interesting henchman (Mr. Stamper). A few funny gadgets (such as a remote-controlled BMW involved in a parking house car chase) also improves the overall impression.
Being a Bond movie, this is a disappointment. Being a standard action movie, I guess it delivers the goods. I give it a weak 3 out of 6 on my dice, and hope for some major improvements in the next Bond flick.
First of all: James Bond is NOT John Woo-material. In this film, the kung-fu action is way, way over the top, and everything else you would expect to find in a Bond-movie is either reduced to a minimum, or removed all together. Where's the light-hearted, humourous Bond-touch? Where's the "Bond"-atmosphere of charm and luxury. Gone! What we're left with, is a kicking, screaming, machine-gunning run-of-the-mill action movie. A Bond movie is NOT supposed to be like any other action flick. If that's what you want, go rent John Woo instead. Let us keep the cavalier, smooth Bond-style, not this heavy-handed, humourless disappointment. Other drawbacks: Michelle Yeoh is dull as the primary Bond girl, doing way too much karate kicking, and being far too unattractive to hold any interest. The other Bond girl, beautiful Teri Hatcher gets all of what - five minutes screen time? - before she's gone. Pity! The main villain, Jonathan Pryce, is unconvincing at best. Maybe some of it is due to his far-fetched motivations, but still...not a memorable Bond villain.
The few upsides to this movie are a much improved soundtrack, with a genuine "Bond feeling" to it; and an interesting henchman (Mr. Stamper). A few funny gadgets (such as a remote-controlled BMW involved in a parking house car chase) also improves the overall impression.
Being a Bond movie, this is a disappointment. Being a standard action movie, I guess it delivers the goods. I give it a weak 3 out of 6 on my dice, and hope for some major improvements in the next Bond flick.