The World Is Not Enough (1999) User Reviews

This one has a true sinister villain but his character ain't developed well.

[Fella_shibby · 7/10 · 12 May 2021]

I first saw this in the early 2k on cable tv.

Revisited it recently.

This is the nineteenth in the Bond series and the third to star Pierce Brosnan as James Bond.

In this one Bond is assigned to protect an oil tycoon's daughter who had previously been held for ransom by an ex KGB turned terrorist. During this assignment, Bond unravels a scheme to increase petroleum prices by triggering a nuclear meltdown in the waters of Istanbul.

This one has an amazing pre credit scene (not the lousy window jump sequence). The boat chase sequence is amazeballs.

The villain, Reynard, is truly sinister n Carlyle did a fine job but his character ain't developed well.

The story ain't engrossing n none of the henchmen is memorable.

This time Bond faces Reynard who is hell bent on causing chaos n destruction.

Bond faces many henchmen, Gabor, Mr. Bullion, etc. But the most noteworthy is the attractive cigar girl (Giulietta da Vinci).

Bond gets to cool off with Serena Scott Thomas, Denise Richards and Sophie Marceau.

Some info on Reynard: His real name was Victor Zokas n his childhood was particularly traumatic as he was raised in poverty.

At the age of fourteen, he ran away from home and joined the Soviet Army. Due to his vicious nature n brutal methods, he was given a place in the KGB. Due to his cunning and effectively discrete ways, he got the nickname, "Renard The Fox".

Aft his expulsion from the KGB due to his evident mental instability, Zokas took "Renard" alias and became one of the world's most feared terrorists.

It was 009 who shot Reynard in the head n although a doctor was able to save Renard's life, he was unable to extract the bullet from his patient's skull. Due to its retention within his brain matter, Reynard lost most of his senses and pain was never felt by him.

This allowed him to push himself much further than the ordinary human limits.

Terribly Underrated

[rutherfordh-81993 · 7/10 · 14 July 2021]

The World Is Not Enough is ranked as one of the weakest of any of the Bond films, but it does have many positives. The action is very strong in this one, like the caviar factory and the ski chase. Pierce Brosnan is joined by two very good actors to be the villains, and are some of the vest in the franchise. The locations are good, and it gives the films a different dimension, particularly in terms of the role of M. It is badly underrated, and is a great film, but just has some issues in the actual story.

Greatest Bond Opening Scene Ever

[ccthemovieman-1 · 7/10 · 20 September 2006]

The last James Bond film of the 20th century began in spectacular fashion. Now, a lot of the Bond movies have great openings, so that's nothing new, but this one outdid itself. This 15-minute opening may be the best ever with an amazing boat race and opening credits. It gets my vote, anyway.

After that, frankly, it slowly goes downhill. (That's the problem with too good a start!).

In the end, it's okay but hardly a memorable Bond picture. It has the usual assortment of heroes and villains, wild and improbable action scenes, tons of sexual innuendos, sharp DVD picture and great 5.1surround sound. New actors to this series included Sophie Marceau, Robert Carlyle, Denise Richards and Robbie Coltrane. None of them are big drawing cards who are going entice people to see the movie.

I didn't find any of the characters particularly memorable, unfortunately, so I can't rate the film higher than a "7," but that opening was a "10."

Third time lucky

[Bel Ludovic · 24 December 2002]

The first time I saw this in the cinema in '99, I remember actively disliking it - the first time I'd had that reaction to a new Bond release. I saw it a second time at the cinema, and disliked it less - but still wasn't keen. Now, in the dying days of 2002, and quaking with hatred for - and disappointment at - 'Die Another Day', I re-evaluated TWINE for a second time. And I have to say, compared to this year's farce, TWINE is bathed in a golden glow. In terms of character development, plausibility (always tenuous in Bond films, but still), acting, and script, TWINE is far and away and without a shadow of doubt superior to 'Die Another Day'. Above all, this is a Bond film that does occasionally treat its audience like they have brain cells, rather than a ghastly exercise in sci-fi pretensions with MTV production values.

The opening sequence reveals itself to be one of the very best in the series, taut and exciting, flawlessly directed and perfectly executed. There's nothing else in the film that can quite top it, but some inspired casting helps immeasurably. Sophie Marceau is superb, and it's great to see Robbie Coltrane reprise Valentin Zukovsky, who bags many of the best lines. Judy Dench as 'M' is given a high profile in this entry, which is all to the good as she's clearly the best thing to happen to the Bond films in the Brosnan era. Alas, Desmond Llwelyn makes his final appearance as 'Q' - it would be thus even had he not died the following year - and his exit is well-handled.touching, even. On the downside, Robert Carlyle is not quite convincing as Renard, but it barely matters as Marceau is so firmly in control. Denise Richards isn't as bad as she's been made out to be - indeed, she actually seems smarter and less bland than Halle Berry in DAD.

Plot and action sequences throughout the film are deftly handled, but there are some areas where TWINE seems a little derivative, cheerfully looting the Bond back catalogue, for example in the Caucasus skiing sequence which fuses together action setpieces from YOLT and OHMSS. There are also moments of alarming silliness more redolent of the 1970s and '80s, such as the scene with John Cleese making his debut as future-'Q' and all scenes with Goldie in as Bullion. And for those of us who aren't fans of Pierce Brosnan, there's plenty to annoy - excessive jaw-clenching, lots of posing, inherent charmlessness. I'm sure he's lovely in real life, mind.

Generally, though this is a competent entry in the series, and its attempts at depth just about succeed. It is also the most `how'-and-`why'-proof Bond film since the 1960s, a refreshing change from those Bond films that arrogantly command the audience to suspend their beliefs and do all the maths themselves. Quite why it all went wrong three years later is anyone's guess, but I blame 'XXX' and a continuing adoration of 'The Matrix'.

There's no point in living if you can't feel alive.

[leonardodaftson · 7/10 · 11 December 2021]

'The World is Not Enough' fixes many issues with the previous entry in the franchise 'Tomorrow Never Dies'. The prior film was criticized for having goofy villains and a silly story. 'The World is Not Enough' re-aligns the franchise by bringing back better villains, a more interesting story, and adding much more substance to the characters. The film throws a few curve balls and misdirections at the audience as well, so you'll be kept on your toes. All of the actors put on a great performance, with the exception of Denise Richards. She plays Dr. Christmas Jones and she is not believable in the slightest as a nuclear scientist. But she's such a gorgeous bombshell I can overlook her crappy acting. M is also much more involved in the plot, which is quite welcome because she really dominates her scenes. Overall I enjoyed 'The World Is Not Enough', it's much better than the prior Bond film, but still not quite as good as 'Goldeneye'.

Revenge is not hard to fathom for a man who believes in nothing.

[hitchcockthelegend · 7/10 · 5 August 2012]

The World is Not Enough is directed by Michael Apted and adapted to screenplay by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Bruce Feirstein, using characters created by Ian Fleming. Music is scored by David Arnold and cinematography by Adrian Biddle.

Bond 19 and 007 is required to protect a female oil magnate from potential assassination, but it soon becomes apparent that something far bigger and sinister is around the corner.

Pierce Brosnan returns for his third turn as super suave secret agent James Bond and all the crucial elements for the franchise are firmly in place. From the exhilarating pre-credit sequence down the river Thames (14 minutes worth) to the glorious over the top explosive finale, this is a Bond film for those that enjoy the cheeky action led mania over thought and depth. Into the Bondian mix are the usual stalwarts; Judi Dench as M, Samantha Bond as Moneypenny, Desmond Llewelyn as Q (bidding a sad farewell to the franchise with a poignant moment) and Robbie Coltrane joyously returns as Zukovsky. Bond girl duties fall to Sophie Marceau (beautiful and solid) and Denise Richards (sexy, elfin like, but out of her depth) and the psycho for hire role lands at the considerably fine feet of Robert Carlyle, even if the latter is badly underused.

The World Is Not Enough (the Bond family motto) is a whizz bang entry in the series and finds Brosnan well settled in the role; nailing the multitude of traits that make Bond a man that women want to bed and a man that men want to be. Locales are lovely and interesting (Turkey, France, Spain, Azerbaijan), the plot carries some intelligence (with a decent mystery element for a change), characterisations are high end and Arnold's score is a safe accompaniment; as is the title song by Garbage. It is, however, all too aware of wanting to appease Bond fans across the spectrum. Thus the comedy moments come off as saggy and the more scientific aspects (as gloriously ridiculous as they are) feel more like auto-pilot plotting. Still, you get what you pay for with 90s Bond, and the action sequences are terrific. After the mixed Tomorrow Never Dies the makers were clearly intent on taking the fans on a ripper of a ride, and no doubt about it, they achieve that in spades; with the two hour running time just flying by.

Eon of course would take things one step too far three years later with the nadir that was Die Another Day, thus making this the last good Bond film before Daniel Craig's fabulous re-invention arrived in 2006. 7/10

The World is Not Enough is another fine Pierce Brosnan James Bond film

[tavm · 9/10 · 27 August 2022]

Until now, this was the only James Bond film in the official EON series I had not watched. Having just now done so with Mom, we consider this one of the most entertaining of the series in recent times. Pierce Brosnan, in only his third time as 007, seems to get better each time he portrayed Bond, James Bond. Among the rest of the cast Sophie Marceau is aces as Electra King whose story is one that's filled with great surprises, that's for sure! Robert Carlyle is also fine as Renard. As for Denise Richards as nuclear scientist Dr. Christmas Jones, well, she does well enough for what she's supposed to do and isn't too distracting a presence considering. Also, nice return of Robbie Coltrane from GoldenEye. Also great to once again see Judi Dench as M, Samantha Bond as Moneypenny, and, for what turned out to be his very last time, Desmond Llewelyn as Q. His character here introduces former Monty Pythoner John Cleese as his assistant and possible replacement about whom Bond asks Q if he's called "R". Mr. Llewelyn, unfortunately, died in a car accident a few weeks after this movie premiered. He was often one of the most entertaining parts of all these JB flicks starting with From Russia with Love to this one (though it should be noted he was absent in Live and Let Die). Great entertaining set-pieces throughout and fine backstory concerning some of the characters. For both Mom and me, The World is Not Enough is fine Bond entertainment.

Third Brosnan appearance as Bond in which once again confronts an ominous and bloody organization with terrorist purports.

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 28 December 2023]

Pierce Brosnan returns in the 19th Bond adventure in which 007 is sent to protect Elektra King (Sophie Marceau), the daughter of a murdered oil tycoon who was also an old friend of M (Judi Dench). The threat appears to come from terrorist Renard (Robert Carlyle), who has a bullet in the brain courtesy of MI6 that has made him immune to pain. Renard is playing the nuclear explosion card, which leads to Bond girl nuclear weapons expert Dr. Christmas (Denise Richards), who has minimal impact but seems attractive. She will see firsthand that there is some truth to Bond's fame. Danger !. Suspense !. Excitement !. There must be when he's around !. Some men want to rule the world... Some women ask for the world... Some believe the world is theirs for the taking... But for one man, The World Is Not Enough!!!As the countdown begins for the new millennium there is still one number you can always count on. Bond is Back.

This Bond entry contains sensational pursuits, frantic action-packed and stimulating set pieces. The World Is Not Enough(1999) begins with an exciting prologue that takes place in the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, from where our protagonist already does some of his typical pirouettes and jumps from a building. Then a terrible attack takes place at the heart of MI6 itself, the famous British secret service. In front of the best secret agents, including Bond, a bomb explodes, killing one of the most important businessmen in the world, then 007 goes to action . Pierce Brosnan's third appearance as the agent with a license to kill, after ¨Goldeneye¨ (1996), ¨Tomorrow Never Dies¨ (1997) and before ¨Die Another Day¨ (2002).

The villain of this adventure is one of the most human of the series: Renard, a bad guy with an emotional side who is brought to life by Robert Carlyle. They are joined by Robbie Coltrane, Judi Dench as M, John Cleese as R replacing Desmond Llewelyn as Q, the gadget master. This was Llewelyn's last appearance on the big screen since he died that same year in 1999. He was the actor who appeared the most times in James Bond films. And other secondaries such as: Samantha Bond as Moneypenny, Michael Kitchen, Colin Salmon, David Calder, Serena Scott Thomas, Patrick Malahide, Ulrich Thomsen, among others.

The numerous action scenes overwhelm the roles and Bond has little to contend with as the villains are pretty discreet. There are also the typical Bond girls: Sophie Marceau, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, and Denise Richards, who, of course, fall for the charms of the handsome spy. There's a welcome darker edge to both Bond's character and the plot that the franchise should be built on, rather than trying to outdo his death-defying stunts every time. It contains spectacular and stirring musical score fitting to action by the always stunning David Arnold. And attractive song title: 'The World is not Enough' lyrics by Don Black performed by Garbage, along with the classic James Bond theme music by Monty Norman. Colorful and fascinating cinematography by cameraman Adrian Biddle. The motion picture produced by habitual producers, Eon, Albert R Broccoli, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson , being professionally directed by deceased filmmaker Michael Apted. He was a good director, producer of several successes ,such as ¨ ¨Gorillas in the mist¨ , ¨Class action¨, ¨Nell¨, ¨Enigma¨, ¨The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader¨, ¨The word is not enough¨, among others . The film will appeal to James Bond fans.

Bond, Dull Bond

[TechnicallyTwisted · 4/10 · 26 November 1999]

Call me crazy but I wasn't that impressed with this latest installment in the James Bond series. I thought the plot was pedestrian, the action scenes dull, and the 2 Bond women delivered completely inept performances. Well Sophie Marceau was o.k but Denise Richards was really bad. The only thing worth watching when she was on screen was when she was in a tank-top or wet t-shirt. The villain played by Robert Carlyle was underused and one of the only things that managed to save it was John Cleese, for the brief time he was on the screen. I know a lot of people who think this is the best Bond ever but everyone says that about something that is new. If I were you I'd wait for the video because there are so many other good films to see before going to this one. Here's hoping the Bond franchise dies. But this one is making a bundle so tough luck for that hope!

The best James Bond movie

[tsiakaras · 10/10 · 27 November 2021]

The World Is Not Enough is a 1999 spy film, the nineteenth in the James Bond series produced by Eon Productions and the third to star Pierce Brosnan as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond... My favorite movie James Bond pierce brosnan 007!!!!!!!!!

What a disappointment!

[tragos · 1/10 · 19 November 1999]

What a shame. Bond is left as nothing more than a set piece--everything that made him Bond seems to have been left out of this hollow and dull film.

Brosnan is good and does what he can with the role, but there's not much there. The script is plodding and transparent, Robert Carlyle is wasted, and the whole mess has gotten an unhealthy dose of stupidity. The redeeming qualities are Judi Dench, John Cleese, and a terrific performance from the other "Bond girl."

Remember when Bond films were good?

[Rowsdower · 21 August 2000]

A lot of people have already commented intelligently here on the general suckitude of this movie. I would just add a few thoughts.

It's true that the recent Bond films are choking on the formula. But it's not the idea of a formulaic Bond film that's at fault here. Indeed, the Bond formula is the most established, specific, franchised formula in film history, complete with obligatory plot twists, locale changes and even obligatory dialogue in mandatory scenes. But that's not the problem. The problem is that the inbred idiots in the Broccoli family who own the Bond franchise and who have final script and creative authority, choose (I think deliberately) to give us Bond films of the lowest common denominator, trying to maximize bottom line profit by making the films as dumb and over the top as possible. They choose to remain faithful only to those aspects of the formula that would seem to guarantee commercial success. Those formula points are:

1) Action set pieces that are determined to one-up all previous Bond action set pieces in terms of craziness, speed, and death-defying stunts, but to the point where they lose all credibility.

For example, Pierce's speedboat chase in TWINE, or his motorcycle leap off the cliff into the plane cockpit in Goldeneye are so ridiculous that you have to laugh at them. I just shook my head in disbelief when I saw that speedboat chase, which was way over-the-top to begin with, morph into a hot air balloon stunt, I could almost hear the Broccoli family having a round table discussion, saying "Hey, then we could move the action into a balloon! Huh? Isn't that nuts! Who wouldn't love to see Bond in a hot-air balloon!" By contrast, just about any car or boat chase from the Connery era is much simpler, more plausible, and ultimately more fun to watch on repeat viewings because it won't dissolve into farce.

2. A beautiful woman with a funny name.

Hey, I love Bond girls as much as anyone else. And the funny names are great. But didn't they use to act better? And have more to do? And be sophisticated? Denise Richards seems to be best suited for a poster. She's a respected nuclear physicist like I'm an Olympic figure skater.

3. Updating the Bond "look" to reflect whatever is currently on top of the charts.

The mangled version of the Bond theme was disgusting. Giving him a German car because BMWs are cool is stupid. He's a Brit for Gods sake. Bond is cool because he's COOL. He has actual Mojo. It's not the brand of Vodka he swills, or who designed his suit. Leave well enough alone.

Basically, this franchise is headed down the toilet. It's circling the bowl as we speak. They'll always make money, but the experience is changing. These days, going to a Bond film is like going to a Circus. You're going so you can Ooh and Aah at something, not to watch a coherent movie with things like characters and plot.

Remember when these films were spy movies first, action movies later? Remember the whole train sequence in From Russia With Love, where Bond plays a game of wits with the evil spy? Remember the great chemistry with Connery and Honor Blackman in Goldfinger? Remember how Connery or Moore could make a line classic just with great delivery, instead of having "great" one-liners scripted in advance?

In short, remember when these movies were good?

I thought Christmas only comes once a year.

[lastliberal · 7/10 · 9 May 2007]

Some consider Goldeneye as the only Brosnan film worthy of acclaim. Others felt that The World is not Enough was his best film. And there are a few who are willing to give that honor to this film.

While Brosnan and Sophie Marceau light up the film, there are some that think that he is really the supporting actor here. And there are many who believe that Brosnan and Denise Richards make a lousy couple.

Marceau stands out as a romantic actress, not an action hero. She was Princess Isabelle in Braveheart and she shines in the French films La Fidélité and Chouans!. So, it is natural that Bond would fall in love with her - who wouldn't? Now Denise Richards (Christmas Jones) is the action star, with credential from Wild Things to prove it. Hoever, she is compared to Jill St. John and Tanya Roberts as one of the worst actresses ever to appear in Bond films.

The pre-credit sequence is probably the best ever done. The World is Not Enough theme song done by Garbage is outstanding.

Bottom Line: there is no bad Brosnan film.

Adequate Brosnan Bond.

[CrazyArty · 7/10 · 6 May 2022]

James Bond is sent to investigate the assassination of a construction tycoon. Stars Pierce Brosnan and Robert Carlyle.

Adequate Bond. Some ok action, although locations are a bit dull. Denise Richards plays a beautiful and smart Bond girl.

A great intro sequence movie which is the highlight. Still, an entertaining movie.

Really good Bond film

[masonsaul · 7/10 · 3 November 2021]

The World is Not Enough is a really good James Bond film that's suitably fun, exciting and action packed even if it's completely reliant on franchise formula and doesn't do anything new. Pierce Brosnan is reliably incredible as James Bond and Sophie Marceau, Judi Dench, Robert Carlyle and Denise Richards are all really good. Michael Apted's direction is great, it's well filmed with plenty of set pieces and it's well paced. The music by David Arnold is also really good and the song by Garbage is fantastic.

The World is Not Enough to make me watch this film twice!

[leehannan · 1/10 · 19 December 2000]

My comments are quite simple: this is quite possibly the worst Bond film ever. Yes, with Bond films we are used to outrageous plots, unbelievable (though always entertaining e.g. Christopher Walken in "A View to a Kill") villains, but at least there would be something like a story. The director and writers would get together to give the inevitable car chase/sky diving/skiing etc etc scene some relevance to the "plot", but not this one. "Tomorrow Never Dies" was poor, but this was awful. "Bond will be back", I do not care.

My favorite Bond film

[drewmcd2011 · 10/10 · 30 July 2011]

THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH has to be my favorite James Bond film. It seems that Pierce Brosnan's Bond films have the longest teasers (pre-credits sequences) in the series and the River Thames chase was a brilliant start, not to mention well-filmed with the London background. The action scene that stands out from them all in the film is the helicopter attack on the Caspian Sea. The plot is very interesting with twists and turns with all the oil involvement, and Pierce perhaps gives his finest Bond performance in his four outings.

Robert Carlyle makes a chilling villain as Renard (he's already dead and can't feel pain), but the biggest highlight of TWINE is the two leading women: Sophie Marceau and Denise Richards. Marceau is very well-cast as villainess Elektra King and is perhaps the best Bond villainess since THUNDERBALL's Fiona Volpe. Richards is a gorgeous actress and she's very charming and fun as heroine Dr. Christmas Jones. These are two of the most beautiful and sexiest Bond girls in the series; you are going to love both of them.

With its well-staged action, epic plot, Pierce's wonderful performance, and two brilliant Bond girls, TWINE is a Bond adventure both Bond fans and non-Bond fans will treasure. ****

Enough?

[David_Frames · 7/10 · 30 March 2005]

The World is Not Enough presents some difficulty for someone attempting to prove the proposition that the series has had its day. You can see the dilemma. How can this entry be so much more enjoyable than the last while simultaneously being as derivative of other instalments? What separates TWINE as we're all loath to call it, from its predecessor is that it stands on the other side of that fine line that segregates total self-parody from a fresh reworking of old material. The shift in tone may be slight and the film itself only a notch more concerned with the mechanism of a story and slightly meatier drama but it's enough to make it watchable and entertaining as opposed to cringe worthy. Credit for this should probably go to Michael Apted whose injects the whole enterprise with a bit of gravitas and character. There's not THAT much to chew here in that respect but it makes a critical difference. If the film is more assured and less pantomime than before then it still has problems in the script department. This is still a story culled from the series back catalogue. Renard, the villain of the week is largely wasted after an intriguing introduction that promises much then falls back onto familiar ground. Pervis and Wade could have run with the idea of a villain who can't feel pain and is close to death and so arguably more dangerous but revert to type and employ it as a mere gimmick. You also have to wonder whether it was necessary for Renard to look SO much like Blofeld from You Only Live Twice and if this is symptomatic of a general failure of imagination that plagues the film somewhat. One scene that should be singled out is Q's farewell which highlights what the Bond producers need to get away from, particularly in light of this movie's follow up. It makes the mistake of the basic confusion between two things - audience expectation and the established world of the characters. An uninitiated audience may imagine that Bond and Q have a relationship akin to teacher and student/Father and Son but anyone watching the movies regularly rather than casually over the years knows this to be cine-bowel content. Q is a civil servant who, and I hope your paying attention, does NOT make gadgets himself, he presents them to field operatives and is part of a wider division that R and D's equipment. This is made clear throughout the series and viewers should note the difference in tone between Q's scenes before the 1989 hiatus and afterwards in which the character as constructed in the audience imagination supplanted the character as written up to that point. Its a bit of post-modern reinvention typical of Pervis and Wade. Q bows out talking about the tenets of wisdom he's passed on to Bond and the gadgets he's particularly proud of. Lovely for the fans but utter nonsense. If TWINE has problems its in reconciling this fan boy fluff with the stories more serious pretencions. Its sometimes an uneasy alliance that doesn't allow the material to gel. That said, overall TWINE is entertaining stuff - a great opening sequence, good title (always important), some nice visual flourishes and a real groaner of a closing line that makes you laugh like you did at the end of Roger Moore's outings. A confusing entry then, as it pulls back from the precipice of being total fluff without really filling you with confidence that the series is recovering. There was a feeling here that if Brosan's Bonds kept moving in the direction of more considered plotting, better characterisation and less recycling that the next one may be really rather good. Unfortunately team Bond did the opposite and made TWINE the exception rather than the rule of Brosnan's period in the role. The most well rounded of his era.

Unbelievably Awful

[Scudder · 1/10 · 20 November 1999]

While I like Pierce Brosnan as Bond, this movie is simply awful. The story is weak, jumping from location to location without reason. When I saw the helicopter with a giant saw hanging from it, I about lost it. How lame. At least that was an original idea. 'World' didn't have many. This film even rips off other Bond films, i.e. the ski chase, the boat chase over land, and riding through a pipeline. And while I'm certainly no nuclear physicist, I don't think you can take the core of a nuclear weapon and turn it into a rod for a nuclear reactor in 15 minutes!! It was refreshing to see John Cleese as R, but nearly all of the humor in this film (including Cleese's) was far over the top. Maybe that's just typical Bond, but it's never been this bad. Robert Carlyle gave an impressive performance as Renard. It's just too bad that performance was wasted in this movie. Robbie Coltrane reprises his role as Valentin and did a very good job. His scenes were at least entertaining in this otherwise unbearable movie.

A better more grounded Bond

[amesmonde · 28 October 2010]

James Bond must rescue M, protect an oil heiress from her former kidnapper Renard, a terrorist who can't feel pain.

It begins with the sleek gun barrel Point of View walk, and what follows is arguably one of the greatest Bond pre-title sequences and certainly Pierce Brosnan's best. There's a specular escape in Spain, an explosion in MI6 headquarters London and a chase on the River Thames to apprehend an assassin (Sicillian star, Maria Grazia Cucinotta) that climaxes at the Millennium Dome. All this action before the James Bond title song and it's carried out not just for show, but as it's all part of the story's later developments.

Michael Apted directs the 19th Bond instalment in which Brosnan gives his finest performance as 007, he appears, confident, intellectual, more dangerous and authentic as the spy. In this he is injured and carries his ailment throughout the film, making him more vulnerable and real in life threaten situations, leaving the entertaining but bland Tomorrow Never Dies behind.

For the most part this instalment is more grounded and played serious with fewer gags than in previous Bonds, certainly less than Moore's outings. A lot of this is due to Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Bruce Feirstein screenplay which lends itself as a mystery, whodunit thriller theme and the villains, have more shades of grey as well as the heroes.

Despite, Denise Richards beauty with brains role as Dr. Christmas Jones, she still appears as the typical Bond girl by the end. Robert Carlyle character Renard is given depth and ulterior motives as the villain but he still is cliché Bond Villain with scars. This aside, Sophie Marceau is excellent as femme fatale oil baron heiress Elektra King and M's (Judie Dench) late friends daughter. Dench is given more to do and shines on screen, and regulars Desmond Llewelyn (Q), Samantha Bond (Miss Moneypenny) and Colin Salmon reprise their roles. Robbie Coltrane makes a welcomed return as Zukovsky to briefly assist Bond, and Goldie makes an appearance as a henchman. Comedy legend John Cleese plays Q's side kick R.

The music score and Barry's trademark theme comes in just at the right moments to heighten the action on screen. And as a bonus the title songs music is interlaced throughout the movie.

The World Is Not Enough is only marred by some poor cringe-worthy quips that are synonyms with the franchise. It's a shame that all the hard work of writers, Bronson's and Apted's subtly was discarded in Die Another Day (2002), where it was CGI heavy and returned to a Moore- like, lighter spectacle adventure.

This Bond is in the tradition of the earlier Connery outings, the vein of Dalton's steely incarnation, and a credit must goto Pierce Brosnan as this influenced the style of the later Casino Royale rework.

Ultimately, The World Is Not Enough due to it's great plot is one of the better Bonds that can be enjoyed by fans and the causal viewer.

functional Bond movie and nothing more

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 26 November 2013]

Pierce Brosnan returns to play 007. This time, he faces terrorist Renard (Robert Carlyle) who killed an oil tycoon in MI6 headquarters. Bond is sent to protect his heir Elektra King (Sophie Marceau). Valentin Zukovsky (Robbie Coltrane) is a casino owner with questionable motives. Dr. Christmas Jones (Denise Richards) is a nuclear scientist decommissioning nukes. Bond must stop a dastardly plan from Renard.

This is the contribution from British director Michael Apted to the Bond franchise. It has a lot of the trademarks of that franchise. It has the convoluted plot, sexy ladies, and exotic locations. What it doesn't have is anything new, unexpected, or original. It delivers just enough so that we can call this a Bond movie. Pierce Brosnan has never been one of the stronger Bonds. Robert Carlyle doesn't show up in the movie for the first half of the movie, and he isn't a memorable Bond villain. Sophie Marceau has the more juicy role. And Denise Richards has her boobs. The action isn't anything spectacular, and the final fight is too confused. The exotic locations are weakly exploited. It's a functional Bond movie and nothing more.

An exciting thriller

[JLW · 6/10 · 19 November 1999]

The film starts out with an excellent boat chase, but after that, things start to fall down. Pierce Brosnan returns as Bond in his best one yet. The film ends with a disappointing climax but the film was awesome.

I would probably rate this 3 out of 4 stars

not too bad

[mattkratz · 7/10 · 7 March 2018]

Pierce Brosnan continues his impressive run as James Bond, and his performance makes this movie. Overall, it's more of the same with action, gadgets, and lovely women. The woman he's after is accused by Bond of suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. The chase scenes were well done,and the dialogue is first rate. If you're curious about Brosnan as Bond, you will like this.

High Gloss & Low Expectations Keep James Bond a Box-Office Winner

[LeonLouisRicci · 7/10 · 25 April 2017]

After a Promising Start, the Pierce Brosnan's James Bond Series of Four Films Never got Great and seemed to Tread Formulaic Water. Brosnan's Bond Films never became Cringe-Inducers like Roger Moore, but maybe that's because He wasn't around as long.

Here We have the Third out of the Four Brosnan's and the 19th Overall James Bond Film. It Looks Super-Slick and the Action Sequences are Supreme.

The Pre-Title Sequence is the Longest and is Half Up-Close Violent and Half another of those Boat Chases (this time on the River Thames) that goes Expectedly Over the Top as Bond, as He has done Before with Howls coming from the Audience, drives the Boat on Land like a Car through the Streets.

But it Doesn't End there, We go, along with Bond, into the Air. Then "Garbage" begins the Title Sequence with Swirling Oil Psychedelica and it Looks Groovy. In Fact the Whole Movie is Pristine in Appearance.

"M" (Judi Dench) gets Out of the Office and is Forced into some Field Work. "Q" (Desmond Llewelyn) is Retiring, and that Brings Us to the Bond Girls. Denise Richards is Piled Upon (dream on Fanboys) as, Perhaps, the Worst Ever (even taking home the Razzie, a first for a Bond Movie).

Sophie Marceau comes Off Better but Not by Much. Her Skills as an Emoting Thespian Never come close to the Accented Cuteness. Robert Carlyle is the Villain and is OK but is Far from a Great Bond Nemesis. Robbie Coltrane makes a Return Appearance and Fills the Frame in a Few Scenes.

Overall, the New Millennium Welcomed Bond with High Box Office and a Measured Reluctant Acceptance of the Franchise Moving Forward with High-Gloss Mediocrity Rewarded as Expectations became Less and Less as the 40 Year Franchise Soldiered On.

This movie was dull and boring

[marsh-9 · 1/10 · 1 December 1999]

This movie was very difficult for me to sit through. I am sorry, but the action shots were very inferior.

What was so great about the Sean Connery James Bond movies is that you could escape into a lush film, european atmosphere, many scenes of around the world which took you far far away in a glamorous venue. This movie did not have any of those attributes except for two rooms with nice decor. That was it for me.

The backdrop for the nuclear laboratory was the tunnel that went under the water that was built several years ago. Everyone had already seen it. I could not believe that was the best they could do on this movie.

The movie was excruciatingly long with the same old comebacks from the almost gone James Bond in a pinch. There was the same old ticking away of the bomb with ever so unrealistic situations. At least with Sean Connery's unbelievable "get-aways", you accepted them with delight because of the scenery, cinematography, and Sean's wonderful sense of humor (only because he really was gorgeous).

Please do not waste your time on this movie. Toy Story 2 was TEN TIMES better in my opinion.