The World Is Not Enough

Starring: Pierce Brosnon, Sophie Marceau, Robert Carlyle, Denise Richards, Robbie Coltrane, Judi Dench, John Cleese
Directed by: Michael Apted
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: 007 James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) returns, this time to protect a recently-murdered wealthy oil tycoon's daughter (Sophie Marceau) from a terrorist (Robert Carlyle) with an unsual characteristic- he's had a bullet lodged in his brain, destroying all feelings... including pain. As Bond gets deeper into the affair, he uncovers a plot involving a nuclear scientist (Denise Richards), stolen plutonium, and a stolen nuclear sub. Now James Bond must foil the bad guys' plot, before millions of people are killed.

Review:

Tim: Pierce Brosnan continues a strong showing as the world's most famous secret agent. I loved Goldeneye, and Tomorrow Never Dies proved to be at least a servicable entry in the Bond franchise. Here, with The World is Not Enough, the franchise again gives such a great film. I really struggle with this film, because I believe it is right on the border between very good and great. I know many people criticize this film for different reasons, but I don't share many of their opinions. I think this is a great movie, even though perhaps I shouldn't.

I really enjoyed this movie. While it's not as good as Goldeneye, it's definitely a very entertaining, fun ride. Bond has some truly funny lines in this film, the famous 007 wit shining brilliantly. I wish there were more, but they are enjoyable. The action is intense, and Brosnan does a terrific job in every scene he's in. The film covers a lot of ground, from MI6 headquarters in England, to Scotland, Turkey, Asia, and other places as well. Part of the reason I so enjoyed this movie is because of the action sequences. The opening scenes are pretty good, and I have to admit I enjoyed the high speed boat chase. The skiing scenes are very entertaining, and the pipeline scenes are action packed as well. I thought this film did a good job of giving us some memorable action moments. I also really enjoyed the chink in Bond's armor- he is injured early in the movie, and this injury hurts him throughout the film. So often Bond seems invincible, and I liked that this film chose to show him at less than 100%.

One interesting aspect of this film were the characters. They all seemed to be presented with much more depth than in many Bond films. Robert Carlyle was a very decent bad guy. He was presented as a complex and very interesting character. I actually think he deserves credit as one of the better Bond villains. Sophie Marceau was incredible in this film, perhaps its darkest and most complex character. She brought a great deal to the film. As the film goes on, Bond (and us) slowly unravel this woman's story, and it is quite an interesting one. Her interactions with Bond are some of best scenes in the film. Denise Richards is the actress I have the most trouble with. Casting her as a nuclear scientist was truly absurd. She isn't believable in the least in this aspect. Her acting is oftentimes suspect as well. She was clearly the weakest aspect of this film, and deserves much of the criticism leveled at her However, her performance isn't so awful that it sinks the film. It certainly hurts it, but she does enough well to keep the movie moving. I can suspend my disbelief for Bond escaping some death-defying situations like surviving a small avalanche, living through an attack of helicopters with giant rotating saws, surviving after falling from an exploding hot air ballon and smashing into a dome, even him surviving the intense jet boat chase scene to open the film. I can believe all that- but Denise Richards as a nuclear scientist, that was just too difficult to believe.

I know that I am rating this film higher than it probably deserves, but I have a soft spot for this film. After the drop in quality in Tomorrow Never Dies, I was worried about the franchise's future. This film isn't perfect, but it took a step in the right direction. This move has some incredible action scenes (many which occur before the opening credits), enough "Bond, James Bond," and vodka martinis, shaken not stirred, to keep you entertained for two hours. The film has its flaws, and at times can drag on, but all in all, it's an enjoyable ride.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Die Another Day, The Thomas Crown Affair, Wild Things