if ever there has been a 007 greatest hits package it's Tomorrow Never Dies. All the elements are here as the film races from one set piece to another.
Let's consider the benefits of Brosnan's second outing:
- Brosnan himself has settled into the role and is supremely confident as 007, perfectly balancing the cartoon characteristics of Bond with some hidden depths.
- The pre-title opening sequence is one of the best ever. Britain is once again a super-power (hey, this is fantasy) and M is a power house, the mistress of the put down.
- That car-chase with a remote controlled BMW stacked with weapons. High-Octane action with plenty of fun.
- On the subject of chases, we have Bond and his Chinese comrade being chased through Vietnam on a motorbike by a helicopter. Outrageously superb.
- Elliot Carver is a step in the right direction back to Bond villians of old, with mad schemes and an arsenal containing a steath ship.
- Plenty of one-liners and puns, plus Moneypenny giving as good as she gets.
- David Arnold's sublime soundtrack - a great tribute to John Barry.
On the downside, Bond seems to eager to use machine guns a-la Die Hard and his relationship with Michelle Yeoh seems a little forced (as if any of them are realistic) but largely these failing are forgotten by such great escapism. Bond is definately back.
DVD INFO:
Available as part of the James Bond DVD collection, Tomorrow Never Dies unfortunately doesnt have one of the great "Inside the..." documentaries that graced the pre-Brosnan films. What we do have is: Storyboard Comparisons - The car chase comparison is espiecially interesting 'Secrets of 007' Documentary - A generic documentary that offers nothing to hard-core Bond fans but lots for newies. Interview with Composer David Arnold - Great, as it shows his enthusiasm for the Bond series. There is also am Isolated Music Score Sheryl Crow Music Video - Bog Standard, and not the best Bond song but still worth a look Gadgets - A one-view wonder talking of Bond's latest gadgets. Plus the usual trailers info.
As far as sound and vision goes, you'll be challenged to find a more dynamic Dolby surround mix that pushes your system to the limits and a crystal sharp picture.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 1977 - Action/Adventure - Director: Clint Eastwood - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring:Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Pat Hingle, William Prince, Bill McKinney
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Production Year: 2008 - Action/Adventure - Director: Christopher Nolan - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
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