Review of GoldenEye (1995) by Horatio F — 26 Jul 2011

Compared to later Brosnan Bond movies this one shows a great amount of restraint. The set pieces are epic but are for the most part grounded in reality or at least in a slightly heightened reality. In later movies they tend to lose it a bit and he starts surfing and then nobody cares anymore because what he is doing is stupid/impossible, therefore there is no dramatic tension.

Goldeneye also benefits from its dark tone, well for a Bond movie at least; there's some great atmospheric scenes and the music is suitably moody with the familiar bond themes popping in and out. Most importantly though its the story, various characters and Brosnan's Bond which really elevate it.