Review of GoldenEye (1995) by Gijoe54 — 23 Jun 2023

Bond films have always had a major influence on western culture, but Goldeneye is a unique entry within the franchise. After a string of less than well received 007 movies, Goldeneye was a return to form with a more grounded story while still having the set pieces that have always been a staple of the franchise, from jumping off a dam, to driving a tank through St Petersburg with no hint of CGI being used is amazing.

The story itself is also different, utilizing a spy vs spy plot that is so well done, it was later recycled in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Characters and acting are solid across the board, especially Pierce Brosnan as Bond, who is able to pull all the elements in to be the best all around take of the character.

The weakest aspect of this is Xenia… I mean, Bond movies practically invented the caricature, but this is a line too far, taking away from the immersion when she is onscreen, which is thankfully, infrequent.

All in all, Goldeneye is an awesome movie that spawned an equally groundbreaking game, and several references in other media/franchises. Even with my bias as my first Bond film, I’m confident I’m not alone in rewatching this one for years to come.