Review of GoldenEye (1995) by Robert D — 15 Jun 2012
After a six-year absence it was with breathless excitement that I sat there in a darkened movie theater at the Mall of America in Minnesota waiting for that familiar gunbarrel sequence focusing on one of my favorite television and movie actors.
What followed was a great couple of hours with the best femme fatale in a 007 movie since 1983s Fatima Blush. Famke Janssen was so much fun as Xenia that she dominated the screen in every scene in which she appeared.
Brosnan throws himself into the role with vigor. With something definitely to prove after being denied the role eight years earlier he gives a rousing and thoroughly entertaining performance as the British secret agent. Brosnan never looked better and it's only a shame that he failed to live up to his initial promise with his subsequent movies.
Judi Dench gives the series, and all the tired old-boy M-scenes of previous movies, a shot in the arm with a fresh take on the part of Bond's boss. The dialogue was crisp and crackling and although the novelty has since worn off back in 1995 it was a welcome change.
One of my favorite young British actors Sean Bean (of the Sharpe series and `Stormy Monday') appeared as the main villain. It was great to finally get a good, involving fight back in the 007 movies as the two agents threw themselves around the lofty inclines of a radio transmitter.
Which brings me to - secret villains base. It's not quite a hollowed out volcano, but hiding the transmitter under a lake was a nice touch. The actual location has since appeared in a number of movies and television shows but at the time of GOLDENEYE's release it was exciting to see a return to the world of secret villains super-lairs.
One element I really liked was the score from Eric Serra. It was fresh, different and toe tapping good. Serra thankfully used the James Bond Theme sparingly (unlike some idiots I could mention) and I really enjoyed it.
Overall a good, solid James Bond movie that allowed the viewer to have a fun, entertaing ride along with the actors.
This review of GoldenEye (1995) was written by Robert D on 15 Jun 2012.
GoldenEye has generally received positive reviews.
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