Review of GoldenEye (1995) by Raphael H — 06 Aug 2011

Bond films, enjoyable as they are, can either get too ludicrous or too serious. Goldeneye is in perfect balance. The stunts (especially a tank vs car chase) are excellent. New bond Pierce Brosnan is As charismatic and ssharp as all the rest.

The villain has a lavish base, a grand scheme and memorable henchpeople with unconvincing Russian accents (Famke Janssen and her literal killer thighs stand out here). And there are the usual gadgets, fights and humour.

Yet, at the same time, there is an edge of plausibility and intelligence that you don't get from, say, fast five. Sean Bean is convincing as a villain from 007's past, and used carefully.The main Bond Girl looks to have wandered in from the real world.

And, best of all, we have a female M who puts Bond in his place within moments ("you're a sexist,misogynist, dinosaur,a relic of the cold war..."). This is still a film about boys and their toys and all the better for it, but it doesn't have the single-figure IQ of most in this genre.