MGM/UA
by Jackson Armaly
MGM/UA
by Jackson Armaly
Well, looks like its that time of year again. Holiday movies are hitting the screen like shit hitting the fan and all kinds of stuff ends up flying our way. What do you mean bitter? I still hope for the perfect romance, root for the hero, and cry at the drop of a hat.But sometimes these over-promoted marketing exercises leave me feeling like an overstuffed holiday bird, dry and ripped apart.
Luckily, Bond is back. Pierce Brosnan, who seems to have been destined his whole career to play 007, slips effortlessly into Bond's skin. If he doesn't convey the physical power of Sean Connery (the real Bond) he at least has the wit and much of the intelligence. If Mr. Bond seems to be developing a mean streak its not because Mr. Brosnan hasn't a way with a wise crack. It's more likely because Ian Flemming is no longer writing them.
This 90's Bond is getting a little hard edged, I think. First Timothy Dalton snarled his way through his attempt. Now, Mr. Brosnan must explain his seeming indifference to human beings by saying "It keeps me alive." "No, it keeps you alone." responds the lovely Izabelle Scorupco. But what keeps him sane? Not much apparently. In fact maybe they should let him go completely mad. Bond as Jason. This may seem extreme but since Goldeneye makes it very clear from the opening scene that reality has been suspended, why not go for broke?
The supporting cast handles their assignments with style.
Particularly enjoyable is Famke Janseen as a femme fatale who obviously uses her Thigh-Master religiously. (The new enemy, by the way, is still the old one. The governments may change but the accents stay the same.)
I recently read an article about genetic testing in rats. It said that if a certain gene was removed from the male, he becomes aggressive and sexually compulsive. This could be the plot of the next Bond film. It would go a long way as to explaining his behavior. As 006 says to 007 "Have all the Vodka martinis drowned out the screams of the men you killed." Perhaps 006 should write the screenplay. He seems to understand Bond as well as anyone. Still, the film promises thrills not insight and it delivers heart pounding ones.
