"The World is Not Enough" once again stars Pierce Brosnan as "Agent 007," and he really is perfect for the role. He's getting older, but he could probably do it for another ten years (after that, I think Rupert Everett would be a good choice). Pierce Brosnan brilliantly displays the charm, wit, and the suave demeanor that's absolutely necessary for someone playing "James Bond."
I think it's great that Judi Dench is back as "M." Since "Tomorrow Never Dies," she has gained tremendously in popularity, and even won an Oscar (for Best Supporting Actress in "Shakespeare in Love"). Her role is much bigger in this movie than in the prior "James Bond" movies. Was this done on purpose to lure her back into the role? I dunno. Maybe she simply likes playing the character, and she woulda done it anyway. Regardless, it's great to see her in the movie, and especially with a more meaty role.
As per usual for a "James Bond" movie, the villain is played by a great actor. This time, it's Robert Carlyle (the main guy in "The Full Monty"). His character is fascinating, but unfortunately, he isn't explored as much as I woulda liked. Still, he IS a very complex and intriguing character. Also, there are two hotties for our hero to drool over, Denise Richards (if you saw "Wild Things," you know EXACTLY who she is) and Sophie Marceau (her high point was with Mel Gibson in "Braveheart," her low point was with David Spade in "Lost & Found"). Sophie Marceau is very good, but Denise Richards, well.... hey, she has a nice body, huh?
Desmond Llewelyn returns as "Q," but sadly, this is his last time ever playing the well-liked character. He recently died in a car accident. His replacement is actually introduced in the film, and it's a fairly big name. I won't say it here because I think it's supposed to be a borderline surprise.
"James Bond" movies usually have beautiful opening title sequences. Two of the best I've ever seen for any movie is "Seven" and "Tomorrow Never Dies." Daniel Kleinman did the opening title sequences for "Tomorrow Never Dies," and though he did a great job in "The World is Not Enough," it didn't come close. I'm sure he'll get another try, though.
"The World is Not Enough" was written by Neil Purvis & Robert Wade (I don't know the prior work of either of them), and Bruce Feirstein (he wrote "Tomorrow Never Dies" and helped to write "GoldenEye"). As for the choice of director, it's an odd one. His name is Michael Apted, and he's known more for directing "classy" movies than action movies. He directed "Nell," "Class Action," "Gorillas in the Mist," "Gorky Park," "Coal Miner's Daughter" ...do you catch my drift? What he's actually known BEST for is his series of British documentaries ("7 Up," "21 Up," "28 Up," "35 Up," and "42 Up") where every seven years, he follows the lives of the same regular people every seven years. As it turns out, I think he did great as a director here. Some of the shots were outstanding, and the action sequences were excellent.
Being that
I'm not a fan of these movies, I'm probably not the most reliable opinion
to go on (I said the same thing in my review of "Tomorrow Never Dies").
Yeah, this is a pretty shitty movie, but it does have some very entertaining
scenes. The funky camera work and charismatic performances save this movie,
but the screenplay almost tanks it. A "James Bond" movie with a great script
might really be something to see.