I love how solid Brozzer's delivery is in the PTS.
"Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
"If you can't trust a Swiss banker, what's the world come to?"
"Perhaps you've failed to take into account my... hidden assets."
"Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
The World is Not Enough has always been one of my favorites
Pro-
-Elektra King is one of the best Bond Girls as well as a one of the best villains. So many of the "bad" Bond girls (because often their is one "good" Bong girl and one "bad" bond girl) are trite and acting on the whims of men. It was refreshing to see a female be the puppet master.
-Elektra is the best dressed Bond girl.
Cons-
- Bonds ski suit that turned into a dome. I just don't get it.
-Denise Richards. They would have been better casting a blow up doll.
So many of the "bad" Bond girls (because often their is one "good" Bong girl and one "bad" bond girl) are trite and acting on the whims of men. It was refreshing to see a female be the puppet master.
Would you consider Fiona in TB fitting into this category?
Because of the performances of Brosnan and Marceau, along with the fantastic background score, now I rate this as one of the top two Brosnan films (other being TND) .... Also this is one of the two "M in trouble" films. Other being SF
I find it peculiar how I've come to prefer this film to GE.
Like am747, I have this as my 2nd fave Brosnan Era film.
It's a very intriguing film, particularly because of the plot, and I think Michael Apted deserves some credit for that.
I think he might edge out Campbell for me in my ranking of the BDs.
"Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
In my latest ranking, I have put TWINE slightly higher than TND merely because it is a harder film to get right considering the Bond genre. I have clubbed it along with - LTK, FYEO, CR and SF that follow the darker or serious or back to basics tone .... TND is probably an easier film to "just pick up and watch" most of the time. For TWINE, you may have to be in the right mood
Yeah, TWINE is a more mentally demanding film overall than TND.
Right now I'd say I find TND more fun.
"Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
- Pierce Brosnan's acting is incredible, along with some exceptional performances by all others involved (maybe not Goldie)
- Gunbarrel, PTS, title song, titles - some of the best in the entire series
- Scotland base, introduction scenes
- Action scenes: parahawks, caviar factory, pipeline
- The finale is epic and enthralling in the sub
- Locations are dirty and suitable for the oil
- Plot is intriguing
- Psychological and dramatic elements are extremely well done and well acted
- BMW Z8 is stunning
- Apted's direction is solid
- Cinematography, production value - film feels incredibly rich
- Judi Dench - amazing performance
- Renard is a little underused, but what there is, is great
- Brosnan's suits are amazing
- Final Desmond scene is touching
- Elektra is maniacal and wonderfully crazy
- Arnold's score is lush, cinematic and perfectly matched to the pictures
- Nothing about the film feels dated
- Final scene with Christmas is very sexy ;%
Cons:
None!
Overall:
A major step up from GE and TND in terms of acting, depth and traditional Bond elements. There's a major shift to dramatic and action oriented plot which works extremely well with performances, production and story. The entire film comes together as a complete piece of excellent work. The large budget is evident, it's one of the richest feeling movies where everything looks dripping in gold. The film still feels modern and relevant too.
Pierce's acting is amazing, IMO, this is one of the greatest Bond performances by all the actors. This makes me love the film even more.
I love the villains in TWINE; probably the best thing about the Brosnan era is that the villains are all memorable and larger-than-life. They even tried out interesting things such as having a media mogul as the villain in TND or the bluff of Elektra seeming to be the victim but actually being the villain in TWINE.
^ Yeah the plot to TWINE is intriguing because of the personal elements:
- Robert King is a friend of M's.
- M feels massive guilt.
- Bond is given the job to protect the daughter as a favour.
- Bond falls in love with Elektra.
- Bond figures out what's really going on.
- Saves M.
It's almost like after all those years as a mother/father figure that Bond gives the ultimate in obedience back - and is smart enough to look past the games being played to win in the end.
I also found GE interesting for the emotional aspect; Trevelyan feels betrayed by Bond but unlike in SF (I know the hatred was targeted at M) and SP, it actually felt believable.
Watched this last night - seen it twice before and I never particularly enjoyed it so will be interesting to see if I have changed my mind in the intervening years.
Pros:
PTS - 1st half is very much like a 60's style PTS - 2nd half although exciting goes on too long.
Q - a very poignant send-off
Ski chase - the parahawks add a nice dimension to the usual skiing antics
Elektra is an interesting character
Cons:
Director
Title song by Garbage is um.....garbage (and I know that I cannot be the first to say that ) )
Renard - Moneypenny - Bull
X-Ray glasses
Another remote controlled driverless car
M going to help Elektra
Several unlikely jumps from tall buildings
Conclusion:
Brosnan is back to his GE interpretation of Bond - that is an actor who is pretending to be Bond because he doesn't know how to BE Bond which is a pity after his performance in TND. Michael Apted was a poor choice for director and the film is sluggish with poor dialogue. I've included Renard as a con because I personally find Carlisle to be a one dimensional weak actor and I cannot believe he is a kidnapper who feels no pain. The plot is boring and takes an age to unravel and the climax is weak. I was willing for the film to end. Q's farewell is a very poignant moment and John Cleese was just being John Cleese but showed that he might have been a decent replacement. Moneypenny is irritating - Samantha Bond is the easily the poorest Moneypenny. I fail to see the hate for Christmas Jones as she is very attractive and a typical Bond girl and I for one can overlook the fact that she may not look like the typical nuclear scientist. Brosnan's tenure as Bond is getting tiresome for me. This goes very close to the bottom of my league table.
Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.
Great Bond moments for me in the Casino. Bond and his...x-rays specs...PB's expressions are priceless, however the way he orders his vodka martini, pins the bad guy to the bar with his own knife, then coolly finishes his drink...pure class!... -{
Great Bond moments for me in the Casino. Bond and his...x-rays specs...PB's expressions are priceless, however the way he orders his vodka martini, pins the bad guy to the bar with his own knife, then coolly finishes his drink...pure class!... -{
Mr. Drax, you've got company now because I also have this film in my Top 5. It's one of the most satisfying to watch from start to finish. Even the top-tier Bonds have relatively stronger sections and relatively weaker ones, but this one plays pretty evenly throughout. It has everything I want in a Bond film and executes it very well. It includes one of the entirely unique characters in the entire series, Sophie Marceau is simultaneously the main BG and the main BV. Pierce Brosnan gets top marks for his performance, it's a shame he got saddled with a couple of stinkers because I think he was perfectly suited to be Bond. And it's not quite "Keeping the British end up, sir", but Bond's final line is worthy of Roger Moore.
Honestly, I think this film's time will come. The Dalton Bonds were not commercially or critically very successful at the time, but the reputation of those films has been somewhat rehabilitated, it feels like only within the last 10 years. I suspect that the same will happen with TWINE (GE is already popular, and I just don't think TND or DAD are good enough to warrant a similar re-evaluation).
I agree with what you say, and specifically about Pierce. IMO, this is the film where everything comes together for him and he responds to it by providing his best performance.
Will be interesting to see how fans treat it over time, typically what I've seen from members on here is that it's either in top 10 or in bottom...8.
(GE is already popular, and I just don't think TND or DAD are good enough to warrant a similar re-evaluation).
You might want to read some of the TND appreciation threads on here. Most certainly good enough to warrant a re-evaluation.
DAD might be a lost cause, but I enjoy it all the same.
oh and welcome to AJB -{
Thanks.
I've seen that one pretty recently, and while I really enjoy the first act, it feels like all the air and all the narrative momentum goes right out of it once Bond leaves Hamburg.
I've seen that one pretty recently, and while I really enjoy the first act, it feels like all the air and all the narrative momentum goes right out of it once Bond leaves Hamburg.
I agree with that. To me TND is a poor-job of a 60s style Bond film (TB/YOLT). Poor not in its execution, but I just feel that one cannot replicate those films anymore. TND to me also feels and looks a bit dated, the 90s style (in particular some of the fashion at the CMG launch) is not as timeless as it could be.
I find the film reminiscent of YOLT, in which it does a few things well, but at the end - lacks a bit of soul and fine touch.
Comments
This is a really good point - it's generally regarded by fans as a classic or very good - I've not seen it at the bottom of anyone's rankings.
For non-Bond fans, they really do like it...
"Better make that two."
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
"King. The Money"
"Moneypenny, stop King!"
"Better make that two."
"Perhaps you've failed to take into account my... hidden assets."
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
Pro-
-Elektra King is one of the best Bond Girls as well as a one of the best villains. So many of the "bad" Bond girls (because often their is one "good" Bong girl and one "bad" bond girl) are trite and acting on the whims of men. It was refreshing to see a female be the puppet master.
-Elektra is the best dressed Bond girl.
Cons-
- Bonds ski suit that turned into a dome. I just don't get it.
-Denise Richards. They would have been better casting a blow up doll.
Would you consider Fiona in TB fitting into this category?
{[]
"Better make that two."
Below is one of my favorite sequences:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKYNNrBQgQw
^ Bond driving in a nice car + wonderful background score + nice location
Like am747, I have this as my 2nd fave Brosnan Era film.
It's a very intriguing film, particularly because of the plot, and I think Michael Apted deserves some credit for that.
I think he might edge out Campbell for me in my ranking of the BDs.
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
Right now I'd say I find TND more fun.
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
Glad to see TWINE getting some love, Brosnan's performance is certainly his best out of all four films.
"Better make that two."
Pros:
- Pierce Brosnan's acting is incredible, along with some exceptional performances by all others involved (maybe not Goldie)
- Gunbarrel, PTS, title song, titles - some of the best in the entire series
- Scotland base, introduction scenes
- Action scenes: parahawks, caviar factory, pipeline
- The finale is epic and enthralling in the sub
- Locations are dirty and suitable for the oil
- Plot is intriguing
- Psychological and dramatic elements are extremely well done and well acted
- BMW Z8 is stunning
- Apted's direction is solid
- Cinematography, production value - film feels incredibly rich
- Judi Dench - amazing performance
- Renard is a little underused, but what there is, is great
- Brosnan's suits are amazing
- Final Desmond scene is touching
- Elektra is maniacal and wonderfully crazy
- Arnold's score is lush, cinematic and perfectly matched to the pictures
- Nothing about the film feels dated
- Final scene with Christmas is very sexy ;%
Cons:
None!
Overall:
A major step up from GE and TND in terms of acting, depth and traditional Bond elements. There's a major shift to dramatic and action oriented plot which works extremely well with performances, production and story. The entire film comes together as a complete piece of excellent work. The large budget is evident, it's one of the richest feeling movies where everything looks dripping in gold. The film still feels modern and relevant too.
Pierce's acting is amazing, IMO, this is one of the greatest Bond performances by all the actors. This makes me love the film even more.
"Better make that two."
- Robert King is a friend of M's.
- M feels massive guilt.
- Bond is given the job to protect the daughter as a favour.
- Bond falls in love with Elektra.
- Bond figures out what's really going on.
- Saves M.
It's almost like after all those years as a mother/father figure that Bond gives the ultimate in obedience back - and is smart enough to look past the games being played to win in the end.
"Better make that two."
"Better make that two."
Pros:
PTS - 1st half is very much like a 60's style PTS - 2nd half although exciting goes on too long.
Q - a very poignant send-off
Ski chase - the parahawks add a nice dimension to the usual skiing antics
Elektra is an interesting character
Cons:
Director
Title song by Garbage is um.....garbage (and I know that I cannot be the first to say that
Renard - Moneypenny - Bull
X-Ray glasses
Another remote controlled driverless car
M going to help Elektra
Several unlikely jumps from tall buildings
Conclusion:
Brosnan is back to his GE interpretation of Bond - that is an actor who is pretending to be Bond because he doesn't know how to BE Bond which is a pity after his performance in TND. Michael Apted was a poor choice for director and the film is sluggish with poor dialogue. I've included Renard as a con because I personally find Carlisle to be a one dimensional weak actor and I cannot believe he is a kidnapper who feels no pain. The plot is boring and takes an age to unravel and the climax is weak. I was willing for the film to end. Q's farewell is a very poignant moment and John Cleese was just being John Cleese but showed that he might have been a decent replacement. Moneypenny is irritating - Samantha Bond is the easily the poorest Moneypenny. I fail to see the hate for Christmas Jones as she is very attractive and a typical Bond girl and I for one can overlook the fact that she may not look like the typical nuclear scientist. Brosnan's tenure as Bond is getting tiresome for me. This goes very close to the bottom of my league table.
{[] agreed!
"Better make that two."
Honestly, I think this film's time will come. The Dalton Bonds were not commercially or critically very successful at the time, but the reputation of those films has been somewhat rehabilitated, it feels like only within the last 10 years. I suspect that the same will happen with TWINE (GE is already popular, and I just don't think TND or DAD are good enough to warrant a similar re-evaluation).
I agree with what you say, and specifically about Pierce. IMO, this is the film where everything comes together for him and he responds to it by providing his best performance.
Will be interesting to see how fans treat it over time, typically what I've seen from members on here is that it's either in top 10 or in bottom...8.
"Better make that two."
You might want to read some of the TND appreciation threads on here. Most certainly good enough to warrant a re-evaluation.
DAD might be a lost cause, but I enjoy it all the same.
oh and welcome to AJB -{
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
Worth re-evaluating but will come out with the same result
"Better make that two."
Thanks.
I've seen that one pretty recently, and while I really enjoy the first act, it feels like all the air and all the narrative momentum goes right out of it once Bond leaves Hamburg.
I agree with that. To me TND is a poor-job of a 60s style Bond film (TB/YOLT). Poor not in its execution, but I just feel that one cannot replicate those films anymore. TND to me also feels and looks a bit dated, the 90s style (in particular some of the fashion at the CMG launch) is not as timeless as it could be.
I find the film reminiscent of YOLT, in which it does a few things well, but at the end - lacks a bit of soul and fine touch.
"Better make that two."
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS