Goldeneye

This was the first James Bond movie made in 6 years. (It to this day the longest gap between Bond films in the franchise’s history.) This was also the first Bond film starring Pierce Brosnan. He was 1st offered the role in the late eighties. For these reasons and I am sure a few others the writers of this film decided to write some of the most far fetched action sequences in 007’s history. This is obvious both in the pre-credits sequence and a particular chase scene involving a T-80BV tank through St. Petersburg in Russia. When this movie was finally released in 1995 I vividly remember seeing it in theaters on opening weekend. During the aforementioned pre- credits sequence a lady in front of me uttered four words that summed up this entire two-hour and ten minute film so perfectly. “I don’t think so!” Perhaps that unknown stranger was correct this just might be the most hard to swallow film to date. People did swallow it up though to the tune of $26, 205,007 in its opening weekend. (A record at that time.) I remember loving this film back then (in 1995) and even buying it on DVD more recently. Now however I am 37 years old. My only job is an entry-level position at a grocery story five minutes from my studio apartment and I am journalism major at Eastern University. For these reasons mentioned above and perhaps a few others I have developed a tougher skin when it comes to enjoying movies. I now see this film as ludicrous and insane. The storyline at the heart of this film is one of the best in the franchise’s history. The aforementioned actions scenes though give this film a more curdled feel in my stomach. The over all feel of this film is one of uneasiness and awkwardness. I will admit that the acting is top notch. I may also point out that the cast is one of the best to date and the Bond girls simple sizzle on both the big and small screen. The overall feeling (of this film) however is rather cold. You know like in St. Petersburg. I found myself dozing of in some of the most adrenaline pumping scenes and I had to get out of my rather small apartment as soon as the closing credits began to roll. I hate to criticize Mr. Brosnan’s long awaited debut as James Bond. I mean who do I think I am, a movie critic? I did not however love this film this time around. Who knows I may just be far too judgmental. This film just seemed to make my toes curl this time around. I am headed out the door now to seek a second job and take along walk down Route 30. That may result in more flat feet and a softer heart for films reviewed in the future. I’ll settle for a second job however that will result in more money in my pocket and who knows maybe then I’ll have less time to be so hard to please. Grade C-