Golden Eye on Prime Video — One Rises to the Occasion
Alright, I am back to finish my James Bond movie marathon. Previously, I stopped and went off on a big break, having written about, License To Kill. Similar to Roger Moore, Brosnan movies, all four of them, are the total package.
Of course, people seem to have a very low opinion for Die Another Day, but, I like that movie too. That means, just like Roger Moore movies, I will always have some bias, and will keep giving these movies, high rating in my bond movie entertainment meter.
So, let’s begin with Golden Eye, perhaps, the first bond movie, my generation (born in the 80s, teen in 90s) got to see. In India, bond is a huge deal. I mean, a misogynistic, macho guy will always be a big deal in India. Pierce Brosnan, in particular, was an even bigger deal because the Timothy Dalton movies never did well here.
Most people assumed that bond movies stopped after Roger Moore, and then, Brosnan took over some 12 years later.
So, yes, Golden Eye is hugely popular here, and is a personal favorite of mine.
Bank Robbery Financial Meltdown
As is standard with the Moore movies, Brosnan movies totally accept the ludicrousness of the bond movies. This time we have a guy, Cossack guy, trying to take down England, and also do a big-time robbery using a combination of killer satellites, large dish antennas and also fry every computer in England.
There you go. That’s got bond written all over it.
To make things even spicier, it’s 00 versus 00. Do you remember those ‘Spy Vs Spy’ cartoons from your childhood? This is essentially the movie version of it. You got 007 trying to find out what is going on with the missing helicopter and the satellite stuff. You have 006, going against 007.
They were both friends, and there is that rivalry. I have to say, under ordinary circumstances, 006 would easily defeat 007 and finish his assignment.
But, 006, once he crosses over to bond villain territory keeps doing ‘bond villain’ stupid things. He catches bond the first time, puts him in a helicopter with functional ejection seats! Then, second time, puts him in a armored train car, with easily openable doors.
At this point, it’s okay. He’s a bond villain, this 006. He has to do dumb stuff like that.
Colorful Characters
Yes. The Thigh Killer. I can imagine the writer's room on this one.
“Hey man, we will have an overtly sexy, young actress playing this villain. She will kill her victims during sex, using her killer thighs, and also make lot of orgasmic, sex sounds. Hope that’s okay with everyone?”
“Sure. That sounds about right”
So, yes, another bond movie with cool colorful villains. 006 himself has that raw evilness and cold bloodedness. and he has that standard issue face scarring. It’s Sean Bean. He can make any character awesome. This was like almost 30 years ago. This guy, such talent at such a young age.
Also, that Hagrid guy. I like that guy. He even returns in the 3rd Brosnan movie and is extremely funny.
Of course, Brosnan himself as bond bring the necessary charm and suaveness to the role, not seen since Roger Moore. Very good casting and very good characters.
Also, my favorite grandpa, Q is back. This movie though, is light on gadgets. I love the Q scenes. Always great.
The Tank Chase
I just have to mention. The Brosnan movies have the best chase sequences. Brosnan is everywhere.
That bridge jump in the beginning, with the obvious stunt man, which in no way makes the scene any less cool. The satellite fight sequence. The train thing. Driving off a bike to catch a falling plane. It’s non stop action sequences.
However, the most memorable thing about this whole movie, has to be that impressive tank chase sequence. This is the 90s right? Everything is shot on location with actual tanks. I hope nobody was hurt or killed during that chase man. Brosnan looks amazing driving that tank thing.
It’s really the best.
Score
I am marathon watching the James Bond movies and I wish to rank them at the end. So, I came up with a numbering system. The scores for this one are here.
- Action and Stunts 9/9
- Coolness Cool 9/9
- Double Entendre and One Liners 9/9
- Hot Women 9/9
- Ludicrous Villainy, Cool Deaths and Traps 9/9
- Gadgets Man! 5/9
- General Awesomeness 9/9
- Boredom Factor 0/-9
Total : 59
Final Note
Pierce Brosnan, to me, is like Roger Moore Version 2.0. He is great. He is perfect. It’s too bad Brosnan did not get a better send off, and got to do a fifth movie, but these 4 movies, including Die Another Day, will always be the best bond movies for me.
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