Die Another Day

release year: 2002
genre: action/adventure
viewing setting: theater, 12/13/02

synopsis: James Bond, some allies, and some enemies tangle in a plot to unify Korea with military action.

impressions: Good solid entertainment with a few things I didn't care for. The good: stunts, chases, fights - especially the long, roving swordfight. The bad: worst Bond theme song ever, first major use of CGI, too-easily-forgiving Bond. Noteworthy: capture and torture of Bond as prologue, heavy sex scene.

things to watch for: When Bond challenges Gustav to a fencing duel. This is one of the most all-out, balls-to-the-wall swordfights I have ever seen.

acting: Pierce Brosnan almost sleepwalks through parts of his role, but he does shine in others. Halle Berry was a highly competent and deadly ally, definitely one of the strongest Bond girls ever. Rosamund Pike did a good job as Ms. Frost, and there were also strong villains.

chases: one hovercraft chase, one car chase on ice, one car chase inside ice palace, plus the swordfight should count as a chase

neat gadgets: spiffy Aston-Martin, laser watch

confirmed Bond kills: I couldn't keep count since this was seen in the theater

confirmed Bond nooky: 2

obnoxious female name: Jinx, if you count that as obnoxious

defining Bond moments: when Bond has his first talk with "M" and then escapes

final word: The way that Bond movies are made and executed is changing, and this is proof.

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