Directed by Michael Apted
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Sophie Marceau, Robert Carlyle
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action violence, some sexuality and innuendo
The World is Not Enough is the 19th Bond film starring Pierce Brosnan as the role of 007. In this film, Bond is sent to protect a oil tycoon’s daughter, who was recently killed in an explosion. While protecting the Electra King (played by Sophie Marceau), Bond discovers that King actually suffers from Stockholm Syndrome and is in love with her former kidnapper (played by Robert Carlyle), as they plan to destroy Istanbul.
It’s unfortunate that Brosnan wasn’t given stronger films as his tenure as Bond because he certainly tries to give it his best in these films. Brosnan gives a performance that embodies the work of Sean Connery. He’s charismatic and menacing, he brought something to the role that was missed with Dalton’s Bond. In addition, Judi Dench as M certainly brings something to the table we haven’t seen before. Dench as yalways gives a strong performance and this film is no exception.
But with performances being mentioned, there is one performance that sticks out like a sore thumb. Denise Richards as Dr. Christmas Jones was and still is a horrible miscast role. It’s understandable wanting to have a pretty face in the film, but this character was supposed to give lines that dealt with nuclear radiation. Not only does it sound like she has no idea what she is talking about, but as an actress, Richards does not convince the audience she is a doctor. It’s almost cringey hearing Richards pretend her way to be a nuclear physicist. It would have been right to give this role to another actress who can handle the type of dialogue that was given to the character.
The best way to describe The World is Not Enough is that its a film with missed opportunities. In the beginning of the film, Bond gets injured when he takes a fall. Seeing Bond injured is something we don’t see too often. While we are lead to believe the injury would have an effect on the film, its only relevant for the first act and only mentioned a couple times afterwards. This seems to have no effect on the film and instead should have been left in the cutting room floor. Also, M’s past has come back to haunt her when King kidnaps her. This is the first time we have ever seen anything like this as M is usually placed in an office and give Bond orders. While its interesting to see M in danger, its not a concept explored too much. It would finally take until Skyfall where these concepts are fully fleshed out and placed in the forefront of the story.
Overall, the film is somewhat enjoyable. While there are some strong performances in the film, there are some aspects of the film that not explored and only touch the surface of the film. This is not the best Brosnan Bond film, but there are some redeemable qualities of the film that makes it worth a view on a Sunday afternoon.
2.5/4
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