Goldeneye - Region 2 DVD

The plot? This one involves the Russian mafia, a rogue agent and a powerful satellite, although realistically it’s the standard 007 formula at work. Thus, there’s gadgets, girls and plenty of action, with the plot trying to squeeze in where there’s room.

There are several reasons though why GoldenEye works so well. Firstly, it successfully ushered in a new cast, with Judi Dench’s M, Samantha Bond’s Moneypenny and Robbie Coltrane’s Valentin Zukovsky all marking their 007 movie debut. Then, the baddies are strong, although Sean Bean’s ruthless 006 is overshadowed by Famke Janssen’s career-making performance as Xenia Onatopp. And then there’s that vital 007 ingredient--the action. From a stunning pre-credits sequence, which is arguably the film’s highlight, through to several high-tempo action moments throughout the rest of the film, it’s highly enjoyable stuff, and impossible to resist.

Finally, there’s Brosnan. Arguably the most successful Bond since Sean Connery defined the role, his laid back, hard-edged charm serves him well, and he never looked more comfortable as 007 as he does in his maiden outing.

In short, GoldenEye is not only a terrific Bond movie, it’s a strong action movie full stop. --Jon Foster