The World Is Not Enough is a 1999 spy film, the nineteenth in the James Bond series produced by Eon Productions and the third to star Pierce Brosnan. The film’s plot revolves around the assassination of billionaire Sir Robert King by the terrorist Renard, and Bond’s subsequent assignment to protect King’s daughter Elektra (Sophie Marceau) , who was previously held for ransom by Renard (Robert Carlyle). During his assignment, Bond unravels a scheme to increase petroleum prices by triggering a nuclear meltdown in the waters of Istanbul. Robbie Coltrane reprises his role as Russian businessman / arms dealer Valentin Zukovsky. Samantha Bond appears as Moneypenney and Judi Dench as “M”. This is long time “Q” actor Desmond Llewelyn’s last appearance in the role. Now for the ratings;
Bond; 90 out of 100 Pierce Brosnan is a very believable Bond, and adds a little grit after Roger Moore. He’s smooth when it’s time to be smooth and physical when it’s called for as well.
Villains; 92 out of 100. The real villain is Marceau’s Elektra, though Carlyle’s Renard also plays his part. This might be one of the few times I would name 2 bad guys/gals, but that’s the case here. She’s demented but doesn’t tip her hand until the time is right, and there are several layers to it. And Carlyle plays a fully realized character as well, both bad guy and fall guy. Good actors making the most of their roles.
Bond Girls; 95 out of 100 Denise Richards as Christmas Jones, nuclear physicist in shorts and a t-shirt is totally camp but sexy, and Richards plays it that way. Serena Scott Thomas as Dr. Molly Warmflash is actually quite good in her smaller Bond girl moments and is way more believable as a doctor than Richards as a scientist. And Marceau also qualifies as a Bond girl as well as villain and is hella sexy in this role.
Theme Song; 45 out of 75. Garbage is credited but it’s a very orchestrated Garbage. It’s fine but that’s about it. No real fireworks musically or vocally.
Henchman; 20 out of 50. John Sebu’s gold toothed Gabor is there, but doesn’t scare, amaze or amuse.
M, Q, Moneypenny & misc; 25 out of 25. Samantha Bond adds a sex appeal to Moneypenny and gives the relationship with Bond an edgier dynamic. Judi Dench as M is excellent, John Cleese gets a scene as Q’s trainee, “R”. Add to that Robbie Coltrane’s Zukovsky and I wish I could give more than 25.
Total; 367
Score board;
- The World is not Enough- 367
- Octopussy – 255
Next Week. Spectre.
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