Recently, I had the opportunity of watching a bit of an old Roger Moore, Bond film. What’s funny is that what must have been over the top in those days now looks relatively reasonable and more believable. The latest entry, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, seems to strive in not having any reason or sense whatsoever. Sometimes you can ignore this, but not when it’s done this tongue and cheek. The puns in this movie are some of the worst ever, almost rivaling those in BATMAN & ROBIN.

      Pierce Brosnan continues to be acceptable in the role that many believe he was born to play. I agree, but he has yet to have a Bond film worthy of his talents. The last one was the closet, by far. Robert Carlyle, one of the best new talents in years, has the most worthless part you can imagine, not to mention playing a really sterile villain too. Denise Richards is simply a waste of film stock. She’s pleasing to the eye, but can’t act her way out of a paper bag. Yes, it wouldn’t be a Bond movie without “beautiful” women, but at least get one who can somewhat act. Sophie Marceau is beautiful, and she can act! Richards just looks foolish next to these heavy weights. In fact, it makes me wonder if legends like Judi Dench must shudder that she has to share screen time with these halfwits.

      Ultimately, Marceau and Robbie Coltrane are the only ones who show off any talent in the supporting cast. Not even Dench having a larger part added anything much. In fact, I found it a detractor really. Many of my Internet counterparts seem to think that the Bond films should just cease altogether. While I can see where they are coming from, I strangely haven’t given up yet. I still think the makers of this franchise have it within them to bounce back strong. Will they ever do so is a different question.