Goldeneye [DVD] [1995]

Pierce Brosnan assumed the role of James Bond for the first time in Goldeneye, the 17th entry in the series. Brosnan looks a little light on the big screen under any circumstances, and he does take some getting used to as 007. But this busy film keeps him hopping as freelance terrorists from the former Soviet Union get their hands on super-high-tech weapons. The film's challenge is to bring free-spirited Bond up to date in the age of AIDS and in the aftermath of the cold war: director Martin Campbell (The Mask of Zorro) succeeds on both counts with a cheeky hint of irony. The best moment in the film is a chase scene that finds Bond tearing up the streets of Moscow in a tank. But Brosnan's most interesting contributions are reminiscent of the dark streak that occasionally showed up in Sean Connery's Bond. --Tom Keogh

The film that marked the successful rebirth of the 007 franchise, which had laid dormant for over half a decade, GoldenEye remains Pierce Brosnan’s finest moment as Britain’s most famous secret agent.

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

DVD Special Features

Feature-length stereo commentary by Martin Campbell, Director and Michael G. Wilson, Producer.
8 page booklet featuring a revealing insight into the creation of GoldenEye
Chapter Search
Original Theatrical Trailer

James Bond is back in an adventure which is bigger, better and more explosive than ever before. It's packed with incredible stunts, glamorous locations, beautiful women and fast cars!

Bond has a dangerous new enemy to face in his latest mission. Aided by the Russian underworld, his treacherous foe has stolen a top-secret helicopter and the lethal Soviet space weapon 'Goldeneye' with which he plans to obliterate the Western World.

Only Bond can prevent the destruction in this heart-stopping race - which will leave you shaken and stirred.