Complete with ski chases, casino hijinks, high-tech gadgetry, and sultry women, the 19th
installment in the James Bond franchise features the increasingly at ease Pierce Brosnan in his
third appearance as 007, in a race to save the world's oil supply. Sophie Marceau
(Braveheart) stars as Elektra King, the daughter of a murdered oil tycoon, while Robert
Carlyle (The Full Monty) plays one of the most unusual Bond villains ever: Renard, who is
unable to feel pain because of a bullet lodged in his brain. Director Michael Apted was brought in to bring more drama to the story and
more complex female characters. One of the fruits of Apted's involvement is that M (Judi Dench)
gets to move from behind her desk, while curvy Denise Richards (Wild Things) gets to show
off more than her figure. Dangerous stunt work, exhilarating action sequences, and a rousing
theme song from alternative rock band Garbage make this a worthy addition to the 007 series. The
film also marks the 17th and final appearance of Desmond Llewelyn as Q; John Cleese is
introduced as Q's successor, R.
Directed by Michael Apted - Rated PG-13
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