Die Another Day (2002)

Others' criticisms aside, I loved the thrilling tank chase, invisible car, etc. Since when have Bond's toys ever been realistic? Q is about pushing the technological edge and invisibility is a real-world nascent technology. Nor will I kibbitz over which Bond movie is best or worst; everyone has their own preferences, so why pigeonhole? Enjoy it for what it is. Bond is about exotic locations, GQ meets MI-6, the spectacle of the chase, sexiness, and campy one-liners. So whatsa problem with all the haters? Madonna's theme song was excellent and set the tone for an uncharacteristically dark yet contemporary opening where Bond is in prison undergoing torture. (He is nearly mortal after all.) I like Pierce Brosnan's Bond a great deal: urbane, aloof, and preeminently deadly. I especially like a cold devious Bond villain but Zao was the least impressive of all the Brosnan Bond baddies; his hissy fit really cut into his image. Halle Berry looked great but was the chilliest Bond girl ever; modern and sexy but aloof (sort of an anti-Bond). Every Bond movie is made to be big, a spectacle of spectacles. Die Another Day hits on all cylinders though weakly on the villain piston. 4.5 stars.