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Awful Bond film from beginning to end!
That opening sequence, Brossa just looks silly with his beard and long hair, like he's just stepped out of Monty Pythons Life of Brian!
The hovercraft chase, like all of Vic Armstrongs set pieces are drawn out and lifeless!
Its not just the ice surfing, CGI , and invisible car. It has terrible dialogue and weak characters and lefs not forget that dirge of a theme song! And they go and give Madonna a part in it, and yes true to the form of the film...she is terrible!
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no
DAD, I'm afraid, is unforgivable. Even those gritty torture scenes could have been better directed, better acted, better written. I'm a Brosnan fan and a DAD hater.
At least Brosnan would have done a fifth, and maybe a sixth. Who knows? And maybe they'd be as different to DAD as DAD was to TWINE. Or maybe Bond would've gone to Mars and battled a green monkey voiced by Tony Hopkins. Or Tarantino would have made his Bond film with a very Julian-Nobled-Pierce Bond. And maybe Craig would have an oscar by now. Who knows? 8-}
+1
The opening sections are fine. They didn't have to digitally desaturate the opening but it works. Everything works up until Jinx shows up and the Isle of Los Organos beauty parlor where it goes off the rails.
Ultimately it has flashes and fun bits and Brozzer still soldiers on but it doesn't ever work as it should have. There are good ideas that either go nowhere or off into fantasy-land. Tamahori chose to incorporate too many non-Bond elements and one cringes throughout-but it is not the worst film in the world and Bond is still actually Bond instead of the Craig era which went off into a no man's land.
And it has one HELL of a sound mix. Still a phenomenal action track to this day and will make any home theater take flight-so it's best to watch this loud and engage the rear surround decoders as this track was made in the era of 5.1/6.1 crossover and has extra rear center surround information.
There is way too much hate here for the movie and the usual things are carted out. The CGI, the Ice Palace, the invisible car. To me the sins of this movie isn't dissimilar to MR or AVTAK.
It has some fun and it's not a movie that stands up well to scrutiny. However it entertains. The film is badly paced in the second half with it becoming more about set pieces and less about character. No time for a love story between Jinx and Bond.
I enjoy the film for what it is escapist fun. Without it there is no CR. Just like without MR there is no FYEO. Look back on the series and you will see the films get too fantastical and then return to a more basic approach.
Enjoy it as a guilty pleasure. Stop with the Bond doesn't surf, Bond doesn't this and that. The series jumped any sense of reality when a underground volcano was the lair of a mad man bent on creating World War 3. When a satellite in space was lasering targets on earth. When Bond went to space for Christ sakes.
Thank you.
This post nails it.
Also, there are considerable elements that do 'work' about the film. Nonetheless, the film is less than the sum of its parts (but it's still entertaining).
Also, the Ice Palace isn't that crazy an idea. It's actually based on a hotel made of ice in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden.
There's a very impressive documentary on the DVD that goes through each element in detail.....does anyone know if its online?
In fact the DAD's DVD has so many goodies. I don't think many lasted on the Ultimate Edition. But there's some great stuff on the initial released DVD from 2003.
Rosamund was terrifically cast in that role. I actually think she looks amazing now and is such a terrific actress. I'd be more than happy to see her return to the series in another role.
Is it weird that I'm getting nostalgic for DAD?
You hit the nail on the head there. I think the Hong Kong scene was actually Hong Kong (no mistaking that skyline).
DAD is, and always will be, the official worst Bond film in the franchise. It was always destined for sinking to the bottom of the barrel and propping up the list, taking over from the unenviable spot that used to reside with AVTAK for many years. Both films share common traits, but the main one being the final film of each actor to end their tenure. Poor Moore and Brozza - what a way to go out.
It's safe to say that with the likes of FRWL, OHMSS and GF usually being in most fans top 5 films, AVTAK and DAD typically find themselves at the bottom of that same list too.
The back drop from the boat was quite obviously Hong Kong but it was also quite obviously rear projection. I don't think they actually shot anything except that backdrop on location, but I could be wrong.
Personally I think DAF could be added to that list of embarassing send offs. I sure hope Craig will leave on a better note.
There is a case for DAF to belong to that list too. Its redeeming features are mainly the original Bond star Connery back at the helm, the Barry soundtrack, the witty one-liners, and the period it was set in. The early 70's vibe, the creepy Hammer horror feel, the memorable Mustang stunt, the elevator fight, Bambi & Thumper, Kidd & Wint, etc. just about give the film a free pass.
DAD has no redeeming features and no memorable scenes (or memorable for the wrong reasons, if you count the now infamous CGI surf scene and invisible car moments).
If you watch the tsunami sequence you will see that the water looks fairly realistic, the effect falls apart with Bond and the lack of grace and art on the figure. Yes the editing looks dated and in some cases over done. Watch Once Upon a Time in the West, Woodstock, Elvis on Tour, all films that are a snapshot of their time.
One person's bloated mess is another's pleasure! Cheers!
Like FRWL is widely acclaimed to be one of the best in the franchise, its safe to say DAD is widely acclaimed as the worst in the franchise, judging by the countless forum opinions, magazine and online articles, reviews, polls, etc.
TSWLM has many redeeming features, as does TMWTGG. DAD has literally none, other than it didn't flop at the BO.
But sure, there will be always be someone out there who thinks that bloated, stinking mess is a pleasure. The world is indeed a strange place. ;)
It was a box office hit, but it wasn't critically well received. At best it was very mixed, much like TND and TWINE were.
That said, I still wouldn't call it the nadir of the franchise. Aside from Halle Berry's scenes, everything up until Bond goes to Iceland is arguably the best Brosnan Bond film, if only everything else afterward didn't happen.
Your post made me smile, so thank you. :)
I also found this interview with Brosnan which is hilarious as he speaks of how Lee Tamahori is bringing realisty and grit to the film.
Also, the man himself.......on paper, he did seem an edgy and cool choice. Shame he turned out to be quite so outrageously wrong
also, you can see Halle Berry in a bikini freezing cold with Barbara running to give her a jacket here:
I don't think Brosnan actually believed it himself I just think Mr B is a professional and will positively spin whatever project he is employed on, as we all do in our jobs.
I've always felt there iare some great ideas and a great film hidden in there somewhere if it had been helmed by someone who 'got' a Bond film. I.e. Not Tamahori. He is to Bond what Schumacher is to Batman for me.
The DAD we got was shit quite frankly.
You're welcome!
This thread doesnt! Bottom line?
You cant polish a turd!
And what a steaming turd DAD undoubtedly is!
Exactly right. I utterly detest it with the burning intensity of a billion suns. I felt mortified to be a Bond fan when I was sat in the cinema. I'd taken friends and told them what a treat they were in for. It doesn't have any redeeming qualities. No other Bond film comes near it in terms of poor quality in every single department. I'm genuinely baffled when people say they like it. It's Bond for mouth-breathers