TWINE has always saddened me because it had the potential to be one of the greatest Bond films ever. Brosnan and Marceau had dynamite chemistry, and the idea of Bond falling genuinely in love with a woman only for her to be the main villain is a brilliant idea. Unfortunately the filmmakers didn't trust themselves or the audience to go all-in. They set up a story that could have been up there with OHMSS, and then ran away in fear.
Another amazing review. The James Bond series has had plenty of reviews and commentary, but I’ve found all your James Bond reviews to be consistently insightful and interesting above all.
This is the Bond film that I think gets the most unfair amount of hate and criticism. It's top ten material for me. Granted childhood nostalgia plays a big part in my love of the film as it was the first Bond movie I ever saw in the theater at 6 years old. But even now when I watch it without my nostalgia blinders on I still think it's a solid film with a lot of merit. I consider it a big step up from Tomorrow Never Dies. I like how it went deeper into character and plot development and gave Pierce some more harder edged moments.
16:23 I think its a step up. I love the Gunbarrel sequence, the Bilbao espace, The Thames chase and the Caviar factory sequences. The score is unique and it gets the tone right. Die Another Day goes into some territory that even I cant explain
This is the first review that made me think, "Hmmm. I haven't done my homework." I remember this movie, but not with as much enthusiasm as you did. I remember how underwhelmed I was by the movie when I first saw it. I fixated on the direction so I found the last act annoying. Thank you. Great review yet again.
@@NealKlein To be fair, I spend more time with a movie over a week or two than most would, so a lot of things I would have overlooked in the past demand closer examination. If my review helps you to appreciate a film more, that's wonderful. Even if not, I just enjoy giving each a closer look.
@stephenjarvis534 I have lived half a lifetime of getting pinged for being overanalytical. I have endured ridicule for attempting to construct a logically rigorous argument too many times to count. The lesson of your reviews for me is to remember to have fun, own my subjectivity, and steer away from judgment. I look forward to spending time re-watching TWINE because of this review.
The world is not enough one of the most underrated under appreciate it Bond movies in the series I love this bond movies so passionate much I feel like I'm on the island by myself loving this movie The world is not enough is one of my childhood favorites it is the Bond movie that got me into the series as a kid is a lot of things in this movie I like a lot Pierce brosnan Best performance at James Bond he is so confident compelling in this movie I like the storyline in this movie I love to twist of the Bond girl is the bond villain I love that angle to death Pierce brosnan and Sophie they got amazing chemistry Robert carlye Renard sympathetic character he is very interesting Judi dench m being part of the story is very interesting Robbie Coltrane Valentin zukovsky an amazing Ally Denise Richards Christmas Jones campy fun Bond girl of fun I feel like the criticism that she got for this movie totally unfair she is a fun character David Arnold soundtrack music 🎶 so amazing twine aka the world is not enough fantastic classic bond movies amazing awesome reviews of twine aka the world is not enough 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🙏🙏🙏
One thing you didn't mention (and it surprised me) was Brosnan's reaction after he killed Marceau's character. He mourns a little, pays respect before resuming the mission (just as Bond did in FRWL, Goldfinger, Thunderball, TLD, TND).
I agree, I liked this movie. It's not the greatest but not the worst by any means. Brosnan's Bond is full of little subtleties, for instance, when he's confronting M and he's pissed at first but senses there's something else going on, he changes mood and asks her what happened. M who's such a strong character, she puts her guard down and confides in Bond. Also, the realationship with Q, it's truly a father-son type. I love that Q gives him advise.
A lot of people have called this one 'underrated', but in my experience that's only true of the wider audience that tends to mix all later three Brosnan films together. A lot of Bond fans on the other hand seem to hold TWINE in high regard, and I wish I could count myself among them. Don't get wrong, it's a fun film that I enjoy watching, but it's nowhere near the classic or Skyfall-prototype that I often hear it is nowadays. My main issue with TWINE is that it never lives up to the incredible high-octane standard set up by the Thames chase; Everything seems tamed in comparison. And while other films like FYEO and CR have been able to make the most of a more low-key finale (scale-wise, at least), this one just does not manage to grab my attention with the more emotional elements at hands. I love Sophie Marceau but her chemistry with Brozza leaves much to be desired; Likewise, Carlyle is a great actor but he's tonally out of place with the rest of the film - or maybe Denise Richards is? Either way, something's off. In short, the more 'pulp' aspects of TWINE run cold past the first thirty minutes while the more 'intimate' parts can't quite reach the highs that they're aiming at. Which is why this film always ranks somewhat towards the middle, for me, while being one that I wish I loved instead of just liking it.
I find TWINE very underrated. It has some really interesting deep and nuisance ideas that I appreciate with Renard, the Oil craze to Electra King the chief manipulator taking advantage of Bond's weaknesses. However it's the direction and execution that lets this movie down. Apted literally shot it like a TV drama.
This is my favourite Brosnan and my #5 overall. It has nearly everything that one could want in a dramatic action film, as well as having Bond - and an excellent rendition of Bond. He is suave and charming, he is insightful and analytic, he is strong and heroic. Bond does more spying in this film than in ten other Bond films that could be named, he gets emotionally invested in what he is doing (as he does in OHMSS and TSWLM and Octopussy, two of which rank in my top 4), and he does Bond things like the escape from the Bilbao bank office window, the straightening of the tie when underwater in the speedboat, and the little flurry with the mooks at the bar in Zukovsky's casino. The title song has the silver medal in my ranking, and whilst Sophie Marceau is not in my top handful of Bond women for basic beauty she certainly delivers one of the three best acting performances from a Bond leading lady. My relegation of this film to 5th behind OHMSS, TSWLM, FRWL and GF is merely a matter of taste and preference. I do have one thing particularly against TWINE, though - Renard may not *feel* pain but that doesn't mean anything to soft tissue, and those hot rocks would still scald his skin. It makes him less believable, sorry.
I watched this one non-stop on DVD as a kid. It was always mixed for me... I preferred GoldenEye but this was what I had, and it always struck me as being a very solid general Bond film, particularly for Pierce. I think I'm due for a rewatch!
@@Nine-Eight Never really occurred to me. I like the film fine, and I was considering doing another series of reviews after Bond, but this wouldn't fit in with that. I might be tempted given that a few seem to be interested in it. I'll keep it in mind if I need a break from Bond.
I've guessed that the reason the tone is so over the place is because the producers was afraid it was going to be too dark. Like if they actually committed to the idea that this is almost a sequel to OHMSS with Bond actually finding true love again but turns out she is actually the villain, removed Christmas Jones and some of the cheesier moments, the movie could've been the bleakest entry in the series at that point. And with Tomorrow never dies being focused on being more fun adventure romp, which would've been a massive tonal-shift and the fact that License to kill tried to go into more darker directions and wasn't received well (even though it gotten better reviewed since), the producers must've been to afraid to commit to that premise fully and demanded more lighter scenes. Now I also like TWINE in spite of the problems it has. But the fact that this could've been seen as one of the boldest entries in the series if they kept a consistent tone and wasn't afraid to get dark and bleak does sting a little.
I used to find the movie really underrated, but sadly I find myself enjoying it less and less the more I see it. While Brosnan and Marceau are both fantastic respectively, the Q scene is very sad, the action is great, and the theme song is one of my personal favorites, I just can’t get into the story anymore and Christmas Jones is hard to buy as a nuclear physicist. It’s a film I find has a great premise, but was executed messy.
TWINE is a great film on paper, arguably the most interesting of the Brosnan era since it's more character focused like GE while also being far more ambitious. Unfortunately it isn't executed as well as GE and isn't a pure popcorn entertainment action film like TND so it ends up being often forgotten by the general public. I think most bond fans agree it's underrated though. Theres a lot of good ideas here that aren't quite that fleshed out that end up being used in future films for good reason.
I think this is the last one I saw in a theatre TWICE. Also, if I'm not mistaken, they've used "The James Bond Theme" in the end credits in nearly every film starting with this one. (I liked when they had 2 different songs between opening & end credits, those 4 films in a row.) I don't know why or how... but somehow I never liked "Elektra King" from the start of the film. Instinct? Who can say. When Bond SHOT her DEAD... I remember feeling thinking... "Boy, did she have THAT coming."
20:14 the Man With the Golden Gun and A View To A Kill are just poorer films. Sir Roger Moore performance is not the best, the directing was alright but some of the production choices left a lot to desired. To me The World Is Not Enough is around the 11-15 range Bond film
The main thing that really bugs me with this movi is the cinematogrophy. Adrian Biddle shot it, who did Aliens, Princess Bride, 1492, was up for na Oscar for Thelma and Louise, but it just looks so bland and made-TV-like. idk what happened here. The lighting is super flat, the colors are dull, most of the locations look like they were shot in overcast weather, and even just the camera movments and shot compositions are super basic and kinda remind me of a student film.
I thought the film was photographed well and deliberately given a moody look to the whole thing. The camera work on the other hand is pretty conservative.
You know, I overhated on this movie, and I don't know why. The concept of Bond falling in love with the Bad Guy is, like Tomorrow Never Dies' plot of trying to start a war for ratings, genuinely genius. When I watch it again, it should be worth it for such a unique concept in the franchise. Why not have the main Bond girl turn out to be the villain? It's such a perfect way to end the Classic era... Or it would've been were it not for Die Another Day which left things off on a sour note. And TBH, the theme song, its corresponding music video and title sequence, and the James Bond theme remix over the credits couldn't have been better and I can't believe the latter was a substitute.
Greatness of amazing awesome reviews of my childhood life personal favorites James Bond movies adventure twine aka the 19 James Bond movies adventure the world is not enough one my favorite James Bond movies adventure I love this movie so passionate much Pierce brosnan best performance James Bond so amazing I love storyline twist bond girl is the main villain I love that twist I love that angle Renard he is a very interesting character characters he's being played buy Elektra King she is amazing villain Love Denise Richards Christmas Jones underrated Bond girls campy fun Bond movie I love David Arnold music soundtrack Shirley Manson opening title sequence theme song 🎵 childhood song this movie is very underrated in the series I love this movie to death yes it has his flaws is positive overtakes negatives twine is awesome Bond movie adventure 🤩🤩😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
TWINE is a film that I really, really loved as a kid. Maybe it was the pre-title boat chase and the helicopters with blades, or just how cool Brosnan seems. However, it's fallen quite a bit as I've grown older. I do find it a bit dull. I don't really buy Renard and Electra as "lovers", and don't really enjoy Carlyle's performance all that much. Otherwise, I think that most of the cast are on their A-games throughout the film. I'm of the same opinion as you on the score. I prefer Arnold's work on TND/CS more than TWINE and DAD. This film ranks 15/27 for me. There's a lot to like, but I don't find myself wanting to toss it into the Xbox to watch it like a lot of the other classic films. Goldeneye and TND get a lot more love from me than TWINE. On the topic of folks evaluating things, I think you hit the nail on the head. People often have bias (which is part of being human), and use that as part of their ratings for media. On the Star Wars topic, I've been steadfast about disliking everything (theatrical movie) after Episode 6, and I'm someone who grew up with the Prequels. Heck, I only like the first half of Episode 6 anyways. I'll stop before this tangent turns into even more of them. As always, thanks for the review Stephen! Looking forward to the DAD one. That's a film that I have a soft spot for, warts and all.
@@stephenjarvis534 It's such a complicated film to try and ascribe emotions to. I re-watched it back in May, and found myself charmed by it much, much more than on my last 3 or 4 viewings.
Eh.. it’s interesting but altogether listless. The locations and direction are just very uninteresting. Its story and twists feel very wishy washy. I don’t hate it, some good ideas here and there, Brosnan does a good job as always. Ultimately I feel TND is better because it at least moves at a far better pace.
@Flashheartwoof Don't know if there's an official list, but here's what I go by: 1. Films with short titles like Dr. No, Thunderball, and GoldenEye don't get nicknames. 2. Russia 3. Twice 4. Majesty's 5. Diamonds 6. Live 7. Golden Gun 8. Spy 9. Eyes 10. View 11. Daylights 12. Licence 13. Tomorrow 14. "World" or TWINE 15. DAD 16. Casino 17. Quantum 18. '67 (the spoof Casino Royale) 19. Haven't come up with anything for Never Say Never Again or No Time to Die, yet. The closest I can get are Never and Time.
@@stephenjarvis534 I go with acronyms mostly, although that can fail with single-word titles. For FRWL, YOLT, OHMSS, DAF, LALD, TMWTGG, TSWLM, FYEO, AVTAK, TLD, LTK, TND, TWINE, DAD, CR, QOS, NTTD, when used in context they are pretty obvious.
For me, the whole emotional angle falls completely flat. Bond is smitten with Electra and there's little reason why he would fall for her so badly. Yes, there's a Tracy similarity but the tragedy isn't there. Bond was compelled to save Tracy because she was suicidal. He fell for Elektra far too easily. M is suddenly unable to be objective and reluctant to admit that she used Elektra as bait? The M I saw in the previous films would have done anything to get Renard. As for Renard himself. Not only is he not the least bit threatening as a dangerous terrorist, he was also foolish enough to get used by Elektra. Also, that whole can't feel anything gimmick had no significance whatsoever. I was never convinced that it was something that made him tragic. The story itself is also highly convoluted. At one point, Renard kills the very man he needed in order to get access to the undergound nuke. Remember, Bond was caught because he didn't look like he was in his 60's. The action itself is not particularly well done. I suppose it's well produced but it often feels unfocused. As for Denise Richards, she isn't quite as bad as people say but she is nowhere near the best Bond Girls. Overall, this feels like a poor retread of On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
@ricardocantoral7672 I would bring up that the tragedy is supposed to be Elektra's kidnapping. The situation seems to be an innocent girl caught in a horrifying tragedy who summoned the will to escape, and many people sympathize with that. That's not actually what happened, but I buy this makes Bond be a bit softer with her. As for M, she regrets leaving Elektra as a prisoner given her maternal instincts. Renard is taken by a woman who seduces him. I think it's all there, but if you want to argue it's weak and seems out of character, I think there's an argument there. As for the death of Doctor Arkhov, I didn't have an issue with it. The man adds credibility to their deception, but they don't seem to really need him, given that they just need to fool the guards long enough to get the nuke. So other than softening suspicion with the guards, he doesn't seem to serve much purpose, and Renard still gets away with the nuke without any help he would have provided. Lack of focus might be a good way to describe it. When I went through the film this time, I found everything was in the script that needed to be there, but just because it's in the script, that doesn't mean the movie conveys it convincingly. You are justified in not caring for the movie much.
@@stephenjarvis534 With your explanation about what happened Electra, you illustrated yet another problem with the screenplay. Why did this all take place before the film? I always felt that this film began like it was in the middle of a larger story that the audience doesn't see. We get a dump truck of exposition about King and her daughter, the kidnapping, Renard, this all should have the pre title sequence. The last place a Bond movie start is in a dull office about some kidnapping we know nothing about. Now regarding Electra, I understand that Bond would be compelled to protect her. However, we were sold a love story between the two. Bond was smitten with woman. Again, I get she's supposed to remind him of Tracy but it just isn't convincing. Now, about M, my point is she probably she should have been less emotional and more objective about this whole situation. I think it's a disappointment that this the most we get of M in the series at this point and she is portrayed as being too sentimental. As bad as Die Another Day was, I think at least it got M right. As for Renard, I get that she was seduced by Elektra but I didn't really like that romance. That just felt like some kind of gimmick. Also, this thing about the bullet dulling his senses is just plain silly. Yes, I know it's a Bond film but this one was aiming for some kind of basis in reality. The problem with the death of Dr. Arkhov (unless I am confusing him with another character) is Renard kills him before the mission begins. He was the right age. The guy Renard ultimately set would have been caught because he was too young. He certainly couldn't have doubled for a man in his 60's. I think this was a highly ambitious film with good ideas. However, they went about it all wrong. The World is Not Enough is ultimately an inferior imitation of On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
@@stephenjarvis534 Over the years, I was frankly annoyed that there were SEVERAL Sylvester McCoy DOCTOR WHO stories that did the same thing, like "Silver Nemesis" which was a 3-parter and it feels like it's the 2nd HALF of a 6-parter where they didn't film the first HALF. That's less than a decade earlier, so maybe it was a "thing" some writers thought was clever during that period.
@fmor4133 Her credibility isn't undermined by her looks; it's undermined by her acting. She can't sell me that she knows what she's talking about when she talks about her field.
@@stephenjarvis534 I'm not an actor so can't judge anyways but I wouldn't know how a real academic would do it any different. She isn't hesitating or insecure saying her lines even that probably is more realistic in the middle of a heist or on a high speed rig.
I'm not going to pretend I have more credentials than I do, but I've been working in the theater for the last 15 years, starting as an actor and then switching to sound (though I did a small spot of directing), and I've known undergraduates that give more convincing performances than Richards did. Just going off of my experience, I'm not buying her line deliveries or that she actually knows what she's talking about. It's similar to Tanya Roberts as Stacy Sutton in that way. Right actress for a Bond film, wrong role.
@@stephenjarvis534 my advantage is ignorance. I buy it from Denise and from Stacy. Or maybe I'm just easy to be convince. On a different note, what is your opinion on the Bond girls of License to kill? I always thought they should have switched them. Talisa as the tough agent and Pam as the villan's love interest.
Never considered switching them. Might be interesting. I like them how they are, but then again, Pam is one of my favorites. Talisa is a meh actress, but thankfully she was given a role that works for her and I totally buy her in that part.
TWINE has always saddened me because it had the potential to be one of the greatest Bond films ever. Brosnan and Marceau had dynamite chemistry, and the idea of Bond falling genuinely in love with a woman only for her to be the main villain is a brilliant idea. Unfortunately the filmmakers didn't trust themselves or the audience to go all-in. They set up a story that could have been up there with OHMSS, and then ran away in fear.
@@magnusprime962 Oh, well said!
It's still decent just not at it's full potential.
8:28 love Sophie Marcaeu in this. She has that venomous charm that most femme fatales have
I can't help but well up inside watching Desmond Llewellyn’s exit from the series in this film.
Another amazing review. The James Bond series has had plenty of reviews and commentary, but I’ve found all your James Bond reviews to be consistently insightful and interesting above all.
@@Fictiondogs991 Thank you. I've enjoyed doing them.
This is the Bond film that I think gets the most unfair amount of hate and criticism. It's top ten material for me. Granted childhood nostalgia plays a big part in my love of the film as it was the first Bond movie I ever saw in the theater at 6 years old. But even now when I watch it without my nostalgia blinders on I still think it's a solid film with a lot of merit. I consider it a big step up from Tomorrow Never Dies. I like how it went deeper into character and plot development and gave Pierce some more harder edged moments.
7:44 Probably my favorite Pierce performance. He brings a lot of Dalton in this and I love it for it.
This is my favourite bond movie and favourite brosnan, its got it all.
16:23 I think its a step up. I love the Gunbarrel sequence, the Bilbao espace, The Thames chase and the Caviar factory sequences. The score is unique and it gets the tone right. Die Another Day goes into some territory that even I cant explain
16:48 Shirley Manson's vocals are incredible. What a great Bond song
Personally , it's the last one I have actually enjoyed.
@@ricardocantoral7672 you didn't like Casink Royale or Skyfall's songs?
@@tashrif46 I didn't like You Know My Name. Skyfall was good but I can't say I loved it.
@@ricardocantoral7672 interesting
This is the first review that made me think, "Hmmm. I haven't done my homework." I remember this movie, but not with as much enthusiasm as you did. I remember how underwhelmed I was by the movie when I first saw it. I fixated on the direction so I found the last act annoying.
Thank you. Great review yet again.
@@NealKlein To be fair, I spend more time with a movie over a week or two than most would, so a lot of things I would have overlooked in the past demand closer examination. If my review helps you to appreciate a film more, that's wonderful. Even if not, I just enjoy giving each a closer look.
@stephenjarvis534 I have lived half a lifetime of getting pinged for being overanalytical. I have endured ridicule for attempting to construct a logically rigorous argument too many times to count. The lesson of your reviews for me is to remember to have fun, own my subjectivity, and steer away from judgment.
I look forward to spending time re-watching TWINE because of this review.
I enjoyed the World is Not enough. I love the twist of a female villain and enjoyed the opening theme song by Garbage.
The world is not enough one of the most underrated under appreciate it Bond movies in the series I love this bond movies so passionate much I feel like I'm on the island by myself loving this movie The world is not enough is one of my childhood favorites it is the Bond movie that got me into the series as a kid is a lot of things in this movie I like a lot Pierce brosnan Best performance at James Bond he is so confident compelling in this movie I like the storyline in this movie I love to twist of the Bond girl is the bond villain I love that angle to death Pierce brosnan and Sophie they got amazing chemistry Robert carlye Renard sympathetic character he is very interesting Judi dench m being part of the story is very interesting Robbie Coltrane Valentin zukovsky an amazing Ally Denise Richards Christmas Jones campy fun Bond girl of fun I feel like the criticism that she got for this movie totally unfair she is a fun character David Arnold soundtrack music 🎶 so amazing twine aka the world is not enough fantastic classic bond movies amazing awesome reviews of twine aka the world is not enough 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🙏🙏🙏
One thing you didn't mention (and it surprised me) was Brosnan's reaction after he killed Marceau's character. He mourns a little, pays respect before resuming the mission (just as Bond did in FRWL, Goldfinger, Thunderball, TLD, TND).
I agree, I liked this movie. It's not the greatest but not the worst by any means. Brosnan's Bond is full of little subtleties, for instance, when he's confronting M and he's pissed at first but senses there's something else going on, he changes mood and asks her what happened. M who's such a strong character, she puts her guard down and confides in Bond. Also, the realationship with Q, it's truly a father-son type. I love that Q gives him advise.
A lot of people have called this one 'underrated', but in my experience that's only true of the wider audience that tends to mix all later three Brosnan films together. A lot of Bond fans on the other hand seem to hold TWINE in high regard, and I wish I could count myself among them. Don't get wrong, it's a fun film that I enjoy watching, but it's nowhere near the classic or Skyfall-prototype that I often hear it is nowadays. My main issue with TWINE is that it never lives up to the incredible high-octane standard set up by the Thames chase; Everything seems tamed in comparison. And while other films like FYEO and CR have been able to make the most of a more low-key finale (scale-wise, at least), this one just does not manage to grab my attention with the more emotional elements at hands. I love Sophie Marceau but her chemistry with Brozza leaves much to be desired; Likewise, Carlyle is a great actor but he's tonally out of place with the rest of the film - or maybe Denise Richards is? Either way, something's off. In short, the more 'pulp' aspects of TWINE run cold past the first thirty minutes while the more 'intimate' parts can't quite reach the highs that they're aiming at. Which is why this film always ranks somewhat towards the middle, for me, while being one that I wish I loved instead of just liking it.
I find TWINE very underrated. It has some really interesting deep and nuisance ideas that I appreciate with Renard, the Oil craze to Electra King the chief manipulator taking advantage of Bond's weaknesses. However it's the direction and execution that lets this movie down. Apted literally shot it like a TV drama.
This is my favourite Brosnan and my #5 overall. It has nearly everything that one could want in a dramatic action film, as well as having Bond - and an excellent rendition of Bond. He is suave and charming, he is insightful and analytic, he is strong and heroic. Bond does more spying in this film than in ten other Bond films that could be named, he gets emotionally invested in what he is doing (as he does in OHMSS and TSWLM and Octopussy, two of which rank in my top 4), and he does Bond things like the escape from the Bilbao bank office window, the straightening of the tie when underwater in the speedboat, and the little flurry with the mooks at the bar in Zukovsky's casino. The title song has the silver medal in my ranking, and whilst Sophie Marceau is not in my top handful of Bond women for basic beauty she certainly delivers one of the three best acting performances from a Bond leading lady. My relegation of this film to 5th behind OHMSS, TSWLM, FRWL and GF is merely a matter of taste and preference. I do have one thing particularly against TWINE, though - Renard may not *feel* pain but that doesn't mean anything to soft tissue, and those hot rocks would still scald his skin. It makes him less believable, sorry.
I watched this one non-stop on DVD as a kid. It was always mixed for me... I preferred GoldenEye but this was what I had, and it always struck me as being a very solid general Bond film, particularly for Pierce. I think I'm due for a rewatch!
ok, now you have to give us a review of 1999's The Mummy.
@@Nine-Eight YES!
@@Nine-Eight Never really occurred to me. I like the film fine, and I was considering doing another series of reviews after Bond, but this wouldn't fit in with that. I might be tempted given that a few seem to be interested in it.
I'll keep it in mind if I need a break from Bond.
This is Brosnans best movie. Yes I mean it
I've guessed that the reason the tone is so over the place is because the producers was afraid it was going to be too dark. Like if they actually committed to the idea that this is almost a sequel to OHMSS with Bond actually finding true love again but turns out she is actually the villain, removed Christmas Jones and some of the cheesier moments, the movie could've been the bleakest entry in the series at that point.
And with Tomorrow never dies being focused on being more fun adventure romp, which would've been a massive tonal-shift and the fact that License to kill tried to go into more darker directions and wasn't received well (even though it gotten better reviewed since), the producers must've been to afraid to commit to that premise fully and demanded more lighter scenes.
Now I also like TWINE in spite of the problems it has. But the fact that this could've been seen as one of the boldest entries in the series if they kept a consistent tone and wasn't afraid to get dark and bleak does sting a little.
Great overview
I used to find the movie really underrated, but sadly I find myself enjoying it less and less the more I see it. While Brosnan and Marceau are both fantastic respectively, the Q scene is very sad, the action is great, and the theme song is one of my personal favorites, I just can’t get into the story anymore and Christmas Jones is hard to buy as a nuclear physicist. It’s a film I find has a great premise, but was executed messy.
TWINE is a great film on paper, arguably the most interesting of the Brosnan era since it's more character focused like GE while also being far more ambitious. Unfortunately it isn't executed as well as GE and isn't a pure popcorn entertainment action film like TND so it ends up being often forgotten by the general public. I think most bond fans agree it's underrated though. Theres a lot of good ideas here that aren't quite that fleshed out that end up being used in future films for good reason.
I think this is the last one I saw in a theatre TWICE. Also, if I'm not mistaken, they've used "The James Bond Theme" in the end credits in nearly every film starting with this one. (I liked when they had 2 different songs between opening & end credits, those 4 films in a row.) I don't know why or how... but somehow I never liked "Elektra King" from the start of the film. Instinct? Who can say. When Bond SHOT her DEAD... I remember feeling thinking... "Boy, did she have THAT coming."
20:14 the Man With the Golden Gun and A View To A Kill are just poorer films. Sir Roger Moore performance is not the best, the directing was alright but some of the production choices left a lot to desired.
To me The World Is Not Enough is around the 11-15 range Bond film
The main thing that really bugs me with this movi is the cinematogrophy. Adrian Biddle shot it, who did Aliens, Princess Bride, 1492, was up for na Oscar for Thelma and Louise, but it just looks so bland and made-TV-like. idk what happened here. The lighting is super flat, the colors are dull, most of the locations look like they were shot in overcast weather, and even just the camera movments and shot compositions are super basic and kinda remind me of a student film.
I agree! It's an ugly movie
I thought the film was photographed well and deliberately given a moody look to the whole thing. The camera work on the other hand is pretty conservative.
Completely agree, it's my main gripe too. I think they were going for a gritter vibe but just comes off flat and lifeless.
Brosnan is great Sophie is gorgeous The opening is awesome still a bit disappointing
You know, I overhated on this movie, and I don't know why. The concept of Bond falling in love with the Bad Guy is, like Tomorrow Never Dies' plot of trying to start a war for ratings, genuinely genius. When I watch it again, it should be worth it for such a unique concept in the franchise. Why not have the main Bond girl turn out to be the villain? It's such a perfect way to end the Classic era... Or it would've been were it not for Die Another Day which left things off on a sour note.
And TBH, the theme song, its corresponding music video and title sequence, and the James Bond theme remix over the credits couldn't have been better and I can't believe the latter was a substitute.
Greatness of amazing awesome reviews of my childhood life personal favorites James Bond movies adventure twine aka the 19 James Bond movies adventure the world is not enough one my favorite James Bond movies adventure I love this movie so passionate much Pierce brosnan best performance James Bond so amazing I love storyline twist bond girl is the main villain I love that twist I love that angle Renard he is a very interesting character characters he's being played buy Elektra King she is amazing villain Love Denise Richards Christmas Jones underrated Bond girls campy fun Bond movie I love David Arnold music soundtrack Shirley Manson opening title sequence theme song 🎵 childhood song this movie is very underrated in the series I love this movie to death yes it has his flaws is positive overtakes negatives twine is awesome Bond movie adventure 🤩🤩😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
TWINE is a film that I really, really loved as a kid. Maybe it was the pre-title boat chase and the helicopters with blades, or just how cool Brosnan seems. However, it's fallen quite a bit as I've grown older.
I do find it a bit dull. I don't really buy Renard and Electra as "lovers", and don't really enjoy Carlyle's performance all that much. Otherwise, I think that most of the cast are on their A-games throughout the film.
I'm of the same opinion as you on the score. I prefer Arnold's work on TND/CS more than TWINE and DAD.
This film ranks 15/27 for me. There's a lot to like, but I don't find myself wanting to toss it into the Xbox to watch it like a lot of the other classic films. Goldeneye and TND get a lot more love from me than TWINE.
On the topic of folks evaluating things, I think you hit the nail on the head. People often have bias (which is part of being human), and use that as part of their ratings for media. On the Star Wars topic, I've been steadfast about disliking everything (theatrical movie) after Episode 6, and I'm someone who grew up with the Prequels. Heck, I only like the first half of Episode 6 anyways. I'll stop before this tangent turns into even more of them.
As always, thanks for the review Stephen! Looking forward to the DAD one. That's a film that I have a soft spot for, warts and all.
@@Paul_Whaley I found I have a bit more to say about that film than I anticipated, so the review is going to take a little longer.
@@stephenjarvis534 It's such a complicated film to try and ascribe emotions to. I re-watched it back in May, and found myself charmed by it much, much more than on my last 3 or 4 viewings.
Eh, I never really liked this one.
Eh.. it’s interesting but altogether listless. The locations and direction are just very uninteresting. Its story and twists feel very wishy washy.
I don’t hate it, some good ideas here and there, Brosnan does a good job as always. Ultimately I feel TND is better because it at least moves at a far better pace.
I agree. This whole thing runs out autopilot. Ideas are presented but there's no life in them. The whole emotional angle feels like a bad soap.
Do you have a list of the single word nicknames for all the Bond films (Spy, Majesty’s, Diamonds etc)?
@Flashheartwoof Don't know if there's an official list, but here's what I go by:
1. Films with short titles like Dr. No, Thunderball, and GoldenEye don't get nicknames.
2. Russia
3. Twice
4. Majesty's
5. Diamonds
6. Live
7. Golden Gun
8. Spy
9. Eyes
10. View
11. Daylights
12. Licence
13. Tomorrow
14. "World" or TWINE
15. DAD
16. Casino
17. Quantum
18. '67 (the spoof Casino Royale)
19. Haven't come up with anything for Never Say Never Again or No Time to Die, yet. The closest I can get are Never and Time.
@@stephenjarvis534 thank you ☺️
@@stephenjarvis534 I go with acronyms mostly, although that can fail with single-word titles. For FRWL, YOLT, OHMSS, DAF, LALD, TMWTGG, TSWLM, FYEO, AVTAK, TLD, LTK, TND, TWINE, DAD, CR, QOS, NTTD, when used in context they are pretty obvious.
I feel the action kind of lets this one down. The more character-driven stuff is solid, but the action feels tacked on and forced in some places.
For me, the whole emotional angle falls completely flat. Bond is smitten with Electra and there's little reason why he would fall for her so badly. Yes, there's a Tracy similarity but the tragedy isn't there. Bond was compelled to save Tracy because she was suicidal. He fell for Elektra far too easily. M is suddenly unable to be objective and reluctant to admit that she used Elektra as bait? The M I saw in the previous films would have done anything to get Renard. As for Renard himself. Not only is he not the least bit threatening as a dangerous terrorist, he was also foolish enough to get used by Elektra. Also, that whole can't feel anything gimmick had no significance whatsoever. I was never convinced that it was something that made him tragic.
The story itself is also highly convoluted. At one point, Renard kills the very man he needed in order to get access to the undergound nuke. Remember, Bond was caught because he didn't look like he was in his 60's. The action itself is not particularly well done. I suppose it's well produced but it often feels unfocused. As for Denise Richards, she isn't quite as bad as people say but she is nowhere near the best Bond Girls. Overall, this feels like a poor retread of On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
@ricardocantoral7672 I would bring up that the tragedy is supposed to be Elektra's kidnapping. The situation seems to be an innocent girl caught in a horrifying tragedy who summoned the will to escape, and many people sympathize with that. That's not actually what happened, but I buy this makes Bond be a bit softer with her. As for M, she regrets leaving Elektra as a prisoner given her maternal instincts. Renard is taken by a woman who seduces him. I think it's all there, but if you want to argue it's weak and seems out of character, I think there's an argument there.
As for the death of Doctor Arkhov, I didn't have an issue with it. The man adds credibility to their deception, but they don't seem to really need him, given that they just need to fool the guards long enough to get the nuke. So other than softening suspicion with the guards, he doesn't seem to serve much purpose, and Renard still gets away with the nuke without any help he would have provided.
Lack of focus might be a good way to describe it. When I went through the film this time, I found everything was in the script that needed to be there, but just because it's in the script, that doesn't mean the movie conveys it convincingly. You are justified in not caring for the movie much.
@@stephenjarvis534
With your explanation about what happened Electra, you illustrated yet another problem with the screenplay. Why did this all take place before the film? I always felt that this film began like it was in the middle of a larger story that the audience doesn't see. We get a dump truck of exposition about King and her daughter, the kidnapping, Renard, this all should have the pre title sequence. The last place a Bond movie start is in a dull office about some kidnapping we know nothing about. Now regarding Electra, I understand that Bond would be compelled to protect her. However, we were sold a love story between the two. Bond was smitten with woman. Again, I get she's supposed to remind him of Tracy but it just isn't convincing. Now, about M, my point is she probably she should have been less emotional and more objective about this whole situation. I think it's a disappointment that this the most we get of M in the series at this point and she is portrayed as being too sentimental. As bad as Die Another Day was, I think at least it got M right. As for Renard, I get that she was seduced by Elektra but I didn't really like that romance. That just felt like some kind of gimmick. Also, this thing about the bullet dulling his senses is just plain silly. Yes, I know it's a Bond film but this one was aiming for some kind of basis in reality.
The problem with the death of Dr. Arkhov (unless I am confusing him with another character) is Renard kills him before the mission begins. He was the right age. The guy Renard ultimately set would have been caught because he was too young. He certainly couldn't have doubled for a man in his 60's.
I think this was a highly ambitious film with good ideas. However, they went about it all wrong. The World is Not Enough is ultimately an inferior imitation of On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
@@ricardocantoral7672 You know, I almost included a bit in the review about the film starting in the middle of its story.
@@stephenjarvis534 It was such a weird place to start.
@@stephenjarvis534 Over the years, I was frankly annoyed that there were SEVERAL Sylvester McCoy DOCTOR WHO stories that did the same thing, like "Silver Nemesis" which was a 3-parter and it feels like it's the 2nd HALF of a 6-parter where they didn't film the first HALF. That's less than a decade earlier, so maybe it was a "thing" some writers thought was clever during that period.
It's not that a bombshell cannot play an academic but you don't buy her being a nuclear physics. Isn't that a contradiction?
@fmor4133 Her credibility isn't undermined by her looks; it's undermined by her acting. She can't sell me that she knows what she's talking about when she talks about her field.
@@stephenjarvis534 I'm not an actor so can't judge anyways but I wouldn't know how a real academic would do it any different. She isn't hesitating or insecure saying her lines even that probably is more realistic in the middle of a heist or on a high speed rig.
I'm not going to pretend I have more credentials than I do, but I've been working in the theater for the last 15 years, starting as an actor and then switching to sound (though I did a small spot of directing), and I've known undergraduates that give more convincing performances than Richards did. Just going off of my experience, I'm not buying her line deliveries or that she actually knows what she's talking about. It's similar to Tanya Roberts as Stacy Sutton in that way. Right actress for a Bond film, wrong role.
@@stephenjarvis534 my advantage is ignorance. I buy it from Denise and from Stacy. Or maybe I'm just easy to be convince.
On a different note, what is your opinion on the Bond girls of License to kill? I always thought they should have switched them. Talisa as the tough agent and Pam as the villan's love interest.
Never considered switching them. Might be interesting. I like them how they are, but then again, Pam is one of my favorites. Talisa is a meh actress, but thankfully she was given a role that works for her and I totally buy her in that part.