"Tomorrow Never Dies" - Lives for Today by Homer Yen (c) 1997
A British naval ship is engaged in a confrontation with Chinese jet fighters. The Chinese insist that the British ship is in Chinese waters. The Captain of the ship adamantly states that they are in international waters, warning that they will defend themselves. In the next few tense minutes, the ship begins to sink while one of the Chinese fighters is destroyed. Who was in the wrong? Both nations begin to prepare for possible war. Can this volatile situation be resolved? British intelligence believes that media mogul, Elliot Carver (Jonathan Pryce) may have something to do with this, and they send their best man to investigate.
Pierce Brosnan is back, and once again handsomely fills the shoes of James Bond, agent 007 of Her Majesty's Secret Service. We learn that Bond once had a relationship with Carver's present wife, Paris (Teri Hatcher), and is tartly instructed to get reacquainted and to 'pump' her for information. Such double entendres is one of the trademarks of Bond films, and you'll find no shortage here. The 007 formula also incorporates a well-choreographed, beginning action sequence; a bevy of techno-gadgets such as a remote-controlled BMW 750IL; several frenetic chase sequences; and a charismatic villain with delusions of grandeur.
The James Bond franchise, to its credit, as been updated to a great degree. In this case, the villain is not some would-be terrorist, but rather a media magnate that wants to launch a worldwide media network. His avenue of achieving global dominance is not through weapons of mass destruction but rather instruments of mass information. Using his resources, Carver will create the storylines and then subsequently use his media to sway public opinion. "Caesar had his legions, Napoleon had his armies, and I have my divisions--TV, newspapers [and other media]," he gloats. It's a very clever concept. Also, the women are a lot stronger and tougher. M, Bond's female superior, is a tireless boss that is stern but compassionate. Accused by a male counterpart of not having the 'balls' to make a tough decision, she candidly replies, "at least I don't have to think with them." Paris Carver is able to find a soft spot in Bond's cavalier exterior. But the best addition is a little firecracker by the name of Michelle Yeoh. As a cool-headed agent from China, she uses her formidable martial arts skills and intelligence to move forward in her mission, which parallels that of 007.
The one thing that I found distracting about this and most Bond films is the issue of product placements. For example, when Q shows Bond his new remote-controlled BMW, I was waiting for him to start discussing lease terms. In fact, I was amazed that I didn't see Jonathan Pryce driving away in an Infiniti! Also, there seems to be less humor and a subtle shift towards the realm of conventional techno-thrillers. 007 is becoming a more responsible Bond, straying away somewhat from his tongue-in-cheek origins. But moviegoers who have come to expect lots of action and cool toys won't be disappointed. The most inventive scene is a nifty chase, where Bond is in the back seat of his BMW guiding his car via remote control through a parking garage. Using a touch pad, he steers and deploys his arsenal of weapons at the same time, laughing all the way like some giddy schoolboy. That is the essence of bond. That's what makes him fun to watch.
Grade: B
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