Goldeneye

Bond encounters the usual mix of guns and girls as he is sent to Russia to investigate the theft of Goldeneye, a satellite weapon designed and launched by the Soviets during the Cold War (with the potential to destroy any city with its electromagnetic pulse). The film gathers pace as Bond gradually learns that the real villain of the piece is little closer to home.

After a six year hiatus, the Bond series is revitalised with the casting of Pierce Brosnan, (replacing Timothy Dalton) as James Bond, whilst Martin Campbell takes the reigns in his first stint as a Bond director. There are also several memorable female additions to the film; M is recast with the actress Judi Dench, the first woman to play the character, whilst Famke Janssen appears as Xenia Onatopp, whose method of killing involves snapping spines with her thighs.

Both Brosnan and Campbell stake their claim in the series with an edge-of-your-seat opening sequence. Diving off dams, into aeroplanes, off motorbikes, and with explosions left, right and centre, you are literally dragged into an action-packed adventure. Brosnan presents a flair for wit and natural charm, lending himself to the role of suave secret agent, whilst the film continues to remain true to the successful Bond format. It includes a car chase with an Aston Martin and a Ferrari in Monaco, a face-off with a villainess over a game of baccarat in the Casino Royale, several heart-racing action sequences and a dose of banter with Q for good measure.

With pure escapism, from start to finish, "Goldeneye" is one of the most entertaining entries in the Bond series, and more than holds its own against Hollywood’s action-hero blockbusters.

Gemma Bradnack