Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

The critic finds that after a shaky period, Bond is firmly back on form with Pierce Brosnan in the lead. The film is praised as fast, funny and very British, with Brosnan excelling and Roger Spottiswoode delivering a thrilling addition to the franchise.

For the first hour this Bond entry matches the best with terrific pace, strong Brosnan and Yeoh chemistry, and a gripping story; the second half loses momentum and the villain feels unthreatening. It was the best Bond since Connery at the time.

The critic finds the film a solid, stylish Bond entry that gets the job done with exciting action and some contemporary satire in its media-mogul villain. He singles out the strong chemistry between Brosnan's Bond and Michelle Yeoh's Wai Lin, along with impressive stunt sequences like the motorcycle chase.

The first half builds promisingly with depth to Bond's character and the usual mix of action, but the second half falters with standard tactics and underwritten roles. Brosnan's Bond is strong enough to make it flawed but fantastic fun.

The review calls it a solid but by-the-numbers Bond entry heavy on action, distinguished by an imaginatively conceived media-mogul villain and an unusually active female partner. It highlights the effective casting of Jonathan Pryce and Michelle Yeoh while noting the emphasis on bang-bang over kiss-kiss or humor.

The critic sees the film as aware of its franchise position but ultimately stodgy and derivative, with a been-there feeling despite efforts to update it. He praises the addition of Michelle Yeoh as a lively sidekick who brings successful energy to the proceedings.

The review describes the film as a generic action event that turns Bond into a pitchman, with shallowness reflected in its title, though it acknowledges a lively villain in Jonathan Pryce. It criticizes the lack of the character's unique suaveness and notes the supporting turns and BMW gadget as highlights amid the cartoonish elements.

The critic finds the film a predictable and formulaic Bond entry that squanders opportunities despite familiar pleasures like stunts and one-liners. They single out the over-scripted banter and the underutilization of Michelle Yeoh as points of complaint.

The critic views Tomorrow Never Dies as a solid but lesser Brosnan Bond entry than Goldeneye, praising its muscular action sequences, hissable villain Elliot Carver, and strong supporting turns like Paris Carver while noting formulaic elements and an over-the-top climax that hint at issues ahead in the series.

The critic views the film as a generic nuts-and-bolts actioner hampered by a rushed, underdeveloped script that makes it both forward-thinking and instantly dated, closer to pastiche than a strong second outing. They single out the strong action set-pieces, assertive Wai Lin character, and David Arnold score for praise amid the flaws.