Movie #384 - GoldenEye

GoldenEye
1995 - Rated PG-13 - 2 hr 10 min
Director: Martin Campbell
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean, Izabella Scorupco, Famke Janssen, Judi Dench, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Cumming, Desmond Llewelyn, Samantha Bond

Although the video game is lots of fun to play, this Bond movie was never one of my favorites.  I feel like they tried to modernize the franchise with all this tech jargon and, back then, I just got confused. I can understand the whole Sean Bean evil-doings better now that I'm older, but by now, most of their equipment's obsolete.

Alan Cumming is a highlight of the movie -- perfect as the goofy techie Russian with a bit of an attitude. And Sean Bean's a pretty good bad guy, bad enough that I didn't sit there thinking about Lord of the Rings the whole time, so that's good!

Anyway, this one's not really a favorite.  It's got some great action scenes, lots of explosions, and plenty of Bronsan-ized Bond to go around.

Movie #300 - The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest
2002 - Rated PG - 1 hr 37 min
Director: Oliver Parker
Starring: Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Frances O'Connor, Reese Witherspoon, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson

Yay, Oscar Wilde! The first time I watched this movie, I was actually playing a minor role in the stageplay.  So I can speak to the accuracy of the screenplay.  Barring a few minor cinematic changes that don't affect anything at all, this is pretty true to Wilde's original text.

Even better, the casting is superb.  This show's success hangs on a solid ensemble and this one's spot on.  Especially Reese Witherspoon, who I had my reservations about.  Her accent is impeccable and her portrayal of Cecily is adorable.  And with the addition of a Rupert Everett / Colin Firth duet, the movie version of this stage classic is perfect.  I love this movie!

Movie #111 - The Chronicles of Riddick

The Chronicles of Riddick
Universal Pictures
2004 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 59 min
Director: David Twohy
Starring: Vin Diesel, Thandie Newton, Judi Dench, Karl Urban

I don't really have that much to say about this movie.  It's kinda weird, not as epic as it thinks it is, and is really just an excuse for Vin Diesel to play Riddick again and kick some alien ass.  Necromongers? Really?

The fact that Judi Dench is in this movie gives it a certain amount of credibility, but I'll be honest, even she can make me a fan of this sci-fi borefest.  Mike really likes this one, but I think Pitch Black was far, far better.  We'll talk about that one when I get to the P's.

Movie #107 - Chocolat

Chocolat
Miramax
2000 - Rated PG-13 - 2 hr 1 min
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Carrie-Anne Moss, Lena Olin

Squee! Johnny Depp as a not-pirate, before his Pirate days. Oh joy!

This movie is full-on chick flick-tastic, if you haven't seen it, but God do I love it.  It's about chocolate, and repressed French people, and hot gypsies, and an invisible kangaroo. I love love love it and I don't care if you judge me.

The whole repressed village coping with the risque chocolatier plot line is predictable, and soooo overdone, but they still manage to keep it fresh and interesting enough that you don't mind.  Juliette Binoche is lots of fun to watch and sometimes I want to be her when I grow up. Especially if it means Johnny Depp will show up to "fix my squeaking door."

Anyway... just watch it and enjoy the decadence. And if you don't like it, I feel bad about that...but oh well, more for me!

Movie #102 - Casino Royale

Casino Royale
Metro Goldwyn Meyer
2006 - Rated R - 2 hr 24 min
Director: Martin Campbell
Starring: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright

I know there was some upheaval over this Bond re-boot, but in my opinion, it was a very much needed one.  Craig's grittier, edgier, kill-you-in-the-men's-room James Bond is fun and refreshing. In fact, I think the franchise was getting a bit stuffy before this revamp came to town.  This is the Bond of today.

And even the intro song rocks.

Anyway, Judi Dench is awesome as always and the Vesper chick, even though she comes in surprisingly late for a Bond Girl, is a worthy claimant to that title.  I especially love the way this movie ties neatly into its sequel, but I have until Q before I get to see that one again.  But this is one Bond movie I'm happy to watch again and again, because even the poker scenes seem like supressed action sequences.  On the whole, very well done.