I think it’s Brosnan’s best performance, and because of the hyperbolic hate the film as a whole receives I considered it underrated. It’s worth checking out again as a loosened up adult. People talk about the perceived bad things at the detriment of the good things. I see 2004’s Everything or Nothing along the same lines as DAD. Big, blockbuster entertainment with Bond rappelling down buildings (biodomes in DAD).
I’ve give some brief thoughts on what I enjoy:
The surfing sequence was something new and made for great visuals.
Bond being captured was a great plot point while it lasted.
Prisoner transfer and hospital escape – both great.
Bond walking into the hotel soaking wet and unkempt was hilarious.
Brosnan having a shave and ‘becoming Bond’ again makes me smile.
Raoul is a solid ally, and it’s a shame we didn’t see more of him.
“I don’t need a goddamn wheelchair? – “you do now”. Such a cool scene.
Halle Berry isn’t to everyone’s tastes but I loved her back in the day.
Rosamund Pike is fantastic.
Bond walking through the patient’s room and having a grape is also cool.
‘London Calling’ is used effectively, and the cameo from Deborah Moore is nice.
The swordfight is easily one of the best fight sequences in the franchise.
We get to ‘see’ Bond in his office, which is rare, and the scene itself allows for a dramatic scenario.
As a videogame fan I loved seeing him use the laser watch, and swim into the hot springs.
The sonic ring is a great gadget and used appropriately.
“Hey boss, he beat your time”. That’s pure Bond right there.
I’ve touched upon the ice wave in another thread. I don’t outright hate it. But the CGI is poor.
The car chase is one of the last ‘fair dinkum’ vehicle scenes in the franchise, sans QoS.
Zao’s death is gruesome, and the adaptive camoflauge is used for dramatic/clever effect.
Love the concept of the Ice Palace.
“Time to face gravity”. I found that satisfying in 2002 and I still do.
The VR scene with Moneypenny is harmless, and in the end, a great way to say goodbye.