In the 18th James Bond film (second with Pierce Brosnan playing Bond), Bond has to stop the start of a possible World War 3. Elliot Carver (played by Jonathan Pryce, is a powerful media figure who's about to launch his Satellite News Network around the world. Needing a story to headline the big event, he decides to start a global conflict to boost his ratings. He uses a stealth ship to sink a British naval frigate and make it look like the Chinese military was responsible. This even sets the two countries at the brink of war. Who's to prevent this? Well, who else?

The latest Bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies, is an improvement over the previous one, Goldeneye, but it certainly isn't perfect. It's faster-paced, more intense and more chock-full of action scenes, and senseless violence. But it remains more entertaining than Pierce Brosnan's first outing as Bond, Goldeneye.

Now, as a hero, Bond's insatiable lust for women is a disappointment. His womanizing ways are even a bit unsettling and the fact that these films make it seem totally acceptable is rather disturbing. The film also had what seemed like too many stunts and action scenes, failing to slow down for more than a couple minutes to actually develop the characters. On the other hand, this kind of breakneck speed of storytelling makes it far from boring.

I really think Pierce Brosnan is the best Bond since Sean Connery. It was relieving not to see Pryce portrayed as a maniacal, corny, take-over-the-world psychopath, rather, he is smarter and a bit more sophisticated. All in all, Tomorrow Never Dies is good, entertaining and a must for 007 fans, but this is in no way a kids' film.

- John DiBiase (reviewed 1997)