Die Another Day

Contradictory, yes. But it is done in such a way that the moviegoer is more than willing to accept such a change: There are the usual, admittedly impossible action scenes and sequences, but there are also scenes that make for this transition.

I like the Bond movies. Because I do it goes, almost without saying, I liked the opening of "Die Another Day"--

No. I won't tell you the specifics of the opening. Better you see for yourself to understand, to appreciate why I accept Jinx as she is, as she will no doubt be.

Instead a few words on the usual cast of characters: M (Dame Judi Dench), who is always stern yet flexible (especially when it comes to the antics Bond will no doubt engage in). Q (John Cleese), who has managed, through a certain British sensibility, to bring a comedic quality to these movies which, previously, were quickly becoming humorless with their nihilism and fantasy violence. (Aside: As Cleese has now turned up several times in the Bond movies, I wonder: Can we expect appearances by other members of the Monty Python troupe?) I am thankful the creators of this movie series saw fit years ago to cast British actors in these secondary but very important roles. Imagine, please, Johnny Depp in such a role. It doesn't work, does it?

Onward to the director of "Die Another Day": Lee Tamahori. Based soley on this work I suspect Tamahori has found himself a regular gig. If he wants it, that is. Oh, lord, please let him want it. Few other directors can do what he has done here: Create an absolute, almost pure action cinematic ride that gives you the price of admission and then some.

And, that, in and of itself, is undeniably contradictory.

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