I love the last line James says to Renard. “She’s waiting for you.”

I always wished they did more with Renard’s lack of feeling pain. It might have been clever if he was stabbed or shot and never realises until later which gives Bond the upper hand in some way

I love how if Bond had never shot Valentine in the knee he wouldn’t need a cane and wouldn’t have saved Bonds life. It’s such a clever tie back to such a small detail.

I think we need another Sophie Marceau/Elektra type villain for Bond 26.

Almost 2 hours of Calvin and David “debating?” And I thought Christmas came only once a year

Love when you and Calvin have these discussions. You guys should do the whole series!

I love how the producers/writers wanted Bond to fall in love with Elektra, like he did with Tracy but then he discovers that she really is like Blofield! I personally loved this Bond formula plot twist.

An underrated Bond film: Brosnan’s best Bond performance imo. Elektra is a great villain. More female main villains in Bond films please. Giving M more to do and it works here. Return of Robbie Coltrane (RIP). Fun action. Etc. Yeah it’s got flaws, but it is nowhere near as bad as many seem to think.

Desmond Llewllin died in a car accident which just seemed so tragic as it was only just after he had retired. I think the going down scene at the castle took on different meaning due to the unfortunate flow on events :(

I was 13 when TWINE came out and I was at the height of my Bond fandom. I had loved Goldeneye and TND but for me this was my absolute favourite Bond movie at the time. I loved and still love the opening, the coldness of an assassin Bond in the bank, the incredible boat chase, which Brosnan did most of his own stunts for. Robbie Coltrane's return, plus Q's final scenes are just the icing on the cake. On many rewatches it has some very cheesy, outdated lines but I think this is still a perfect Bond movie. Brosnan just WAS Bond for me. Edit: The opening title song by Garbage is so good too, it even made me become a fan of the band.

I thought Christmas only comes once a year, because i didn't think you guys would be doing this movie so soon :) !!! Thanks guys

1:35:40 The look exchanged between Bond and Renard just before Renard dies, my take has always been that they both know they were pawns in Elektra's game by this point, so there is a sense of connection, a smile that says "look where this got us." Two men who ended up fighting to the death for Elektra, even though she isn't even there anymore. What else can they do but smile and accept the consequence of it all.

For me, The World is not Enough is the ultimate underrated Bond film. Many things were said in the video to justify it, but in a nutshell: the best pre-title sequence, the best performance by Brosnan, a very interesting Fleming villain in Elektra King, great action pieces and good drama. It ranks in my top 10 and I hope common fans will stop only focusing on Denise Richards, as her part is so minimal in the film. Good discussion, gentlemen!

I love The World is Not Enough. I actually think it may be my favorite Brosnan Bond, though obviously Goldeneye is always a classic.

I hope y’all can eventually bring this series back, even if they aren’t really debates anymore, I enjoy hearing the two of you together discussing the films. I’ve went back and re-listened to all of these while I’m at work.

This might be a hot take, but this film is in my Top 10 favorite Bond films. This is the film where I feel Brosonan is the most Bond like out of his four films.

I've always thought this film should have started with Bond rescuing Elektra from Renard and being the one to put the bullet in his brain. Then Renard has a direct grudge against Bond which can play off later. I think that would have worked better than just hearing about the kidnapping and 009 shooting Renard.

1 hr 45 minute debate? Yes Please! :)

1:30:39 he did what he had to do as a professional. And I am so glad that Brosnan's Bond was given such a badass moment where he just kills Elektra because he was pushed to the limit and Elektra was taunting him to the last minute

TWINE is easily in my top ten Bond film list. The movie is hugely enjoyable and has always been a favourite of mine since walking out the cinema back in 1999 with a spring in my step having just watched a thoroughly entertaining Bond film. Was a joy and pleasure to rewatch it again once the big screen last year when it was shown on my birthday. Still walked out having been entertained despite having watched the movie dozens of times on physical media. By far my favourite of the Brosnan Bond films.

I miss these debates/discussions. Hope you guys do the rest of the movies! Love your back and forth deep dives

19:00 one of the best, if not the best, action sequences in Bond movies. The boat chase and then the David Arnold score was the perfect mix.

This is one of the most enjoyable films of all time. Not a single boring moment

I really love the supporting cast of the Brosnan era. Judi Dench , Samantha Bond, Colin Salmon, Michael Kitchen, and even John Cleese as the new Q. Everyone in that era made that world and they had their own personalities all of which complemented Brosnan's Bond.

as someone born in 1991 , this was the first Bond film my dad let me watch when I was 10 on VHS. Really made me fall in love with the series (though of course he covered my eyes at some of the kissing parts haha). I had the N64 game too , and then it cemented my love for the series. It's still fun for me, and Brosnan stands tied with Craig for my favorite bond.

Honestly every time I even think of Q’s goodbye scene I immediately cry. I just love him so much.

Brosnan was just hitting his stride when Die Another Day derailed everything.

those debates are always a highlight of your channel, keep em coming

So happy to see this up. One of the best Bonds. Tomorrow Never Die is underrated genius but this is also great. They make a good pair.

Calvin is leading the front lines of the Brosnaissance

Great video as always! I know you guys tend to run fluidly between topics, but time stamps covering broader aspects (plot, fashion, music, Bond actor performance etc) would just be an added feature in future that would definitely work. Thanks again

Excellent in depth discussion of a very under appreciated entry in the franchise! When you and Calvin do an epic discussion on any Bond film it is pretty much the definitive study - so this is a terrific start to the New Year! And yes - without a doubt - now that Craig has ridden off into the sunset there is a much greater appreciation for the lighter breezier Brosnan era. All of the Brosnan Bonds ( yes, even DAD!) are fun and terrific family entertainment and are all done in a very classic style which - like the Connery films - I bet will really stand the test of time. If Barbara and Michael really want to know which direction they should go from here and what people are CRAVING from James Bond films they should make their lives easier and just watch these films again. All four of them really combine the best of Connery and Moore and give us exactly what we all really want from a James Bond movie. As much as we all love the Craig films - that “fun “family factor does somehow seem to be missing from some of them. I mean - can you imagine a Christmas 20 years from now when a family is sitting around the living room saying “ Hey get the wine and popcorn- let’s all watch No Time to Die again!!”

I do feel like TWINE has a tonal issue where the serious somber stuff sometimes clashes too much with the fun. And I think it has some pacing issues with the narrative. Not to mention the romance is a bit hard to buy into because it has to happen so fast and it feels based solely on sympathy and protectiveness. That said, I don’t hate it. It has many great parts and Brosnan is the perfect Bond. And you guys gave a great defense for the movie.

3:24 Die Another Day was so horrible that people associate the Brosnan era as not that great. Its really unfair to Pierce because he was consistently great as Bond in all the movies.

I found David’s comments about Elektra interesting, especially having recently re-read the novelization of the film that Raymond Benson did. Because in that, which was based on a slightly earlier draft of the script than the film used, her being manipulative is 100% the case. It made me re-watch the film in a different light during my rewatch of it at Christmas. And the novelization really lays out, too, how underwritten Christmas Jones was as a character. Denise Richards gets the blame, and her performance doesn’t help in places, but the script really didn’t give her much to work with.

I’m so excited to see this upload! I love these “debates” with Calvin!

never wanted to climb into the screen more for this great discussion! On the "i take pleasure in great beauty" scene I would suggest his reason for sleeping with her is in that exact line. This is Bond`s coping mechanism for trauma and he thinks it can work for her too. He wants to comfort her (connecting directly back to Bond touching the computer screen scene) and this is what he knows works for him (connecting directly to the final scene with Jones which is absolutely only that, taking pleasure because they have no other interest in each other). On the M scene watching Elektra get shot i also love it. Its the 1st time M has to watch Bond do the dirty work she sends him out to do and the reality of the harshness of that reality is plastered all over M`s face. Contrary to you both I also liked the "instinct as a mother" scene cause of how beautifully Brosnan and Dench play off of each other, how he expertly changes the tone in his voice to make her open up, like the cunning spy he is. I could go on, so many great scenes!!!

The Renard and Elektra dynamic is seen in The Dark Knight Rises with Bane and Talia/Miranda. Saw a similar torture device in an episode of Brokenwood Mysteries that was used to kill a guy.

TND was the 1st Bond I watched. TWINE was the first one I watched get made. Starting with the title reveal they built a website where they posted the little production featurettes and blogs from the cast and crew and the trailers. I checked that website every day for over a year and watched everything on it dozens of times. And when the movie came it out, it did not disappoint.

More Calvin and David debates please.

Love TWINE. One of those entries i keep coming back to. It's sophie marceau's performance and arc as the tragic love interest/ultimately main villain, robbie coltrane's (R.I.P) return as valentin, the great boat and ski chases, etc. A fun little gem just like TND, tucked away between goldeneye and die another day, the more remembered of the brosnan era

This video is fantastic, you guys showing respect to Brosnan brings me so much joy. He has always been my favorite james bond, my childhood hero

Pierce Brosnan is a stud. I’ve had a crush on him since I was a young girl and saw him in Mrs. Doubtfire. He has also aged well. Loved his role in the Will Ferrell comedy Eurovision Song Contest. I also love this film - it is my favorite Brosnan film although Goldeneye might be better made/directed.

Watching you guys break down Bond films is like comfort food. Keep up the great work.

Another nice conversation guys :) I'v always been torn towards TWINE. It is the first Bond film I saw at the cinema so for that alone it holds a special place in my heart. I would lie however if I said that it blew me away and the reasons why I was miffed as a 8 year old kid are pretty much the same reasons why I have some qualms as a 31 year old: the tonal inconsistencies, the clunky dialogues and "meh" action scenes once the pre-title sequence is over. I don't have a lot of fundamental issues with that film (other than poor Christmas Jones, that character should not exist, no matter who plays her), it's more the execution that I find lacklustre. i think one or two scenes between Elektra and Bond could have helped, as well as going easy on the slapstick comedy. But all in all, I'm still fond of that film, it's another 90s classic, Brosnan is excellent for the most part, and the Thames chase is one of the action highlights of the entire series.

Love how positive you both were about this film. I was braced for David tearing it apart, but so nice to see a celebration of this movie that is so often placed low on Bond rankings! Bring on the Brosnaisance!

The interaction between Moneypenny and Dr. Molly Warmflash always makes me laugh. After Moneypenny tweaks her and walks offscreen, the doctor follows her offscreen looking like she's going to deck Moneypenny.

I remember skiing in Chamonix in 2002 and seeing Pierce's ski double come flying past our group - looking just like the film ! He was a local legend

Let the Brosnaissance continue

David, thank you your work and effort…the quality and time you put into this great passion of ours is beyond words, keeping the flame alive, thanks brother and greets from Amsterdam!!

I’d love to watch Bond films with you guys. Add Joe Darlington in there too. Love the conversation and insights.

Well underrated

The coolest Bond of all time, admit it we all wanted to be him growing up

It's my favourite Brosnan Bond film. When Bond said " You are not retiring any time soon, are you?" It always touches me.

This was the first Bond movie I can remember not feeling very satisfied with. LOVE the soundtrack (Garbage's song is SO good), and the opening is fantastic. But Renard's gimmick of not feeling pain...he can hold hot rocks...no other payoff at all. This was also the movie where Brosnan's mannerisms started to really bug me, but he's probably my least favorite Bond. There's so much in the movie I like, but just as much that I don't. But it's been years, maybe I should give it another go.

keep these videos coming guys love the chemistry between you two!

I met Henrik Larsson at a showing in Scotland for this movie! Just goes to show the popularity of the movies that footballers from Sweden go out to see them!

My sons first name is Pierce. That’s no accident.

There's a great bit in the boat chase where Bond comes up from being underwater and streams water from his mouth. It's one of those big screen moments that you can miss on TV

Regarding the believability of Dr. Christmas Jones, I have to say that I've known many types like her in real life (even in my own family). Having studied in several top universities and visited many others, there's absolutely nothing impossible about characters like her...they exist! Especially today it's young women who are really driven and focused on getting these achievements...and fast. Why on earth wouldn't a young woman have done her doctorate? The schools I've gone to they push them out like on a conveyor belt, they're out at 25-28 years old... (Some even younger...they might manage a base degree in 4 years and then some fast-track their doctorate in a few years, so if they got into university at 18 or 19...) And the part about being in Russia doing some field work? That's actually the opposite of unrealistic IMO, because that's certainly something that happens: that's where these young, fresh doctors are sent or volunteer for: the stuff that pays horribly and are in places old guys don't want to go to, that totally lack any modern comforts let alone high-class western hotels and fine restaurants! She's a young woman who has just got her doctorate, and she won't get any top gigs yet at university (she could either get a low-level grinding job at university or a base position in some corporation) but young people will absolutely go for these adventurous gigs which give them an nice plus on their CV! Having worked in Russia as an ex-pat I know this kind of stuff absolutely does happen: Russians hire foreign consultants for _everything_ . Or it's an international organisation's operation and they need some western representative there to do a little something but mostly just monitor stuff, but it's not really something that needs massive experience, they just someone who ticks the boxes, has the formal on-paper qualifications so they can tell their Russian counterparts that they got the right person in place. All they need is someone who knows how to work according to western standards and is someone they can trust (a non-Russian). So they hire them almost like interns, just with qualifications. The pay is usually bad, but they get all expenses taken care of and a bit of a salary, and they get interesting work, and as I said it's a good mark on their CV...a lot better than the early-career low level grind they'd face back home. Young people like the adventure and will put up with being in the middle of nowhere for a few weeks, even months.

I think the context of him having done a lot of research makes it more real regarding Elektra, plus it helps make the betrayal more pronounced.

Great discussion! Made me revisit the film for the first time in ages. Thoroughly enjoyed it! A pure Bond adventure from start to finish. And that fantastic score is the icing on the cake!

I really love that opening song

Great discussion, as always. For me, this one falls in the interesting but not perfect category like TND and YOLT. If you just accept its flaws, and they are there, then you will enjoy it more after a few watches. One of my favourites to discuss as well, for that reason.

I'm kinda surprised that you guys didn't dwell a little more deeply into the OHMSS angle. A lot of the Bond actors have at least one film that is sort of a direct sequel/strong connection/answer to Lazenby's film: FYEO, LTK, and more or less, NTTD. This one is Brosnan's attempt, and I'm willing to bet Brosnan asked the producers to do a more (or semi) serious film that was more like Majesty's, after the zany TND Examples: Brosnan's Bond has a fondness for Elektra, because she reminds him of Tracy. The snow chase, her callousness in the casino, her quickness to jump into bed: all traits Teresa had. Also, when Bond is asked by Elektra if he ever lost a loved one, one probably could take that as a reference to Tracy, even though casual audiences at the time may have thought he was thinking of Paris Carver. Also, the film's title coming from Bond's genealogy research from Majesty's.

49:10 to me it was obvious. There is no way Renard just fell for Elektra out of sympathy. Clearly the persona of Elektra had a way of getting into the heads of men and thats how she survived when she was captured in the first place. Now having said that, Sophie Marceau played it to perfection.

Such an underrated Bond film. One ding I will give it, and in fact, the same thing applies to Goldenye and Tomorrow Never Dies is that nothing in the film-proper comes anywhere near the pre-credits for action and excitement.

2:57 People never shut up about Goldeneye. Come on. Everyone talks about Goldeneye. And Brosnan was a good Bond. He came off as a mixture of all the previous Bonds. Similar looks to Dalton, the wry wit and hint of camp from Moore, and the swagger and shadow of Connery. But he was also the "safest" Bond we have ever had. Everyone. EVERY ONE. wanted him for Bond back when Dalton took the role, which is the real reason, Calvin, that Dalton was maligned in his time. He wasn't Brosnan. Siskel and Ebert even have a infamous segment on this very subject when talking about Dalton's first outing as Bond. Brosnan was a fine Bond. His movies are very hit or miss. Lots of "stuff" to like, sure. Goldeneye is his strongest Bond outing. Tomorrow Never Dies, again, lots of fun bits and set pieces, but it never quite rises above the sum of its parts. Bond and Mei Ling just don't have any sexual chemistry, yet they try to push that typical Bond ending. The World is Not Enough, is... Kinda dull. Again, it has some great set pieces, some great individual moments, but even growing up I never found it a particularly compelling film. Die Another Day starts off fairly strong, with a great idea... That they then abandon entirely. Having Bond be on the run, on his own, without the support of MI6.... That would have been great. it's a shame that his swan song film is such a letdown. Instead of embracing the legacy of Bond with a lot of great practical work and having a really well done Spy Thriller, it's a gadget heavy, effects heavy, completely nonsensical story. Moonraker without any of the charm of Moonraker. Halle Berry is a charima vacuum, and, again, almost no charisma with Brosnan. For me the biggest problem with his entire era is, a lot of interesting ideas and setups, but seldom do they really pay off well. Honestly Brosnans second best outing was "Everything or Nothing" on Gamecube.

I intended to check the first few minutes of this before popping in the actual film, but then almost 2 hrs went by in a flash. Turns out this chat served as my feature presentation for the evening...well done, gents!

These two are gold together

I hope these two do Spectre and Diamonds are Forever at some point

What a fun discussion! TWINE is my favourite Bond film. So great to hear other people's takes on it. Love these videos guys!

Look up 'SAUVE' in the Oxford English Dictionary it describes Peirce Brosnan 007

This is the best performance of Brosnan as Bond, he is better than the material given to him in this movie. Also, having a female main villain was a nice touch too. In addition, Denise Richards was fine as Dr. Jones, these movies are part fantasy, not gritty drama. It also helps that I was a big fan of Denise back in the day!

TWINE is underrated. Brosnan is so good in it

This film was my first theatrical Bond experience, at a run down one screen theater in a tiny strip mall that no longer exists in Milwaukee. One of the best memories I have of going to the movies with my dad when I was a kid and what made me a die hard Bond fan.

Really excellent debate as always. These debates really are my fave content and always add so many new perspectives of the films. Agree the ending with Renard falls flat, but other than that I love this film. Saw it in the cinema as a teenager and should be one I watch more tbh. Thanks both for all the great content, Bond dream team!!

I just finished watching this film today for the first time in I belive ten years. I must admit I did not remember all too much however this film for me is a pure classic. From the opening gun barrel to the credits I just enjoyed it. Brosnan is underrated and this film proves it

It warms my heart to see so many say that they have TWINE in their top ten. I'd personally go as far to say top five for myself (really top three probably but I'll stop at five).

I'm in full agreement. The World Is Not Enough is one of my all time favorites!

My favorite Brosnan Bond film. Goldeneye is incredible but in a way a little bit safe. Tomorrow Never Dies never connected with me as strongly as some of you and Die Another Day lost me almost totally. It’s this one that really works for me on almost every level. Brosnan fully comes into his own here. Great theme song, killer action sequences, a fun cast all around with some truly beautiful women, and a strong villain.

"she's the doubletaking pigeon of TWINE" Me (an enjoyer of doubletaking pigeons and Christmas Jones): "Oh, I see, you think that's a bad thing." Another awesome debate, keep it up guys!

Hi guys, this film is my favourite Brosnan bond film from start to finish its brilliant, bond falling in love with gorgeous sophie and then she turns out to be the villain I just really love. Denise I love also and should get more love, the pre titles is amazing as is the the title music. Having M in the film more is fantastic, yeah I just really love this film and for me is definitely his best bond film.

Always a pleasure to listen to these two gentlemen.

It is definitely underrated/just now starting to get more appreciation. I'd say it was ahead of its time in many ways, Elektra being the villain is really subversive and something the Brosnan era did way before Craig films. The film feels very global and Bond-esque, but yet it maintains to seem feasible and somewhat realistic in way the story and plot unfolds. I do still think Denise Richards was badly miscast and the tone flip flops couple of times badly between seriousness and comedy. But underrated film and Brosnan is very good in it.

I don't understand all the hate towards this one. I can get why Die Another Day gets a lot of hate even though I like that film, but The World is Not Enough is a great bond film! Probably the best of the Brosnan era!

Saw this at the theaters on a school field trip. Everyone liked it! I can stick up for everyone’s most common hate, which is Christmas Jones. Her same type of character is in a lot of 007 films. It’s perfectly fine.

The first and only female main villain. My favorite villain in the whole series. Incredible film, Brosnan is at his best.

Some of the most epic bondian chords at the end of Electra’s theme

I remember a friend of mine at school who was usually reliable with movie rumours claimed, in the year preceding TWINE, that a henchman in the movie would be a Falconer. He'd have a falcon that pecked out people's eyes. Not sure where he got that from! Just a fun memory I have!

The World Is Not Enough is my favorite Bond film and probably forever will be.

Never let them see you bleed. Never let them know they hurt you. It gives them ammunition. Particularly important since, at some point, Bond allows Elektra to know about his shoulder. It was just supposed to be a little foreshadowing, but because Desmond died right after the premier, I think we tend to look deeper into it. I don't believe this was intended as his last scene in the series, but it definitely works.

Great to have another debate with you two!

This movie was a great theater experience for me back in the day I still love this movie. No time to die I have disowned

If you remove Denise Richards, The World is Not Enough is neck and neck with Goldeneye. This movie did not need a proper Bond girl. Elektra King was legit.

This is my personal favorite Bond movie, glad to see you guys tackle it!

I agree with the submarine sequence David, it almost feels a bit like once red grant has been bumped off in from Russia with love. Nothing wrong with what follows but it’s almost a bit through the motions. Also warmflash is the doctor in this film, the thunderball doctor I believe was Patricia

Do you think that now with the more grounded era of Daniel Craig that we view older bond films differently. Back in the fantasy heyday, Christmas Jones was viewed as a fantasy figure and not to be taken seriously ?

I consider Renard and Elektra to be what I call a "partnership" where both have equal billing as the main villain. This also applies: to Klebb and Kronsteen, Orlov and Khan, Whitaker and Koskov.

Some facts I pulled off the wiki about elektra king so In the novelisation, Elektra does not die immediately after she's shot by Bond. Instead, as she lies dying on the bed, she begins to sing a lullaby. The film's original ending had Elektra survive her gunshot wound and was recovering in hospital, where she was visited by Bond. The ending was changed because it was considered too downbeat.