30 Second Bottom Line: In the 20th installment of the Bond franchise, James Bond must face his most challenging battle yet - defeating two of the world's most dangerous criminals whose goal is to cause a war of catastrophic proportions.

Story Line: After an unsuccessful attempt to infiltrate a minefield in the demilitarized zone separating North and South Korea during a diamonds for arms deal, Bond (Brosnan) must prove to himself and his M-16 associates that he can still save the world.

After escaping the clutches of M-16, the British spy service, who think that he's of no use any longer, Bond begins his mission to bring down a billionaire diamond dealer named Gustav Graves (Stephens) and his partner Zao (Yune), without permission from M (Dench). He follows them to many international sites including Havana, London, Iceland and eventually back to the North Korea/South Korea border. Bond believes they intend to cause mass casualties and gain global domination.

During his adventure, Bond meets two colorful women, Jinx (Halle Berry) and Miranda Frost (Rosamund Pike). Bond and Jinx, a CIA assassin, build on what starts as a romance as they begin to realize that they are both after the same thing, stopping Gustav and Zao. The other woman in Bond's life is Miranda Frost, Gustav's right hand woman, who also begins to take an interest in Bond.

Tell Me More About It: From the opening scene, it is apparent that Die Another Day is different from all the other Bond movies. Darker in tone than any other Bond film, 007 doesn't get away from the bad guys in the first scene, and undergoes torture for eighteen months before being rescued. For once, he also has a personal agenda for revenge, as well as wanting to save the world - all without the permission of M-16. What makes Bond so compelling in Die Another Day, is that we see him as more than just a device for witty lines and action scenes, but as someone who is very smart and extremely dedicated to his profession.

The dialogue, acting and quantity of action is at a higher standard in this film than the last Bond film, The World is Not Enough, but it is not as well rounded as Brosnan's Bond debut in GoldenEye. Adding to that statement, Halle Berry as Jinx is fantastic as a strong and smart woman who Bond falls for along with the adventure. Her character is a much more believable female sidekick than Denise Richards was in the last film. It is no surprise that talks are already in progress for Berry to have a spin-off movie based on her role as Jinx in Die Another Day.

As Gustav, the psycho billionaire, Toby Stephens brings a scary elegance to the role of the main villain. Rick Yune also provides a skillful portrayal of evil in the role of Gustav's sadistic sidekick, Zao. Yet even though the villains are played well by both actors, their roles really don't stand out as memorable as many Bond villains have been in the past. Don't forget to look out for a brief and fun cameo by Madonna as a fencing instructor - she sure needed this role after Swept Away!

Are there faults with this Bond - or is it perfect? Truth be told, it does have some faults. While often times very good, the special effects at times look too unrealistic, especially one scene when Bond rides over a cliff in Iceland. Also, the second half of the film, while interesting, doesn't keep up the same level of momentum as the fantastic first half. And adding to the second statement, the ending of the film drags too much. Do all of these factors make this an unenjoyable movie? Absolutely not, the movie is a fun two hours. Is the plot over the top and a bit ludicrous? Of course it is, but that's part of the fun of a Bond film after all. Being a bit silly is part of the Bond film experience.

The highlight of the film is hands down the sword fight between Gustav and Bond. It begins as a friendly fencing fight before escalating into a battle of egos until someone sheds blood. The scene is a pure adrenaline rush and deserves to go on the list of all time `best sword fight scenes.' The intriguing first half of the film, where Bond must regain his fading identity, helps make this film a bit more original than some Bond films and the chemistry between Berry and Brosnan is exceptional.

adventures, it's still classic 007 fare, complete with witty one liners, a cool spy attitude, high tech gadgets and a great leading performance by Brosnan. As a matter a fact, Pierce Brosnan is the best James Bond since Sean Connery, and in this movie he delivers at the highest level. Ever since becoming James Bond in GoldenEye, Brosnan has been one of the most exciting actors on screen (The Thomas Crown Affair was classic). For a fun, sometimes adrenaline pumping thrill ride, Die Another Day is the film to see. And remember - get it shaken, not stirred.

Pierce Brosnan: Tomorrow Never Dies
Rick Yune: The Fast and The Furious
Halle Berry: Monster's Ball
Toby Stephens: Possession
Judi Dench: The World is Not Enough

James Bond: Pierce Brosnan	M: Judi Dench
Jinx: Halle Berry	Gustav Graves: Toby Stephens
Miranda Frost: Rosamund Pike	Zao: Rick Yune