Chateau Lloyd

Having chugged through the James Bond franchise over the last few weeks, I feel comfortable saying that Pierce Brosnan has a credible claim at being the best 007.

Timothy Dalton made a good tough guy, but he was almost completely lacking in charm.  Brosnan is awash in charm, and carries himself with a breezy reserve that hints at mystery, yet he can also pull of a cold rage.  The tank chase scene in Goldeneye derives much of its entertainment power in Brosnan's amused yet serious expression.  He's serious, but also knows that the whole scenario if absurd.  That kind of perspective is what makes him a credible secret agent.

That's particularly important because Bond requires the actor to not only be a good liar, but allow him to convey he knows he is lying and doesn't care.

As for the plot of Goldeneye, it is very much rooted in its time, which makes it one of the best of the series.  The bitter holdouts of the Soviet regime, Western retrenchment and even the feminization of the intelligence service makes it one of the more compelling stories.