Die Another Day (2002)

Taking plenty of futuristic liberties, Die Another Day is certainly colorful as are the opening credits, despite cool special effects that obscure any explanation for a madman's genius intellect. Nevertheless, a vigorous effort to make Bond splashier than ever before is certainly nice to look at. This weekend adventure for Bond feels sillier than past installments but offers splendid cinematography and set pieces that are packed with nifty creativity.

Halle Berry is a joy to look at. However, the inspired scene that has her splashing out of the water in an orange swimsuit isn't given the best camerawork nor the most fitting color arrangement. A sultry sequence shortly thereafter compensates for it, as do two other scenes that have her wearing a pink dress with poor wind resistance and white undergarments that better showcase her complexion and beauty.

Berry's character is elevated to Mr. Bond's unofficial colleague, avoiding eye candy doom unlike our favorite womanizer's previous acquaintances. While little exploration is taken to her character, it's strange to see someone other than Bond be so nested in the action. By the end of the film, the eye candy role becomes confused but Berry shows tender, vulnerable and cheeky qualities throughout that fortify the role.

Overall, Die Another Day is a fitting title. It lacks the sober attraction of previous outings but better serves itself by favoring frivolity and being more self-assured than the confused Goldeneyes that came before it.