Bond and The Truman Show

Rating: 8/10 (23 November 2006)

Like most of the comments I have read, I found the new chunky Bond an excellent movie. Reminded me of 'From Russia with Love', where Connery and Robert Shaw's characters are basically different sides of the same sadistic coin, and 'On her Majesty's Secret Service' with someone who could act in the central role. However, no one has mentioned the absolutely appalling product placement in this film. It didn't help that in the adverts prior to the film we had the two main brands, showing whole chunks of the most exciting bits - that we hadn't seen! - as Bond strutted around displaying their wonderful products. God, when things started we even had a conversation which went something like "That's a classy watch. Rolex?" "No", replies Bond. "It's an OMEGA!" I kept being reminded of Laura Linney's character in the 'The Truman Show'. Near the end, after Bond has just e'mailed a message to M on his Laptop, I expected him to hold it up and, with a beaming expression shout, "Look! I've just sent this e'mail on my super new SONY VAIO. Efficient. Sleek, with a dual atomic processor, and more than enough memory to send even those difficult messages to your Gran. It's surprisingly good value too!" Personally, I think this cold, ruthless even psychopathic Bond's next assignment should be at the marketing departments of these two companies. I'd more than forgive him.