James Bond with fewer toys

Rating: 8/10 (18 June 2002)

Yeah, it has the pacing of a 007 movie but I LIKE James Bond movies. (And I bet you secretly do too.) Willing suspension of belief and all that stuff.
What makes it even better, it can be compared to the early spy movies when you actually thought the good guy has a chance to get hurt. Heck, he does get hurt! The movie doesn't insult your intelligence with a bunch of unbelievable decision making. (You know the sort, "Don't into that dark room, Buffy!") The movie sets up the action that follows by allowing the principals to think their way out of a jam, not just get lucky. The action, by the way, is great escapism.
The cherry on the top of this confection is the locale. It is nice to see the "new" Europe in a distinctly American movie.
Overall, a good movie that has plenty of eye candy, is exciting to watch, has actors actually acting, and is suitable for anyone over, say, the age of 14. (What is up with the ratings board?) Not a bad way to accompany popcorn.