GoldenEye

This movie began the weird Bond-series tradition of changing some players while retaining others. The old Q is still banging around here, but Judi Dench steps in as the new M, and of course Brosnan quickly secures the role of Bond as his very own. The six-year layoff between films was, apparently, good for everyone; the production is back to its usual standards, Russia plays prominently once again (as a post-Cold War venue, but it still had some of the old juice), and the gadgetry--sorely missing in the last two films--returns to its usual role. Most noticeably, there’s fun to be had here, the lack of which was a major deficiency in the Dalton movies. No wonder a tottering enterprise was able to save itself, not just to continue but to achieve future excellence.

Flightplan

Welcome to the not-so-friendly skies. The story is run of the mill thriller folderol, and it takes a while to lift itself above its cloudy beginning, but this film has a major asset in Jodie Foster, who still has her top-notch acting chops and remains believable through all the hubbub. Don't expect brilliance--you just get an enjoyable ride.

The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring

Upon a second viewing I conclude that this film is indeed as good as I originally thought. The differences from Tolkien's story don't deviate so much as fill in the blanks. The only negative note: Cate Blanchett is awful as Galadriel.

Ronin

A nice bit of work from Frankenheimer, about disaffected and drifting former spies in post-Cold War Europe. Alternately action-packed and tense and moody, it keeps you engaged. And it's nice to see DeNiro playing someone who is not in the Mafia…though he's still not a choir boy here.