Pierce Brosnan is not Sean Connery, so let us not waste time on what is a mere exercise.

Now a few points regarding the marketing stars of TND: The award for the most discrete product placement (though having paid a handsome sum to have Bond in a commercial), goes to Visa. Those who have seen the film and television advertisement may have, as did I, anticipate seeing a Visa card at a certain point of the film (I don't fancy being a spoiler) but lo and behold -- nothing.

The second place award, for discretion, goes to Smirnoff for having the all-to-recognizable label and lettering at an angle such that one could recognize the product, while it appeared in a fairly natural and appropriate angle and view.

Now the awards for "audience abuse". The first award goes to BMW. (Those of you who've seen TND need no explanation.) The second award goes to what was, until viewing, an unknown contender: Range Rover. For the sake of the Bond film series, nay film itself, I will never purchase either a BMW or Range Rover for the simple fact they lack taste. Product placement should not replace a screenplay.

Now, is TND worth seeing? Well if you can stomach the "silly factor" (recall the Tank chase) in Goldeneye, you will love Tomorrow Never Dies. The first hour or so interesting, indeed promising. Then, as the public demand for flame and fury dictates, it becomes one long chase. Alas, one must remember that the Bond series have long ceased to be "films" but rather a "franchise". (I can't wait to see the consequences of McDonald's spending 100 to 200 million for product placement in a Bond film . . After the pre-title sequence, Bond and M meeting at a London Mickey D's for a briefing . .)

Now, as for the musical score, it is Bond with a big "B". One has to wonder how David Arnold got away with employing what are so clearly the stylings of John Barry; The score is filled with musical moments of Dr. No., Thunderball, and Barry 007 classics. While Monty Norman is given (incorrect) credit for the Bond theme as usual, there is no mention of the man who defined the Bond sound. For those who have viewed TND and enjoy the score there is another, yes, David Arnold CD which you may find of interest: "Shaken and Stirred: The David Arnold James Bond Project" (Sire: 31011).

- C.G.