Okay, "Tomorrow Never Dies" Wasn't Terrible, But...Bond Girl Issues, Anyone?

So, I braved "Tomorrow Never Dies" last night. Full disclosure: I'm a sucker for a good rom-com, but even I need a little action now and then, and Bond always delivers (sort of). Pierce Brosnan is undeniably charming, even when the plot feels like it was written on a napkin during a really bumpy airplane ride. Jonathan Pryce as the media mogul villain? Chef's kiss. He's delightfully over-the-top evil, the kind you both hate and lowkey want to see foiled in a spectacular, cinematic way. Plus, the whole concept of a media baron starting wars for ratings? A little too real these days, tbh. But let's talk about Teri Hatcher, shall we? Paris Carver is supposedly Bond's ex, and she's married to the villain. I get that she's supposed to be conflicted, but her dialogue felt so incredibly forced and weak. And Michelle Yeoh as Wai Lin? She KICKED ASS. Honestly, why couldn't she have been the main Bond girl from the start? Their fight scene in the Saigon hideout was legitimately awesome. The chemistry between Brosnan and Yeoh felt way more natural and electric. And can we talk about the invisible car? Like, I get it, Q Branch is supposed to be cutting-edge, but that felt a little ridiculous, even for Bond. Though, I will admit, it did lead to some pretty fun action sequences. All in all, it was a decent Bond flick. Not my favorite, not the worst. Definitely worth a watch if you need some explosions and witty banter, but don't expect a groundbreaking cinematic experience. I feel like the story could have been better though, maybe something more believable (okay, maybe that's too much to ask for a James Bond movie, lol). Final thought? More Michelle Yeoh, please! Hollywood needs to learn to write strong, independent female characters who are more than just damsels (or ex-damsels) in distress.