THE NOVEMBER MAN (review)

THE NOVEMBER MAN
Written by Michael Finch and Karl Gajdusek
Directed by Roger Donaldson
Starring Pierce Brosnan, Olga Kurylenko and Luke Bracey

Remember when Pierce Brosnan starred in those really silly James Bond films? Who could forget really? Well, if you were one of the few people who loved him as Bond, then you may rejoice, as Brosnan has finally stepped back into his spy shoes in Roger Donaldson’s new film, THE NOVEMBER MAN.

The film opens in Montenegro in the year 2008. CIA operative, Peter Devereaux (Brosnan), is meeting up with his apprentice, David Mason (Luke Bracey), before they embark on a mission. Before they begin, Devereaux warns Mason of the dangers of becoming romantically involved with someone when doing this dangerous job (foreshadowing, anyone?). Anyways, they go forward with their mission, but Mason screws up, killing an innocent civilian. Supposedly feeling responsible as Mason’s mentor, this propels Devereaux to retire to Sweden. Five years later, Devereaux is called upon to do one last mission. He must escort a woman (Mediha Musliovic) – who just so happens to be his ex-lover and the mother of his child – with criminal information on a politician, out of Russia safely. Once again, things go awry and his old friend Mason is forced to take out Devereaux’s lover. The plot is kind of a mess from this point on.

At times THE NOVEMBER MAN is way too loud; some of the special effects border on ridiculous; and I personally feel like Bracey’s acting is so bad, he might want to consider another career choice. Is anyone really expecting anything different though? Those interested in seeing this are merely looking to see Brosnan throw out a few one-liners and shoot a bunch of guns, and that’s exactly what they’ll get. Brosnan plays this role just as blandly as he last played James Bond in 2002, but if you liked him then, then you’ll like him now. Yes, the film barely makes sense, but it’s never boring and can be somewhat fun at times. Still, character motivations are completely unclear, making it difficult to sympathize with anyone or explain any of their actions. The film is loaded with so many completely unrealistic moments – yes, even for an action movie – that it will have some viewers questioning why these duelling spies don’t just shoot each other and end this farce for the sake of all involved.

Editor’s note: A sequel is already in the works.

Your turn!

How many sheep would you give The November Man?

[kkstarratings]