Firstly, I don’t understand why was The November Man panned by the critics? It’s not as bad as they’ve criticized it. Agreed it’s old-fashioned, but it’s still a watchable espionage thriller that entertains thanks to Brosnan’s uber-cool performance in the titular role. Even a decade after he turned in his Bond badge, Brosnan, 61, still has what it takes to be a suave secret agent and can give some young actors a run for their money. I l liked this film as much as Jack Reacher, another underrated film that was unanimously panned.
Brosnan plays Peter Devereaux, a CIA operative who, in the opening scene advises his young partner David Mason (Luke) about relationships. He explains it in a scenario. “Agent falls in love with girl. Agent runs ‘em up. Girl gets kidnapped. The other guys want to know the agent’s source. What does he do? What do they do to the girl, hmm? You feel the need for the relationship? Get a dog”. But we learn later that Peter has secretly been in a relationship and even has a daughter. And when his former lover is killed in a botched up operation by the agency, he turns rogue and nasty.
In the beginning, set in 2008, Peter impersonates a diplomat to flush out an assassin in an op, which results in the death of a civilian, caused by his trigger-happy partner David. Afterward, Peter hangs up his boots, buys a small café by the lake in Switzerland and settles down. Five years later, he’s wanted for one last assignment.
In 2004, Brosnan was dropped as James Bond, and was subsequently replaced by Daniel Craig. Two years later, he had secured the rights of author Bill Granger’s ‘November Man’ series of spy thrillers with a plan to kickstart his new franchise. Roger Donaldson’s The November Man comes eight years late featuring Brosnan in a role that’s surprisingly very close to his Bond avatar, minus the gadgets. It’s a laidback take on the 007 adventures, especially when you see Brosnan on the run in a tailored suit and turn into a one-man army.
It’s a welcome return for Brosnan to the genre that made him popular. In an age-defying role, Brosnan reminds me of Denzel Washington, who’s The Equalizer I watched recently and realized how awesome both can be in action films even ten years from now.
In an effort to hog the stardom he once enjoyed playing James Bond, Brosnan shines in his role. He’s joined by Bond girl Olga Kurylenko, who gives a spirited performance, in an underwritten role. Thank god for not making them indulge in any silly romantic escapade. Here, Brosnan plays Olga’s protector, who puts his life on the line for her.
The action is impressive, but the story not so much. With a former Bond playing the lead, you feel like you’ve seen better espionage thrillers and this doesn’t quite leave you in awe. There are a couple of exciting scenes when Peter and David turn antagonists, particularly the first time Brosnan saves Olga from a contract killer and a team of agents.
Three stars
