Three star

IF I'd actually enjoyed this glossy Bond film, I would have given it the full five.

Indeed, if I'd seen it on the big screen, and not on the television dwarfed by my bookcase, I might have been bowled over by the super-impressive action scenes and gone the whole hog.

But I burnt out on Bond films around the time of Moonraker, and find it hard to get involved in 007's antics anymore, although the rugged gorgeousness of Pierce Brosnan does make it a little easier.

My commitment has also been impaired by Mike Myers, whose Austin Powers spoofs far outshine the ludicrous element of any Bond film, and the special effects aren't far behind either.

When M advises Bond, newly set free from North Korean torturers that 'While you were away, the world changed', she's not really reflecting on power balances, but issuing a warning about the man with thick glasses, a tight blue suit and a frilly shirt standing right behind him.

This is the 20th Bond film, and true fans who wince at the Austin usurper, will love it.

It's got tank races, an ice-palace, terrifying fencing scenes, gene meddling, escapes galore and of course the Bond beauties Halle Berry and Rosamund Pike.

True fans with more time than sense can also enjoy a bumper 10 hours of extras.

SCC