But if you recall, those vintage Bond flicks with Connery and Moore were silly too. Compared to the last few entries in this enduring series (the more traditional, straight-ahead action pics “Tomorrow Never Dies” and “The World is Not Enough”, which fell into the trap of explosions over invention), “Die Another Day” feels much closer in spirit to oldie goldies like “Goldfinger” and “The Spy Who Loved Me”. It is flat-out ridiculous, and for the most part, that is part of its charm. This 20th installment is just a fun time at the movies.

“Die Another Day” also serves up some interesting variations to the aging Bond checklist that leaves our intrepid British agent (Pierce Brosnan) both shaken and stirred. For instance, after the rousing opening sequence (involving hovercrafts and land mines), Bond is captured and tortured for 14 months in a North Korean prison camp - a surprising development for the seemingly impervious Bond, whom we never see under strain or pressure. MI6 chief M (Judi Dench, once again solid), believing Bond has leaked valuable information, all but terminates his status at the agency. Luckily, James is soon back on his feet and romancing frisky NSA agent Jinx (Halle Berry). Berry looks stunning, and makes the best entrance of any Bond girl to date, but her performance is horrible and wincingly out-of-sync with Brosnan’s brand of cool-headed sophistication. Amazing how an actress can be so poor in her first role after winning an Oscar, but Berry pulls off the impossible feat with aplomb.

Bond eventually tracks a British diamond tycoon named Gustav Graves (a delightfully smarmy Toby Stephens), and the two face off in a fencing duel that graduates into a full blown sword-clashing death match (the highpoint of the film). Graves is not a great nemesis, but I just can’t dislike a Bond villain who makes his entrance by parachute. That kind of tongue-in-cheek ingenuity is what true Bond flicks are made of, and “Die Another Day” knows the trade well; later, the preposterous prospect of a hotel composed completely of ice is realized, and Bond finds himself in a car chase over a frozen lake against henchman Zao (Rick Yune), the two exchanging missiles, rockets and gattling gun ammunition. And of course, Bond still has his trademark quips, with just a pinch of sexual innuendo (when asked if he is up to the fencing challenge, he responds “I’ve been known to keep my tip up”).

“Die Another Day” is pure cheese, and purely enjoyable because of it. Unfortunately, it stumbles into complete absurdity during its final stretch with a barrage of choppy visual effects and overcooked action. The old-school Bond spirit that it so charmingly captures earlier on doesn’t mix so well with mediocre CGI, it seems. The fact that “Die Another Day” is so comically over-the-top may not sit well with certain viewers, but I like the kinetic energy that director Lee Tamahori (“The Edge”) has brought to the Bond enterprise. In his fourth outing, Brosnan has come into his own as James Bond, and even reveals a few human shadings in his ultra-smooth portrayal of 007. In addition, John Cleese has adopted the role of Q (from the late Desmond Llewelyn) so splendidly that the obligatory scene of unveiling new gizmos and gadgets is given vibrant new life (look fast for various mementos from past Bond flicks, too).

“Die Another Day” represents James Bond at 40 years old, in his 20th movie, and - with the life-force of those classic Bonds still alive and kicking - in pretty damn good shape.