Bullet to Beijing (1995)

This is a movie worth checking out only if you are a die-hard Michael Caine fan, or are open to watching something that is laughable in its silliness. 

In the 1960s, Caine played the role of the spy Harry Palmer in a series of movies based on novels by Len Deighton.  Palmer was projected as the antithesis of James Bond.  He had a working class background, he wore glasses, and was bland to a fault.  There were enough takers for the idea, the movies were a success, and the character built up its own fan following.

Bullet to Beijing was an attempt to revive the character.  It was conceived as the first of two back-to-back movies with Caine reprising the role of Palmer, now as a retired spy.  That wouldn’t have been a bad thing except that the movie is a mess.  The Palmer here is nothing like the Palmer of the earlier movies.  He could have been any old, out-of-work has-been, short on cash.  The movie itself is tonally over the place: it’s hard to make out if it wants to be taken seriously, or as a spoof.

Still, I must admit that I wasn’t bored.  There is a fair bit to be amused about the plot contrivances, and the portrayal of post-USSR Russia.  Most of all, it is the ever-reliable Caine who makes it worthwhile.  He is fun to watch as he embraces the absurdities that keep on piling up, while mouthing lines such as a toast to “market economy and big tits”.