GoldenEye was effectively a reboot along the same lines as Casino Royale for Craig. But Brosnan had the bigger task being as this was the first post cold-war Bond which, after all defined who he was throughout the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
GoldenEye is a brilliant film.as it straddles this era effortlessly, with some great scenes (the opening on the dam is spectacular) some memorable characters and real soul, which Craig's neoliberal Bond's lack with their nasty mean-spiritedness.
Just my opinion though.