Wednesday, April 18, 2007

# 9 - Casino Royale














Finally, the franchise gets its much-needed upgrade (not just an update). This entry throws away the usual nonsensical plot, increasingly absurd gadgets, and unskilled female leads. This is a gritty, emotional, well-made film. Much more Bourne Identity than The Avengers. What’s particularly lovely is that Craig’s Bond goes far beyond martinis and beautiful women – he’s a fully fleshed-out human being for the first time. Sometimes he’s impossibly cruel, other times achingly vulnerable, and finally we understand his attitude towards relationships, MI6, and England. I would argue that (hold your breath) this goes beyond anything Sean Connery ever brought to the role. Ok, feel free to stop reading now. The ending runs too long and is a bit too predictable, and I’ll need a few more Craig outings to officially decide … but I have an inkling we’ve just seen the best Bond, in one of the best Bond films ever.

Critic's Review.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Anyone else notice the similarities in the Casino Royale pic here, and Tammy's pic in the top right corner?

Anonymous said...

Say what you will, it still doesn't touch the 1967 version with David Niven as Bond, Woody Allen as Bond, Peter Sellers as Bond, Ursula Andress as Bond, Terence Cooper as Bond, and Orson Welles as... no, not 007, but he is in it.

Jimmy said...

I still say the Bond Girl reminds me of you, Tammy ;).

I really enjoyed the picture but I take exception with the "nonsensical plot" comment.

[spoilers below]

At the end of the long poker scene I don't understand how Bond/Felix/the CIA let "LeChivre" get away. Wasn't the whole point of beating him, being able to capture him and convince him to flip on the bad guys? How'd he just drive off and kidnap whats'ername?

Also, after all he twists are revealed involving the femail lead - how do any of her previous actions with respect to Bond make any sense whatsoever.