Dark, Reckless Ambition

As soon as he emerges from the ocean, dripping and cocky, you can see his superior acting skills. And even if you dont see them, you better get used to seeing him bare-chested and coming out of many oceans in the future. Daniel Craig is James Bond and after seeing him in his 007 debut this morning, I'm certain he's here to stay.




Casino Royale has a very turbulent history. You can browse any of the movie databases or 007 sites to explore the drama surrounding this movie, which started in the 60's. Its amazing that now, 40 years later, it is showing up on the screen as Flemming had intended. Like many hero sequels and series have done recently, Casino Royale is a prequel, Bond before being admitted into the Licensed To Kill arena.

Its a formula right? Villan, girl, techno-wiz, capture, escape, girl? Wrong. Of course those elements are there but those used to the famliar tempo will be left feeling a little out of equilibrium. For those used to smooth talking, grace under pressure Bond, well, you too will feel a little off-balance. This Bond is visceral, darker, more prone to mistakes and wildly ambitious. Frankly, I think this is how Bond was intended to be, pre-franchise.

The slick production style, shiny story veneer and techno-wiz have been stripped off for deeper character development and some very intense action leaving everyone roughed up and in uncertain territory.

I was impressed not only with Craig's physical transformation but his acting and the fact that he opted to do most of his own stunts. Eva Green scores as the girl and of course who could ever be M but Judi Dench.

Casino Royale is my new favorite Bond flick. My guess is that it will wildly cheered by others, considering most of the 200 seats in my theatre contained a warm body at 10am this morning.


9.5/10

Casino Royale