James Bond - Casino Royale - Reviewed

by Alastair Harris

A look at the latest Jame Bond Film.

The latest installment in the popular James Bond series - Casino Royale - stars Daniel Craig as James Bond. Despite some initial criticism of a blonde Bond, Daniel Craig brings new intensity to the role. The opening sequence in particular is so full of energy and life that any worries of Daniel Craig living up to the Bond name is quickly dispelled. That along with his piecing blue eyes make him a perfect successor to the Bond Legacy.

The movie itself is based on Ian Flemings first Bond novel and one can feel that the story line was still yet to find the classic Bond feel. The storyline is a lot deeper than most Bond flicks with bad guys behind bad guys behind bad guys, giving greater depth to the villains and creating many levels in front of the true evil which lurks behind.

Whilst their is new depth to the storyline the problem is it is not what the average Bond fan expects with perhaps too many subplots. Also missing are the gadgets which makes the film seem less Bond.

In an interesting scene Bond comes out of the water (almost as a tribute back to previous Bond films with the ladies coming out of the water - perhaps a highlight on the fact that Men too can be attractive in their own right). There is of course plenty of eye candy for both male and female viewers.

The main scene revolves around Bond playing no limit hold em poker - gone is the classic game of baccarat that most people wouldn't have a clue how to play and in its place the hugely popular no limit poker game.

The cinematography is at a higher level than previous Bond films. My only criticism of the film is the plot is over complicated, perhaps that is to allow for a sequel to further develop the plot. The film seems to try to take in too many different locations, sub-plots and leaves unanswered questions.

The film also tries to develops Bonds character into a genius in regards to computer technology - almost making him a computer geek in fact, perhaps in acknowledgment to the importance of computer technology in the modern world. It doesn't make up for the missing gadgets.

In conclusion - a great Bond Film on the surface, but lacking the heart to make it perfect.