Reviews by Matt

How exactly did James Bond become 007? That is exactly how the new Bond film, “Casino Royale” opens. Bond has already made his first kill and on his way to number two and the famed “double 0” status. After getting to the prestigious position of “007” Bond (Daniel Craig) then proceeds to, while giving chase to a bomb maker, shoot up an embassy. This doesn’t make “M” (Dame Judi Dench) too happy. He begins a rogue investigation and finds his way to the Bahamas to follow up on a lead. While there he learns of Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelson) He has just lost a lot one of his client’s money and now must get it back. He takes part in a poker game at Casino Royale. Bond, being the best player in the service, is chosen to play and keep Le Chiffre from winning. He his being bankrolled by the treasury, who have Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) watching over Bond and the money that have invested in this poker game. If Bond loses, they will have directly financed terrorism. Talk about high stakes.

I’m going to be honest here, I did not think Daniel Craig was going to be able to pull of Bond. I was not in the group that was angry about the choice because he has blond hair and cannot drive stick (apparently a Bond must). He just never struck me as the type of actor who could give Bond what was needed; a suave coolness, unflappable dedication and an overall fearlessness. Well, I was wrong. Craig may be the best Bond since, dare I say it, Sean Connery. I’m not going to say better then Connery, because that would be blasphemy. He gives us a more sensitive Bond, one who is willing to give up his job and “00” status to be happy. This Bond is not a womanizer. He is not sleeping with every woman who crosses his path, like other Bonds. Craig gives us a Bond that is as cool as any who came before, except for one thing. It is a subdued cool. He never over plays it and keeps it low key. Craig is able to give us a darker Bond, one who struggles with deeper issues that he lets on, but still keeps the wit and humor we have come to know and love.


Another great performance is Eva Green. She plays a Bond girl like no one before her could. She is not instantly won over by Bond. She resists the Bond charm and is not as weak as previous Bond girls. She is strong-willed and capable. She is not one to fall to pieces when things get dangerous. I loved this new take on the Bond girl. She was smart enough to match wits with Bond, but still relies on him to get the job done. Where other recent Bond girls were picked less for their acting ability, Eva Green can act and has the looks to pull of a Bond girl.

One thing that separates this movie from the Bond movies of the past few years is the story. Namely, there is one. This is based on the very first book that Ian Fleming wrote featuring everyone’s favorite member of her majesty’s secret service.
The past few Bond movies have strayed from what Ian Fleming had originally indented. The Bond franchise had become almost as cheesy as the Batman franchise. The stories had become too farfetched and the character of Bond became almost a parody of his former self. This movie brings Bond back to reality. No fancy gadgets, invisible cars, a la Die Another Day, cars with unnecessary features that just happen to save his life in a tight situation. This Bond is grounded in reality and leaves out the laser satellites.

If I have one problem with the movie it is this. It is supposed to be a prequel, but it takes place in modern day. They use cell phones, laptop computers and even make references to 9/11. The first Bond, “Dr. No” was made in 1962, so if you are trying to make this a prequel, then plan the plot accordingly. Other then that minor, and nitpicky issue, this movie is great.

“Casino Royale” redeems the Bond franchise. Sure he is blond and can’t drive a stick shift, but honestly, who the hell cares? This is a good story and Craig plays a damn good Bond. Rarely do I go into a movie thinking one thing and come out thinking another. The choice may have been a risky one, but it paid off in the end. Martini anyone?

9 out of 10
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violent action, a scene of torture, sexual content and nudity.
Runtime: 144 min