thefilmguru reviews: Casino Royale

Rating: 9/10 (23 November 2006)

Do you know, i wouldn't blame you for calling me sad when i say i have seen this film 3 times and am going another 3. Its just great though. Its such a cli che but i do like it every time i see it.
Daniel Craig is Bond. If he had brown hair he would be the closest to Ian Flemings' Bonds look and character there has ever been. Harsh, ruthless and more realistic. I mean, if you work for MI6, you're going to expect to get your hands dirty right? Right.
Its just set piece after set piece, memorable scene after memorable scene, i couldn't pick out a bit for you now, but i can pick out a few. The machetti fight down the stairs; exhilarating. The Poker Game; Probably the best scene(s) in the whole movie, people say its too slow paced, which it is but in a blood pumping way. The crane fight; it gave me vertigo. Miami Airport; this is the first time i felt "My god, i love this film". I felt that about 3 times during it.
The bond girls are great, great acting and great characters. Bond also has such a raw sense of humour and...yey! Its actually funny! In other bonds he was trying too hard and it was just too cheesy but now, all 3 times i went, the whole cinema was in uproar! Oh, and don't get me started on the bad guy. Okay fine you have me started now...Le Chiffre looks stereo typical at first, with his scar and accent, but he is so not, he is so original. The good thing is, you feel like he could actually give bond some trouble, but at the same time, you feel like he is intimidated by bond. Also you feel like Bond IS in trouble for once, so again, its more realistic.
The script is great, and the story is great, lots of my family say its the first bond they have fully understood, enjoyed, and been at the edge of their seat at.
The directing / cinematography is great and keeps you guessing / exhilarated and sets the tone.
Basically, all i have to say is that i thought this film was so good, it out beat Bond Himself. every time someone went "Bond" or "James" in the film i was like oh yeh! Its a bond film! I was like that because this is just so much better than a bond film. Its in another league. Move aside Impossible Mission Force, and move aside Jason Bourne. Here is Bond. James Bond.