I wanted to love this movie, but....

Rating: 7/10 (6 January 2007)

I adore the James Bond franchise. I was in love with Pierce Brosnan. I wanted that feeling to continue, so I wanted to love this movie, but... despite some great action sequences, great acting by the leads and supporting cast, I just couldn't embrace it for one reason- Daniel Craig. IMHO, despite his buff bod, he is just not handsome enough- too grizzled, too old (for this to be his first 00 mission), too edgy (what's with the spiky hair?). That may be the appeal to some viewers, but I like my Bonds smooth, debonair and darkly handsome. Still wish Clive Owen had got the job. I missed the humour so prevalent in the franchise previously (I laughed only once during the entire film), missed the gadgets, missed having a Bond that made me wish I was the chick making out with him! That said, I have to admit that the story was good and also that Craig is a fine actor who brings a different Bond personality to life credibly. It's just not the Bond character that I wish to see. Sean and Pierce, I miss you!