Smashing action sequences but the gambling scenes are too lengthy...

Rating: 7/10 (28 November 2006)

First, let me say that DANIEL CRAIG makes a very believable James Bond and is certainly up to the demands of all the action sequences. What he seems to lack (in between all the brawls and stunts) is the sort of charm that characterized Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan when they weren't engaged in stunts. He has piercing blue eyes, a cold look, a nasty temper when aroused and all the other attributes needed for Bond--but he could work on the charm.
Two more minor complaints: I wasn't at all impressed with either of the Bond girls--each with accents that hindered understanding their words when they whispered--which was often and neither one a great beauty.
And secondly, that theme song under the opening credits added nothing to the credits which were, in themselves, stunning to look at with gorgeous graphic art. The song was a complete throwaway and "you know my name" was about the only phrase I could decipher from the lyrics sung at full blast.
Other than that, no complaints except that the gambling scenes went on a little too long--with some exciting intervals between playing a card game involving millions which Bond had to prevent from going to fund terrorist activities. All of the Bond action scenes were superb, the best of their kind, with realistic beatings and risks being taken at full steam ahead. How anyone managed not to get injured during the making of this film, I'll never understand. Those stunt players (and Craig himself) deserve kudos for what they pull off here in the way of action-filled moments. One of the most memorable is the chase up and down construction sites that gets the story off to a flying start.
JUDY DENCH does a great job as "M", giving Bond a tongue-lashing for what she calls his overgrown ego that is stifling his judgment. I've seen better villains in other Bond films and nothing particularly memorable here to make me change my mind--except that the torture scene is almost unbearable to watch.
Overall, it's a stunning Bond action film with just an occasional lag but it manages to hold interest throughout with some choice bits of editing and direction. And DANIEL CRAIG comes through with flying colors except for that one ingredient--sophisticated charm. He could work on that as he grows into the part.