Bond Deconstructed

Rating: 10/10 (30 December 2018)

James Bond is a classic franchise to me, I grew up with it and have loved it for as long as I can remember. Casino Royale isn't the bond film I necessarily grew up with but given how different and darker it was from any other film that came before I think it was better that I waited till I was older to watch it. Casino Royale is one of my most respected Bond films and to date remains my 2nd favourite in the franchise (right behind Skyfall)
The first thing to talk with about this film is Bond himself, Played masterfully by Daniel Craig in an amazing performance. Seeing him in a vulnerable state and a less experienced character made him a lot more investing as character and made it seem less cinematic and more of a grounded portrayal. Daniel Craig was the perfect choice for this new iteration, his performance was some of the finest acting in the 50 year franchise in a variety of scenes that require him to play the character at his best and worst. He's be bond for as long as I can remember and it'll be sad to seem him leave the role.
The tone was also something I loved about this film. The lighthearted as more carefree bond isn't really a character who I want to see in a modern setting and I think this more grounded portrayal was exactly what the character needed. Martin Campbell's direction played a large part in this, he creates the films perfect tone with his restrained touch that allows the actors performances to breathe and allow the action sequences to be clear and easy to behold. Like many other things in this film, the directing is some of the series best.
The films also sports an excellent supporting cast. Vesper was an excellent love interest and one of played of bond perfectly. It was very easy to believe the bond that the two characters come to share all thanks to the excellent writing and perfect chemistry between Craig and Green. Mads Mikkelsen is one if today's best actor and one who is born to play a villainous role. He manages to exude confidence and a real threat level with very little dialogue, managing to convey it all through his eyes and slight movements. Despite it being a reboot I'm so glad Judi Dench remained on as M, she's the definitive version of the character and plays of Craig in a way no other character can.
Casino Royale is a love letter to bond while managing to be a completely different experience than any other entry in the series. The complete reinvention of the character was exactly what the series needed and made Craig an instant fit for the role. It made Bond more of a cohesive franchise with more of a character at its centre. It's one of my favourite action films and one of bonds best films.
10/10 - A+ (Incredible)