Wildly Overrated; but not because of the v.fine Mr. Craig

Rating: 4/10 (28 March 2007)

So, why only a 4 out of 10? Not because of Daniel Craig, who did a fine job of playing the cool, chiseled, dedicated, daring but always British Bond character (and having an outstanding physique doesn't hurt either). I have issues because the plot is beyond silly and contrived to the point of nonsensical. I'd need to completely spoil the "plot" to list the absurdities, but a couple of oblique examples: The opening chase scene is part Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in a laughable comic book over-the-top fashion. The plot twists don't make sense, especially the one involving the car chase scene toward the end and the subsequent actions which depend upon an outcome to that car chase which can't possibly be counted on in advance (and whose outcome is pivotal to the rest of the movie) (N.B. a Bond movie with car chase scenes? Not giving away much plot here!). So many clichéd plot lines involving drinks! The most boring card game ever filmed! So, this film is so much crap, except for the presence of Mr. Craig, who I hope will be treated to a much better screen play the next go 'round. A mostly wasted M, too, though one faults Judi Dench at their own peril (she was fine). Craig - 9 stars; Cheesy Movie - 0.