A New Generation of Bond...

Rating: 9/10 (7 January 2007)

I myself held much apprehension for the future of the Bond series when it was revealed Daniel Craig was to be the new Bond. For me Pierce Brosnan encapsulated all that was Bond, having grown up with him in the role; the two characters were as different as i could possibly imagine, even down to a simple thing like hair colour. I don't even think to say that depending on how Casino Royale turned out, the complete series could have been dead. Especially since the most recent movies (since golden eye at least) had lacked flair and a descent story, something they had tried to cover up with exaggerated plots and futuristic pieces of kit.
That is where the new movie re-invented itself. They had replaced a common face figure, Brosnan, with a relatively unknown - something I now consider to be have a stroke of genius. To continue its success the series needed to change something which had become lacklustre, and by bringing in Craig they gave themselves a completely clean slate on which to work. From this they got back to basics and gave the film what the recent ones lacked, starting with a magnificent story line. It grips you for the entirety of the two hours it lasts, I didn't switch off once to consider visiting the toilet once, or even notice that thanks to my slanted posture the sensation in my bum had gone. This class shows even through to the ending, whereby they have replaced the token 'They snuggle alone in paradise' ending (which I must say had become rather, well cheesy) with something that tugs at your heart strings and leaves you wanting to know whats next. On top of this they have developed action scenes that genuinely thrill you. They do this all without the need for futuristic cars, or arctic car chases, this is all replaced by Daniel Craigs finesse and energy. The first action scene, which I won't spoil, uses the basic idea of a chase and develops it into something much more, with stunts however exaggerated, you really believe Daniel Craig is capable of. This, together with the addition of believable enemies, a great array of 'Bond Girls', and inspired direction by Martin Campbell, brings the viewer a refreshing and tasteful action thriller that really impresses. The only down side I can see in this film is that the ending does feel slightly prolonged, but I can understand why it was done so. I urge anyone that hasn't already done so to watch this film, even if you aren't a fan of the previous Bond series, since it really is a true development on what was a dwindling era. Even from the opening screen with the black and white introduction to our new Bond, and the suave animation that follows, you know that something has changed.
In conclusion there is not much else I can say about this film, besides that the fact that it even manages to turn what was a 48hr poker game, into scenes of genuine excitement and tension that leave you on tender hooks. As each hand advances you really can feel the emotion that rushes through Craig, and even come to mistake it for your own...this alone pays the film all the tribute it needs.
Jacoshever