Stonking re-energising of a tired franchise

Rating: 9/10 (21 October 2007)

Now that it's long since out, and a triumph, it's easy to look back and assume that it was always going to be a huge success, but it wasn't always sothere were plenty of Craig-haters and I'm proud to say I was never one of them. If you haven't watched this fantastically entertaining film by now, really where have you been? Watching some old Bourne nonsense? What's wrong with you!
The way in which everything about Bond is different in "Casino Royale" is well illustrated by an early chase sequence: Bond comes face to face with the object of his chase, and the baddie (in fact a very famous free-runner) shoots at him with an empty gun, then throws the gun at Bond. During an older Bond film, the next shot would have been Bond dodging the gun and coming up with some slick wisecrack while raising one eyebrow. Daniel Craig's Bond catches the gun and throws it right back, hard, at the baddie, striking him. No words are exchanged and immediately the chase is back on.
This example sets the tone and pace for a completely reinvigorated Bond film; Craig's Bond moves decisively through a violent world, his hard edges borne out by his style. Everything about him, from his strongly marked face and piercing blue eyes, to his forceful movements and his intense physicality, confirms that here Bond is reborn, forged in iron. It was probably quite telling that some irritating ignorant brats at the back of the cinema kept talking and laughing through the quiet, talkie segments of the film. I suppose that reflects both the increased length, and the fact that this time, explosion doesn't simply follow explosion, chase following chase. Everybody doesn't get shot. Don't let any of that turn you off: this one has legs, and teeth. I can't wait for the follow up.