bond is a hunk...

Rating: 8/10 (17 November 2006)

How hot is Daniel Craig. He is smoking hot in the latest addition to the Bond franchise. I have to admit I've never been a big fan of the Bond films and I promised myself I'd see this one only if it got great reviews but after seeing the trailer where Craig walks slow motion out of the ocean I was sold. And than along came the reviews and they were fantastic so I was siked. Casino Royale plays as a sort of prequel to the Bond films it takes place when 007 first started out. It shows his first kills and when he fought in a more amateurly violent sense and why he's usually so cold in other films especially towards women. This film fleshes out his character successfully and although I was pretty much sold on Pierce as 007 I understand now what peoples complaints were. Daniel Craig is gorgeous in a rugged way but he portrays Bond as cocky, charismatic and guarded. He displays 007 as a three dimensional character with emotions and explains why he is the way he is, why he acts the way he acts. Most of the Bond films have been nothing but dumb fun. But this is not the case with this new film it's tough, gritty and dark even a little sad. It makes it's title outlandish character human in a way that should probably be recognized come awards time but it won't be. Eva green fills out a supporting performance as the mysterious female partner and Judi Dench is sassy as ever as M and has many of the films best lines. But Craig is the real prize here as a gay man I was basically fanning myself in every scene he's more than just looks though, it's his attitude, his charm, his swagger that comes across, he's a definite man's man. Besides his look and attitude he gives a great multi layered performance he never sheds a tear but you can see him being torn apart inside. The actions of his character never seem unbelievable and the film never feels fake. It does however run a bit long in places and could've benefited from some editing. The poker scenes are a bit much and the film drags a bit in it's necessary but drawn out conclusion. But this is definitely worth a look people, the actions sequences are exhilarating, the story is twisty in all the right ways and the film is involving on a personal level and on top of all that Craig gives a great performance and his looks are to die for.