James Bond is Dead and where is Q?

Rating: 5/10 (23 March 2007)

They started messing with the 'formula' for a James Bond film in the last movie, and now they have just done away with it almost entirely in Casino Royale. I fear we shall never again see the fun, over the top villains, gadgets, and secret hideouts. The charismatic and impenetrable James Bond is dead. The franchise as it is often called, is no longer.
Sure, the bulk of the James Bond movies were a bit silly. That is why you take a special suspension of disbelief pill before you watch and just enjoy. The makers of this (and also the last film) made the mistake of humanizing James Bond. Clearly, many liked it, but I was disappointed. My other half was so disappointed that she has vowed not to even consider the next installment.
Whether or not true to the books, as I have heard this one is more so, the James Bond MOVIE franchise is well established. I understand that times change and even an established franchise I suppose must adapt, I am not happy with it. The Sean Connery and Roger Moore films epitomize what a James Bond 007 film ought to be.
The invulnerable character with chiseled good looks, suave and debonair portrayed in those films is what I have come to expect to see in a film labeled with this brand. To see him humanized and being treated seriously is all wrong. If they wanted to do this, could they not have invented 'Brad Strong 006' or something. The older films have been light and fun and full of surprises.
Sure, Casino Royale has managed to capture some of the requisite elements of a quintessential James Bond film, but has done enough outside of the formula to ruin it for me. There was no 'Q' sequence, a part of the older films that I really enjoyed. The 'M' sequences were too serious for me. The 'look and feel' of James Bond has been done away with by the new actor.
I cannot actually call this a bad film. If I had not seen any 007 movie outside of this one, I might have given it a 6 or 7. In light of the other movies, I call it a 2 or 3. But due to some great action sequences, fabulous locations, and realistic cinematography, I must begrudgingly award it a 5/10.
Ultimately, as a fan of the old James Bond, I suspect I would have enjoyed my precious 2.5 hours much more if I had just watched "You Only Live Twice" or "Moonraker" for the 10th time. If you are looking for the savior faire portrayed in the James Bond of the past, you will be disappointed with this film as I have been.