A proper tough guy hero in James Bond

Rating: 8/10 (10 January 2007)

In the past, I have enjoyed James Bond movies simply because they had all the ingredients of a stylish action movie, namely, a tough guy who always wins, several beautiful women, lots of action and a bad guy who always gets his commeuppance. This James Bond movie is no exception even although the 'bad guy' is never really who you think it is.
Daniel Craig was always a natural choice for Bond. Critics say his blonde hair and blue eyes completely ruled him out but his whole tough guy with a nice sense of humour makes him an easy choice for the producers to consider. He is not too hard a nut to crack, like Sean Connery or too smarmy like Roger Moore. He is more the Bond of the 21st century, a man's man who enjoys the company of women.
The action scenes do not disappoint. There is a thrilling scaffolding and building site chase in the first section of the movie which leaves you wondering quite how they did it and later on, even during the card game sequences there is some action when Bond tackles the men behind Le Chiffre's game. There are also the cars; a new Ford Mondeo and, of course, an Aston Martin. Where would Bond be without his British sports car and all its useful glove compartment gear? The ladies are beautiful, of course. Eva Green has better stuff to say in this film and a well fleshed out role, although, for my money, she still wears too much make up. And of course, there is Judi Dench as 'M' who never allows her real feelings for Bond and his work get in the way of a good 'telling off'. Judi is excellent as always, although I wish they would give her more to do.
The locations are everything you want in a Bond movie. Sunny, fascinating and dangerous. There is the Bahamas, Montenegro and Venice. Quite how they did the Venetian house destruction scene amazed me! All in all, don't worry too much about following the plot but enjoy the action, the ladies and above all THE MAN. Bond is really back and better than ever.