It won't leave you shaken and stirred but Craig is inspired

Rating: 6/10 (18 September 2009)

After the lame turkey that was the disastrous "Die Another Day". An appalling, camp throw back to the 70's Roger Moore era, it hardly came as a shock that then Bond, Pearce Brosnan wisely chose to jump ship. What with having two superior yet mediocre offerings preceding it. It would have seemed that the once, fresh and bold franchise was in need of an artistic overhaul. It was left to Barbara Broccoli, daughter of legendary producer and "father" of the Bond film franchise, Cubby Broccoli to rejuvenate the iconic movies. Boldly deciding to start from scratch and effectively restart the franchise by setting the latest offering back in the days when Bond had just been promoted to 00 status and sets out on his first mission. It was only natural that Broccoli would wish to adapt Bond creator Ian Fleming's first novel featuring the suave yet deadly secret agent. "Casino Royale" had only been brought to life once as a spoof comedy back in the 60's. Never bestowed the gravitas and gritty edge that it would I assume, deserved and with the controversial yet inspired casting of relatively unknown (at least to a world audience) British thespian, Daniel Craig. A decidedly more rough and roughish looking choice as opposed to the more suave, handsome stars (with the possible exception of Sean Connery) who have adopted the Bond personae.
Helmed by Martin Campbell who had formerly directed 1995's, "Goldeneye", which arguably,marked the highlight of the Brosnan era. It was safe to say that this reboot was in more than capable hands. Its plot revolving around the maverick 00's attempt to locate private banker known as Le Chiffre(a wickedly sublime Mads Mikklesen) who handles the unwieldy funds of some of the world's most dangerous terrorists. It's through Bond's relentless pursuit of the terrorist banker across the globe that eventually brings him to the Casino Royale in Montenegro. For it is here where the villain plans to take part in a high stakes poker game, the rationale being that should he win, Le Chiffre will utilise the winnings to increase the depleted funds of his terrorist clients. It is thus up to 007 to compete against Le Chiffre and prevent him from winning the competition.
From the movies more muted, grim opening which is a stark contrast to the more, grand spectacle of erstwhile Bond outings.. Director, Campbell's keen eye aids in bringing to life some breathtaking and exhilarating action set pieces. Ranging from a sublime, kinetic on foot, chase sequence in Uganda to a struggle to prevent a determined terrorist from blowing up a passenger airliner on an airport runway. It's the same expertise and energy that Campbell brought to the elaborate action sequences that have now become synonymous with the franchise. But within the lapsing intervals where overdrawn scenes are supposedly, justified for plot exposition and development. It's largely more predominant and evident within the movies scenes in the Bahamas and at the Casino Royale and sadly let's the pace begin to grate. But where the movie is elevated from the doldrums (its brilliant action sequences not withstanding) is producer Barbara Broccoli's insistence on a more earnest and dark approach to the Bond personae. Gone is the more innuendo laced one liners and nudge, nude wink, wink asides. Instead we are treated to a more restrained Bond is none the less the charismatic, charming, cavalier anti-hero. Whose cool detachment and killer instinct marking him out as a potentially maladjusted sociopath, an edge never quite hinted towards or explored in the characters on film history. But while we see this protagonist's more psychologically questionable side we also see him enjoying an intelligent yet prickly discourse with latest Bond girl Vesper Lynd portrayed with suitable grace, charm, understated head strong independence by the beautiful Eva green.
Supported by other first rate cast members that include Jeffrey Wright as Bond's future friend and ally, CIA operative Felix Leiter, Giancarlo Giannini as foreign field agent, Mathis and Mads Mikkelsen as the slippery Le Chiffre. It's Mikkelsen who particularly stands out next to Craig as the enigmatic and sporting the at times requisite physical impairment. In this case a derangement of the tear duct which means the villain is seen to have blood emerge from one of his eyes. He makes for a formidable, well rounded foe and superlative foil to Craig's Bond, his cool detachment matching that of his adversary, as well as their combined, guile and cunning. It's with this in mid that it's indeed unfortunate that Le Chiffre isn't given the departure he deserves. His exit when it comes is some what anti-climatic and is quite jarring, allowing events in the movie to take an unexpected and slightly uneven change in course, with a concealed threat waiting in the wings. All this leading to some what awkward and anti-climatic finale which while less bombastic and elaborate(which is in keeping with it's more understated rendering) than previous outing is something of a disappointment. All leading to a denouement which shamelessly leaves the movie open ended to pa-the the way for 2008's "Quantum of Solace". But not before Craig's Bond utters the infamous "The Name is Bond, James Bond". This time laced with dry, distant not to mention understated coolness, marked with authority as its difficult not to disagree that Craig IS James Bond, agent 007 with a license to kill. Sadly however what with it's noble ambitions and intent. The outcome of this reboot doesn't match the inspired new twist and excellence that the actor has brought to the role. "Casino Royale" is serviceable enough but it won't totally leave you shaken and stirred.