Mission accomplished, and then some.

Rating: 10/10 (17 November 2006)

After seeing Casino Royale, I wanted to be James Bond. So right off the bat, the new 007 film succeeded at something.
His lifestyle is awesome and not one kid, or even a grown man for that matter, doesn't aspires to be him. At least for one day. He "meets" pretty girls, blows stuff up, runs after bad guys and plays with amazing gadgets. So how have recent Bond films been so bad? Bond works for some undisclosed, and obviously non-existent, agency. Right there, Bond-story writers can exploit this. Nothing is grounded in reality; Bond can do whatever he wants. He has everything at his disposal.
The problem, however, was that most James Bond actors were unable to get this character off the ground. Sure, Brosnan was suave and witty, but he wasn't bold enough. Nor was he rough enough. He was the type of guy who, just before killing a bad guy, would think like hell to deliver a one-liner. Or drink a martini.
But Craig just shoots them in the face. Then kids around.
Daniel Craig is key to this film. He's cold and unbreakable. A perfect example of this is when he's being tortured for information. Let's just say he keeps his mouth shut (and puts his manhood aside).
The plot is also key. The main difference between this one and the other Bond films is that the plot is easy to follow. It takes its time to unfold. We aren't rushed into things.
I admire the director who decided to layer the Bond character first and foremost. Here, Bond has just been given the "007" status. Instead of just telling us this in order to situate us, it is taken further. The second or third scene, which takes place in Uganda, is as exciting an experience as real-life sky-diving. Bond is a new 007, we know this already. Being a rookie, he takes things kind of far; all to our benefit though. Instead of abiding by strict international rules of engagement (for "secret servicemen"), Bond chases a rather acrobatic Namibian bad guy around some Ugandan city, breaks into the Namibian embassy, kills the bad guy (which he can't do, really) and blows up the joint (which he also can't really do). All for a cell phone. His boss is mad as hell, but we, on the other hand, are quite content.
Now, I don't know much about stunts. But, I do know when they're well executed and appreciate them when they look real. In Casino Royale, they do. The best example is the Uganda chase. However, I really enjoyed the choreography involved in a certain stairway fight inside Casino Royale. Bond is fighting an African bad guy. Just before the fight though, the sexy Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) was with 007. So when the fight breaks out, she's in it too. The two men fight their way down some stairs. I simply found it ingenious to have Vesper there, dodging stuff as she gets dragged along. The continuity is kept, and I appreciated that.
As I said, Daniel Craig is key. I'm very happy that he's signed on to do at least one more Bond movie. I think he's THE ONE. In CR, he's a stone cold killer. In one scene, he's making out with a beautiful girl whom we were led to believe, by way of a sensual close up, he fell for on the beach. A love at first sight thing. Her husband, a bad guy that Bond is trying to corner, is gone for the night, and she tells Bond this. The bad guy has left for Florida. Bond is in the Bahamas. Without thinking twice, he scrams. This could have been done without the girl. But in getting her involved, it just goes to show us how dedicated Bond is.
Craig also shows flexibility when he has to. Bond falls in love with Vesper. So much so that he quits "the agency". So, Craig does it all: hard-nosed and emotional. Props to him.
Casino Royale drags a little at some points, especially in the long poker game. But, I enjoy poker and understood what was going on. Even if you don't though, it doesn't matter. The point is not what happens during the game. In the end, we know someone will win and someone will lose. Look at the actors' expressions; look at what's going on in the background with the other characters. These say it all. But the poker part of the film drags a little anyhow.
This movie is a must. You'll be entertained, no doubt about it. And the character is absolutely compelling. Girls, you'll be charmed by him, and guys, you'll want to be him.