No shortage of fights, explosions, chases, exotic locales: vintage Bond

Rating: 8/10 (25 November 2006)

When I first saw the trailers for this movie, I thought Daniel Craig had the appearance more of a super villain for 007 to cross swords with, rather than the super spy himself. I salute Craig for changing my mind: he makes an excellent "Bond.....James Bond."
The early scenes were vintage Bond format: an opening event detached from the rest of the story that gave a quick showcase of Bond's talents, followed by his receiving a new case and weapons to blow stuff up with. His latest flame is Vesper (Eva Green), a gorgeous accountant, who has as much chemistry with 007 as any Bond girl I can recall. There are some cool chase scenes: the one at the airport is best, with the construction site a close second. Of course, the obligatory routine of both the pursued and the pursuer knocking down and scaring a zillion bewildered onlookers is present, and there's some good comic relief where it fits. With a title like this, there's bound to be a big stakes poker game as part of the action, and there is. This slows the pacing somewhat, but some unexpected thrills punch it back into high gear again. My only beef with the movie is the obvious outcome of the gambling. They could have flashed a sign "Generic high stakes cliché," and you would get the idea.
Many characters are well defined, making for some involving intrigue, as loyalties and alliances appear and vanish faster than you can say, "Shaken, not stirred." From beautiful Nassau to exotic Montenegro, this is one fun ride with 007. Fine cast, good action; this movie is recommended.