A different James Bond - but wow what a show!

Rating: 9/10 (23 November 2006)

I've been a fan of James Bond movies since the beginning - OK, I'm dating myself. Seeing the new James Bond in previews etc, I wasn't sure I would like it, as he does not resemble the former smooth talking, debonair 007 of the good old days. Don't expect a rehash here of what the movie was about, you will get plenty of recaps in other member commentaries. Right off the bat though, I was surprised to see 007 shoot and kill a man who was not armed, and James knew it. Former James Bonds never took out a bad guy unless he was trying to do in our hero (as unreal as that is in real spy life). The new James Bond is rougher and tougher with no holds barred. OK, you get the idea. Daniel Craig was most believable in the part and the stunt men did a wonderful job, but it looked like Craig also did a lot of hard work himself. Eva Green was perfect for her part as she was both vulnerable and yet matched James quip for quip with her own kind of toughness. Being that beautiful doesn't hurt either. The bad guys and the supporting cast were most outstanding as well. Special effects will wow you. Don't try to compare this with the 1967 Casino Royale. Same title, different movies. Don't try to compare it to other James Bond movies either. Just enjoy each for itself. I hate to give any movie two thumbs up, but that other hand is trying to raise a digit. Go see this one!