A bit more realistic

Rating: 10/10 (16 November 2006)

Just watched Casino Royale- based on the 1st James Bond book. I was fortune to get tickets for the premiere (here in Singapore).
Its pretty good- I'd say there is an emphasis on realism... comparatively speaking. The previous JB films were pure fantasy, almost parody. You know- shooting lasers using massive space satellites in outer space.
Except for one or two silly plot holes, which initially is not so apparent, this new film held up pretty well. Watch out for the vague reference to the Ong-Bak film at the start of the show. I thought the start was too laid back, old school.
The new Bond is more of a throwback to the young Sean Connery, suave, charming, deadly with a hint of brutality and menace. The previous Bond was too fakey and artificial.
This one takes it cue from the Bourne Supremacy rather than Phantom Menace. Less on special effects- more on style and plot.
Its cool. Watch it. And somehow you'll end up being a little bit more motivated to go to the gym.