Bond... James Bond.

Rating: 10/10 (15 November 2006)

I've seen the 2006 rendition of CASINO ROYALE, surprisingly since this is probably a reboot a la Batman Begins, Judi Dench from the Brosnan films reprises her role as M. She and Bond exchange the funniest of lines. Goldeneye director Martin Campbell returns in this restart of the franchise using vintage techniques of movie-making, and cinematography. The b and w noir opening was one of the best Bond openers ever. An aggressive, abridged exposition and intro into his promotion as a Double Oh.
Eva Green is sexy, smart and sly as the financer in Bond's operation. Things in their relationship take a turn for predictability towards the final act, but the film is still fun and you'll be treated to the original score was it by John Barry? - in the end credits.
Save for some uncomfortable tight shots during hand to hand combat scenes, Martin Campbell is definitely one of those directors who understand biomechanics of camera movement and framing. You'll see plenty of exquisite shots in the film.
Definitely an improvement over Brosnan's overly bombastic 007 films. Let's hope ROYALE's successors will be just as subdued and slick.