A breath of fresh air.

Rating: 8/10 (19 November 2006)

James Bond - a number one protagonist in action movies, a number one in gadgets, a number one in spectacular pursuits and beautiful women. Recently, I'm afraid, also a number one in spoiling the potential laying in the movie series. In my opinion, the last well done Bond was the Goldeneye. So actually "Casino Royale's" crew didn't have much to loose, did they? Yet in the very beginning they managed to create much fuss around the movie, more accurately - around the James Bond himself. They had a long list of actors able to play the role, but chose a quite controversial one - Daniel Craig. 'But he's blonde!' fans cried, 'and ugly!' added after a few seconds. I was quite content with the choice, as Craig's role in "Munich" projected promisingly upon his Bond role. He's got a good accent and he's a man, not some slimy figure like Brosnan.
Undoubtedly he's the biggest factor creating the impression of the breath of fresh air. When he's fighting, he really does it - he PUNCHES, he KICKS and he also gets really BEATEN. It doesn't come down to a scratch or two, like in previous cases. He's a broad-shouldered guy who just fits it. His accent and sharp dialogs make him even more interesting. In the romantic scenes he also manages to put up.
However, it is not only Craig who changes the overall Bond impression. First of all, I didn't mention the Goldeneye in the introduction due to some coincidence - it was directed by Martin Campbell, the guy responsible for "Casino Royale". New 007 has left the toys behind. There are no gadgets in this movie - besides defibrillator in his car - what makes it more pure. He just keeps a gun and he's on his own, I liked that. In addition, he's no longer a 100% gentleman with aristocratic origins. "I don't give a damn" he snaps when asked about his martini, or "You're a bloody idiot" when Vesper Lynd doesn't want to give him additional money for the game. He also had some humoristic dialogs, but on the whole - it's a brand new Bond, who really does suit me.
Settings, music, pictures - they're all surprisingly good. When leaving the cinema I had the impression that someone put much effort into making this one a good one. Some say that Eva Green is a bit controversial in terms of beauty, not everyone has to like her, of course, but I think that she's perfect. My type definitely.
Disadvantages? I found one. James Bond was always known of hot car pursuits. In "Casino Royale" he received the beautiful Aston Martin DB9S, and after a few seconds of ride, without shooting, without passing etc., he just destroys it. Such a waste! I do recommend this one. Never been a fan of James Bond, but I really like Craig in the role and the brand new attitude. In my opinion it's the best Bond ever made and one of the best action movies I was able to see.