Bond reinvented for the iPod generation

Rating: 7/10 (9 December 2006)

I approached this film with mixed feelings - I've seen most of the Bond films over the years (but missed out, largely, on the Brosnan-era titles) and was not sure where this one would fit in.
The sixth Bond is Daniel Craig, previously known for TV series 'Our Friends in the North' and art-house films such as 'Love is the Devil' (where he played the sadomasochistic lover of Francis Bacon) and 'The Mother' (where he had an affair with a much older woman played by Anne Reid). While much of the reaction to his casting centred on him being the first blond Bond, what counts is can he deliver? The answer is definitely yes - this Bond is sexy, unhinged, psychotic, and complex. He's a Bond for the short attention span so perfect for the new generation of fans this series will surely gain.
'Casino Royale' (no relation to the David Niven spoof) adapts the first Ian Fleming novel so is in many senses the starting point for James Bond, 007. However, setting it in a post-Cold War period removes all the history of the previous films and proves that Craig's Bond is a fresh start for a series which was getting tired and silly. There are precious few jokes in this movie, although some of it is as improbable as ever, and there are the usual breathtaking stunts (at least as assume much of it was real stunt-work and not CGI).
The rest of the cast are largely forgettable. Eva Green plays the female interest, banker Vesper Lynd, and she is as pretty as any other Bond girl, perhaps as tough as Carey Lowell was in 'Licence to Kill' or Honor Blackman was in 'Goldfinger'. But the character of Lynd seems a little two-dimensional and adds confusion to the plot which is not necessarily needed. Better is Mads Mikkelsen as the villain of the piece, a money-lender with odd-coloured eyes who weeps blood. And Judi Dench returns as a prickly and watchable M.
Much more violent than the other Bond titles, this does not automatically feel like it belongs in the series (even John Barry's signature theme is missing from the opening credits - which are, incidentally, spectacular), but even with its faults (a confusing plot, an ending which stretches credibility, too many characters, and a leg-crossingly dangerous torture scene) and with that poker game which is impossible to follow, it retains the interest mainly because of Craig - who, yes, does come out of the sea dripping wet just as Ursula Andress did in 'Dr No', and very easy on the eye he is too.
The Bond formula can only benefit from having an excellent actor in the lead role, and Craig seems to fit the part like a glove. I only hope he continues to work in the smaller, more challenging movies as he would be a great loss if he moved on to the Hollywood blockbuster.