A darker shade of Bond

Rating: 9/10 (17 November 2006)

This was the first 007 film I have seen in the theater since Goldeneye, ironically enough also directed by Martin Campbell. I have since seen Tomorrow Never Dies and The World is Not Enough on DVD. It felt like the stories were getting a little bit goofy and pre-packaged. I did like Bronsnan's Bond and was a little bit skeptical about Daniel Craig as the new leading man. I was very mistaken.
Daniel Craig gives Bond a very different and interesting personality. He's more of a hard-ass in truth. He's a little more angry and viscous in this latest installment. Something that gives the film a little spice. The trademark one-liners are still there and James is still the ladies-man but Casino Royale definitely has a darker feel.
The story places Bond at the start of his MI6 career, newly promoted to his double-00 status. A dangerous path leads him to be involved in playing a high-stakes poker tournament against a man who is a banker to some of the world's most dangerous terrorists. Bond of course needs significant funds to play at this table and to make sure he doesn't blow it all Vesper Lynd, played by Eva Green, is there to oversee the operation.
In the end Casino Royale is a refreshing spin on Bond. The film is dark and the violence is a bit more graphic that one is used to in a 007 film, particularly a brutal torture scene. Bond actually gets some cuts and blood on his face! I just hope the next installment gets the same treatment.