Not a bond as you might remember/know him

Rating: 7/10 (9 May 2007)

If I look at this movie and think of it as a "simple" spy movie, I'd say it was very good! I'd give it at least 8/10, I even think it could've made me give it 9. But it's not just a simple spy movie. It's Bond. And it pretty much messes with the history of Bond movies ... or as many said: Bond begins!
There's nothing wrong with trying new things. But apart from the shaken/stirred discussion (or better not caring about it, hello?), one of the things that got me off, was the casting of Judi Dench as "M". Why? Not because she's bad in the role, but because you feel cheated, all in sake of political correctness. Or as the makers said, because she was so good in this role. But by casting her, they obliterated everything that happened before (i.e. Sean Connerys Bond and so forth, why messing with that?).
Those might only seem as small insignificant details (especially to new fans), but I didn't feel that way and since this is my review, I'm gonna talk about it! I didn't have a problem with the fact, that they tried to keep it as real as possible (down & dirty), although all this realism talk (Bond can get hurt, see the poison scene) get's thrown out of the window, when Bond single-handedly takes over a whole military base! I mean come on, what's so real about that? (I like the scenes though and it gives Bourne and other new spies a run for their money).
There are many good things here, but I have to point out the biggest downfall of the movie (imho): The main villain! I really like the danish actor (Mads Mikkelsen), but he isn't a real thread here. He doesn't seem to, by even being harassed by others! How can you be afraid, if he can't keep his act together and even has to be rescued by Bond (or the movie would've been over quicker)?! It should've have been a much scarier villain! It didn't have to be a world conquering ego maniac, but a little more evil, wouldn't have hurt. But still after all these negative things, I still think the movie is good enough and maybe after watching the next Bond movie, I'll appreciate this one more!