Gambling With The Blonde Bond

Rating: 7/10 (28 November 2006)

Martin Campbell returns to the realm of James Bond 11 years after his first dip in the Fleming franchise with Golden Eye and the previous MI6 super agent, Pierce Brosnan. Coincidently Golden Eye was Brosnan's first stab at portraying Bond and fittingly, Campbell returns to usher in the newest 007 in Daniel Craig.
Craig's selection to play the role was controversial to say the least however from the start he makes the part his own. Choosing not to follow the lead of previous agents, Craig portrays Bond as more gritty and edgy. Even though Craig's Bond lacks the charm and charisma of his predecessors, he does brings his own brand of rugged cool. Probably not the sharpest of Bond's in the saga but Craig is certainly the one with most brawn and isn't afraid to use it which the audience discovers almost immediately in the exhilarating chase sequence involving Bond alongside the jaw dropping athleticism of Sebastien Foucan who plays Mollaka.
Campbell keeps the successful Bond formula alive with great stunts, chase scenes and raw power however the villain depicted by Mads Mikkelsen doesn't impress and seems hardly formidable while fan favourite 'Q' and his gadgets are sorely missed. Nonetheless, Casino Royale is an entertaining ride and was worth the wait.
Craig does lack in certain aspects when being compared to those that once donned the mantel of James Bond, and although he isn't the most verbose of Bond's, Craig more than makes up for it with his original portrayal and in turn, assuring fans that the future of Fleming's brainchild is in safe hands.