Sexes production up to disguise the same old stuff

Rating: 5/10 (8 March 2007)

Daniel Craig, winning the much touted debut into one of film's most illustrious franchises, may prove a mild distraction from the encroaching apathy many action fans have found in the distinguished spy series over the years, but I must stress how mild that distraction really seems to be. Despite the repeated attempts at revaluing many tried and true characteristics found with our beloved 007, mainly all stereotypical Bond contrivances remain, an annoying contradiction that when analyzed, borders on artistic condescension. Not to over-think the predictable revamp past the point of missing it's point at mindless entertainment, Casino Royale still sends off too great a mixed signal with an overcompensated production masking the same tired old script.
Sure, a few elements of relevance are sprinkled into the mechanical pace which finally help usher the static character of Mr. Bond into the 21st century (no doubt aided by go-to-guy Paul Haggis's likely minor, though significant script embellishments) but nearly every turn taken inside the detached plot, geared towards building tension against functionary, bland antagonists, feels disappointing and again, especially contradictory given the "fresh paint" approach they were going for. This is especially true given the shady prequel-of-sorts' questionable action sequencing, by and large starting off strong and simmering down into occasional screen slaps of voltage which rescue from overwrought dramatics.
As witnessed through the sensitively dull performance from lead Craig, Casino Royale is all about flash and intrigue, with very little honest style or substance to back up this supposed reinvigoration; Bond's new piercing blue eyes may parallel the production's slightly more visceral and sensual feel, but motivation behind this shallow rebirth still feels strangely lacking. Fans of the series needn't worry; certainly enough viewers have spoken in praise of Craig's turn, largely missing the point of the tired mechanizations that weren't supposed to accompany him downward into I-don't-careville, but one can see any step forward in this oldest action tradition as likely being for the best since we haven't a choice...For if history has taught us anything, it is that the Bond must go On.