Casino Royale Confusion!

Rating: 10/10 (28 November 2006)

I went to see Casino Royale with an open mind but still with the mindset that it will follow all other Bonds - bad guy, bad girl, fun fighting and ending with Bond in an embrace with a good girl. However, I was completely taken aback. The fighting was amazingly realistic and I thought that the four people I can think of that die, die in purely horrific ways with a lot of blood and pain. There is also a truly horrific, mind blowing scene, which trust me you'll know when you see it which one i'm talking about, which begs the question whether this film should be a 12A. Also, I personally found this film kinda confusing. Ususally with other Bonds, you can stick it on while doing the housework or the ironing and thoroughly enjoy it. However with this installment, you actually had to pay attention as there is a twist at the end with which if you weren't paying complete attention, may confuse you.
There is a lot so right with this film though. It has a fantastic chase scene at the beginning and the story is far more compelling and intriguing than previous Bonds. It also has an amazing opening credits with an equally amazing theme tune which I would pay good money again just to see that! It has taken a more Die Hard approach which has done wonders for the Bond franchise. More action, more grit, more twists. There are less corny one-liners (however prepare yourself for the odd one or two) and hardly any gadgets - no incredibly cringe worthy invisible car as seen in Die Another Day. And in my opinion Daniel Craig did an excellent job as a different Bond that was so needed.
I honestly believe this is one of the best films of the year, with the action, romance, grit and humour in perfect quantities. If you go to see this film, keep a completely open mind and don't expect a traditional Bond. You will fully be blown away.