Fleming Material Makes Better Film For 007

Rating: 9/10 (23 November 2006)

A trip back to Ian Flemming actually benefits & renews the Bond film series. While our new Bond resembles a British Steve McQueen in looks, this film has a more serious tone than the last few outings. His looks are not as important as the fact that this movie calls for him to act & he does.
The reduction in gadgets & increase in story using Flemings material benefits this film greatly. The actors in support do well. There are even sections of this film without action which is really rare in the Bond series. Some great scenery in the locales used in the film, & the opening sequence in black & white is quite effective.
The humor is not as abundant, but the settings are more realistic than most Bond films & this one has a quality of drama to it. The poker sequences are well done & for a rare time in a Bond film he actually loses a few hands. The setting for parts of this film is the same place where Anakin Skywalker wed in Satr Wars 2 for you Lucas fans.
There is a neat sequence where a house in Venice is sunk, literally. Not sure how they pulled this off but it looks much more real than the effects in Die Another Day did.
Good film, & an opening for a sequel at the end of the film which has never been done in a Bond movie before. Well worth the time spent compared with previous films.
Now, as this is the only year with 007 for the next 1000 years, will a sequel be ready to come out this year that will continue to re-new & refresh the series as this one has started too? Happy Bond Year, 007 to you all!!