Decent Bond film, but far from the best

Rating: 5/10 (11 June 2008)

I've seen all the Bonds, having seen OHMSS just recently. I find that most of Connery's Bonds (excluding Dr. No and Diamonds Are Forever) are awesome and the others in the series are hit or miss. This Bond in my opinion is not the best or worst (best is From Russia With Love and the worst is Die Another Day).
Anyone who has read the book Casino Royale probably won't criticize much, as it stays true to the book for the most part. Of course there are a few minor and major differences in the movie, like M. being a woman, Vesper dies much differently, Mathis as a double agent and the car (from a Bentley in the book to a Ford in the movie). Craig is good, quite good (he is cold as it is meant to be) but certainly not the best (its near impossible to top Connery's performances). People who want wit or charm or pure chauvinist need to watch Moore's Bond films. This film is not supposed to be funny. There are not supposed to be gadgets. Bond did not get OO-status by using a jetpack, or giving people hugs and wet kisses! If one would have read the book one would know this. Musical score is quite good I think. It reflects Bonds' feelings, mindset etc very well.
What I didn't like: The ending was too long, and the whole movie was too long. Anything much over 2 hrs. is too long for a Bond movie. They turned Mathis into a double agent....Hasn't that been done enough in the film series? Bring MoneyPenny back please. The "new Q" I can live without. He was not missed in this one. They should cast someone else if they ever plan to bring him back. Finally, Judi Dench as M. is ruining this series! How long is this going to continue? Ian Fleming would be ashamed!!! It may be for the changing times but since when have the Bond producers ever cared about discrimination? There is course humor, half clothed women, etc. in all the films and that hasn't changed. Anyway....
I would rate it in the middle of the pack overall. Best Bond since Goldeneye (I know, I know, that isn't saying much). The next one looks really weak, so if you didn't like this one, good luck!