Deserves the accolades

Rating: 9/10 (14 December 2006)

As Bond films go this would have to rank up there with the best of them, if not the Best. Only Connery's From Russia with Love and Gold-finger entertain on the same level. This is a more cold, calculating hard-edged secret agent similar to the original Novel. Full marks to Daniel Craig for his portrayal of Bond. He should be cast in a lot more lead roles after this to make use of his considerable acting talents. He looks the part too, obviously packing on a bit of muscle for the stunts and the physical roles that are by far the best seen in any Bond film thus far. There are one or two weak moments but this has more to do with the script than the plot which is well thought out and offers up a few twists which keeps your interest right the way through. Its a long film but the action never lets up and there's enough eye candy in here to keep your interest even through the less dramatic moments. The score has been criticized by many but it fits the theme quite well and will stay in the memory long after the film ends. The casino scenes could have so easily been the low point of the film after the action that proceeds but it manages to be engaging through most of the scenes and this is important since its what carries the plot. Don't expect many campy gadgets or cheesy one-liners although they are there but are used sparsely and help to lighten the dark tone that runs right from beginning to end. So to sum up. Bond is back, shaken but not stirred.