A Meaner, Cruder Bond

Rating: 8/10 (28 November 2006)

I may be one of the only lifelong fans of the James Bond franchise who hated this movie. I tried to like the new face and demeanor of Daniel Craig, but I thought he was totally wrong for the part and not particularly attractive. Having seen all the previous incarnations of dark-haired, very suave, and elite actors play the role, this new man has certainly nailed an ugly, dark, and rough character. Daniel Craig plays the role, perfectly, in the new style, (if that's what you like), but all the great theme music, gadgets, and great-looking women are missing. Even Judi Dench, who is always in top acting form, seemed irritated and bored playing against Craig. Only time will tell if a new audience supports this alternate choice of Daniel Craig, (as several others were considered, including Clive Owen, who would have, ideally, maintained the traditional image).If the producers want to either attract a different audience, or really kill the franchise after so many years, this movie can do both.Fans of both Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan will not be able to tolerate this change, (despite its promotion as being the closest to what Ian Fleming intended). I walked out of the theatre after the first hour; it was too different and ridiculously bombastic throughout.