Good action film...but where are you, John Barry?

Rating: 7/10 (18 November 2006)

For those devoted Bond fans who year after year hope to see a resurgence of the unmatched Connery-styled OO7 films with John Barry's fabulous soundtrack scores, it isn't going to happen. Today's filmmakers are catering to today's generation, who are interested only in action and special effects, not clever dialog-hidden innuendos, charismatic ambiance, or memorable John Barry incidental music throughout the films.
Now the good news. Casino Royale (2006) is a terrific action film. More of an action than adventure film. Much credit has to be given to Daniel Craig's OO7, as he successfully and comfortably fits the role. Craig is a good actor who should repeat the OO7 role in many more Bond films. While he is not what I regard as handsome (albeit 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder') and a blond OO7 is not what most people would have in mind, his distinguished acting ability, hard-edged persona and well-built physique more than qualifies him as the new OO7 for today's audience.
The storyline isn't a maze of interlocking clever twists, the characters are not that memorable, and the opening score "You Know My Name" by Chris Cornell is one of the worst, as it does nothing for the emotions. If you don't get goose bumps from the beauty of the opening score, the score fails.
Despite the pitfalls, overall, Casino Royale works effectively for today's OO7 market. Unfortunately, the charismatic early 1960s OO7 films such as Goldfinger and Thunderball are no longer being made, but their "shelf life" will exist in perpetuity, unlike today's OO7 films.
Ed Shifres