Good Bond film

Rating: 9/10 (21 November 2006)

I really liked this film. It was more down to earth and showed more essence of the Bond franchise.
What I didn't like is that it was so much about poker - I don't understand the game but it was fun to watch anyway. Montenegro was a bit too clean cut for me, it was obvious that they substituted another country for it. The bit with the chief of the police in Montenegro was also confusing.
The bond girl has a lot more substance this time, she's purer, smarter, and has a history of her own. This made her a more interesting character to follow. Overall, I appreciated the effort the screenwriters put into character development (for everyone, not just Bond), instead of developing the gadgets. This Bond film is grittier, but also more realistic. Because it bring the issues closer to the everyday level, it also leaves a more lasting impression than other Bond films with their impossible technology and blow-up dolls. The audience in my auditorium was 30+ and it was obvious they enjoyed a more subtle approach.
A note about the new Bond actor: he's a better Bond in action than on a poster. I found that he didn't really come across as "Bond" in the photos for the film, but in action, he's Bond 110%.