The name is Bond, James Bond

Rating: 9/10 (29 July 2007)

Let's be honest here - the Bond franchise before Casino Royale was in serious trouble. The Pierce Brosnan movies had tanked, and the story lines were getting more and more ridiculous (invisible cars anyone?). Every person I talked to was extremely disillusioned with the Bond movies and we all yearned for a blazing comeback. So, going to see Casino Royale, the big question on everyone's lips was "does Daniel Craig have the power to resuscitate James Bond?". By the end, everyone was shouting "YES!!!". Bond is most definitely back.
Watching Craig's performance, you have to wonder what all the criticism of his casting was about. Craig is easily the best Bond since Roger Moore (maybe even better?). He brings a certain quality to the role that has been sadly lacking in the Pierce Brosnan interpretations. Craig partly emulates Tim Dalton by being a blue-eyed cold-hearted killer with the morals and scruples of a cobra snake. He notches up his three kills to earn his "007" status and then he is sent into the big wide world to wreak havoc on behalf of Her Majesty's Government.
Eva Green though is pathetic. I thought the Bond franchise had hit a new low casting Denise Richards in "World is Not Enough" but Eva Green seems to be even worse. To call her a wilting lilly would be an insult to all lillies.
But back to Craig, you know he has the 007 stuff when he shocks himself conscious with a defibrillator in his car then coolly goes back to the poker table to sip a martini and play another hand! Classy!
For the first time in a VERY long time, I am eagerly looking forward to the next Bond movie.