Good Bond ... but the action was difficult to watch ....

Rating: 6/10 (19 November 2008)

After eagerly awaiting to see the movie and enjoying (especially the opening sequence) of the last Casino Royale - I was very disappointed. From the opening - the sequence and song were dire - but you think - never mind .... get that out of the way and Bond will be on soon ....
However, the first sequence sets you up for a shock that will continue through all the action sequences. Why? From a cinematic point of view it was almost impossible to watch (for both myself and hubby) the action scenes. The cinematography - the speed, angles and visual impact of the camera work on the action sequences was awful! I assume that there was an attempt to get to feel more about the sequences by making you feel you were part of them - but for me, what a nightmare - I had to look away as it was so disorientating. What a waste - you could tell that there was obviously some fantastic stunt work and the car scenes too were fast and furious belted out at you from all sorts of close up - then far away - indistinguishable sections that are nearing to making you feel sick than awestruck. The angles, moving to front then way back - then the forcing you to fixate and your eyes had to figure out what you were looking at .... then the view changed and aaaaahhhhhhh!!!!! Judy Dench and Daniel were great .... not a strong plot but the film (without the action shots) was good. I hope they don't do this experiment again - the stunt sequences in the last Craig one were fantastic - you have to be able to see the work though to appreciate it ...