Too clever for its own good

Rating: 6/10 (26 December 2008)

I liked Casino Royale and I like Daniel Craig as James Bond. He adds a rawness that coiffed Pierce Brosnan never could. But, is it me or are the Bond Girls getting rougher? Where's the glamour, the stunning beauty of the scenes? Lake Garda, Siena, two beautiful spots totally ignored. I wanted to watch the movie because I had read it was filmed in Lake Garda where I used to live. If I hadn't known the arches round the lake where the car chase took place, it might as well have been anywhere. And what was that chase about? Chopping and changing scenes like I was on a boat in the high seas did nothing to keep my attention. Did I care about the agent in Cuba? No. Did I care about the major criminal? No. (who was it?) Did I care about Bond himself? No. He had become a killing machine like the Terminator. Even the music was a hash, though I can understand this since Amy Winehouse pulled out last minute. Judi Dench always adds acting class and that's really all I remember. I hate seeing things being blown up for no reason and the last scenes felt like it was done just for the sake of it. Instantly forgettable plot. Hint to action film directors: let the action happen as if it is happening to the viewer. Have a plot. Resist the snazzy camera angles and stop filming so close up.
Usually going to James Bond is an cinematographic event. It's a shame this was just explosions and bad editing. Perhaps the next movie will be better.