Charm_less

Rating: 5/10 (5 April 2009)

The effects of the movie are extraordinary and the story has a definite appeal. But as a long- time Bond aficionado, my criticism is that the story, on the whole, has little of the charm that drew so many of us to the earlier Bond movies. In his writings, Ian Fleming invented a Bond that was charming, gallant, stunningly good at what he did. He relished every moment. He left us with with the sense that "good" could be wonderful, warm, sexy, debonair and charming -- and, of course, effective. And above all he had a good time! Daniel Craig is very good and I don't want to demean his efforts. He has steely determination and a sense of "right" that I want to believe in. He carries through with every move. But he lacks the charm that would raise this Bond series above the current stereotype action film. I don't thing this is Daniel Craig's fault. I think he could be perhaps the best Bond since Connery. But he's not there yet. And I really think that's up to the writers. Daniel, you have what it takes. Writers, lighten up!