Not Casino Royale - but bring on the next part........

Rating: 6/10 (31 October 2008)

After the triumphant re-vamp that was Casino Royale, it was always going to be difficult to follow the emotional impact (and universally positive reviews/box office) - think Diamond's Are Forever following on from O.H.M.S.S - so you knew regardless of what followed the producers were going to be on a hiding to nothing.
Instead of this we get a sequel - which starts off with a car chase and doesn't let up until the end, when Bond finally puts to bed the emotional blindfold from before and sets it up nicely for a more Bond-esquire adventure next time around.
Sure Bourne's a lazy comparison (as many others have indeed stated) - and it is a little disappointing to have so many elements of that fine franchise in 'our Bond series' - but the set pieces are action packed, the locations fantastic, and the chemistry between Bond and M the best for years.
Alas the main sticking point is the lack of script - and whilst I appreciate a stripped down Bond for the 21st Century, now the moodiness and hurt has gone let's hope they let loose and actually let him enjoy himself again, and then Daniel Craig can cement his claims as the best Bond ever.
Very good, but not great - but well worth watching, especially for the Opera scene, which is the best sequence seen for many a film - but can we have a better villain next time around please?