A dark and troubled Bond - and a million stunts

Rating: 8/10 (6 November 2008)

I found the latest Bond film to be a compelling and exciting film - I enjoy how Daniel Craig is bringing life to this version of Bond - dark, troubled and driven - this Bond feels like less of a cartoon than the later films of the Pierce Brosnan version and the fact that I have been to see both of the Daniel Craig films at the cinema rather than waiting for them on DVD as had been the case in the past is a sign of how more engaged I feel.
This film starts off as if the director has been watching the Bourne films closely - rapid cutting and jerky filming of chases and fights makes for an uncomfortable start to the film - a feeling that is transferred to the emotions as the story unfolds.
The locations are at times stunning and the story complex - as many have suggested it is important you remember the ins and outs of Casino Royale if you wish to get the best out of this film.
The life of the secret agent portrayed is both brutal and cold - I imagine much more close to reality than some of the previous portrayals - to me that makes for a more genuine and credible film - but I can see how some fans may tire of this gritty reality and yearn for the comic book martini drinking sex mad playboy that has been part of the Bond heritage.
Well done Daniel Craig for the quality of the acting and the physical bravery involved in this role and also well done to Dame Judi for her continued excellent portrayal of M