Not The Best Bond Outing For Craig

Rating: 7/10 (2 December 2012)

First thing's first...this is NOT a Casino Royale quality film. Plain and simple. Now that we have that out of the way, lets get on with the review. We see our beloved hero a few years after the events of Casino and Quantum, and he is obviously out of his element. Sure, its Craig back in the role, but its almost a different breed of 007. It starts off with the pedal to the floor, a huge opening sequence that leaves the audience wanting more. Whether it loves up to the watery mouths, that's up to the viewer. Story: The story is rather flat, and that is coming from a guy who never really says that. One scene, Bond is in this part of the world. The next, a completely different part, leaving me, at least, wondering, "Um, did I miss something?" Now don't mistake this as a negative review, because it surely is not. James Bond was kicking ass throughout, just as much of a bad ass that one would expect of Craig as 007 at this point. There were those spectacular action sequences that you just find yourself smiling at, whether you know it or not. Without giving much away, this is a rather generic plot. Bond returns, terrorist at large who happens to be MI6's most wanted, and insert twist and turn from there. It's a good story, but does it blow you away? Not by a long shot. Acting: Daniel Craig IS James Bond at this point, like it or not, "Blonde-Bond haters." He just flat out rocks as our secret agent hero. Every time he's on the screen, you can't help but want more and more of him, heterosexually. His performance as Bond NOT being recognized by the Academy is a BLASPHEMOUS ERROR by the Academy, especially after his THIRD Bond film. Judi Dench as the mother-like "M" is always as elegant and brooding, and in this installment there is no difference. She is just great. Ralph Fiennes (sp?) is the new guy this time around in MI6 and lives up to the expectations. He's just a master of the acting craft at this point, like it or not. Then, there's Javier Bardem as the menacing and, at times, overly awkward Silva, who is a bad guy but who has heart, as well. He's scary, funny, and dramatic all at once. Easily one of the best Bond villains of all time. Final Verdict: Sure, this didn't live up to Casino Royale, which was easily one of my favorite Bonds. Should you see it? Yes. Is it something to rush out and see? If you are a true, die-hard Bond fanatic then of course. If you wanna have a good time at the theater, then again, go see it. Just go in with an open mind, and let yourself be the judge. 7/10. Hopefully the next one is huge, much like I expected this "action movie" to be.