James Bond is one of the great characters of modern and classic cinema. The slick, suave, super-agent from the mind of Ian Fleming remains a timeless figure in storytelling and movie making. The Bond character has seen his fair share of trials and tribulations. By that, I mean some pretty God-awful, horrible, caca-doodoo bull**** films. The Bond movies range anywhere from classic (From Russia with Love), and awesome (Goldeneye), to just plain garbage (On Her Majesty's Secret Service.) Seriously, I'd rather have a homeless man kick me in the balls than ever see that crap-encrusted piece of crap ever again. The series needed to be restarted, as the fans were bored and the last few movies sucked ass. Die Another Day? You've got to be kidding me. The whole world waited, and hated on the new Bond actor, Daniel Craig, before the movie was even released. All I can say is, thank God for this film. It is balls-to-the-wall awesome.
The opening credits sequence lets us know this is going to be great. Chris Cornell's theme is up there with the best Bond themes, and will stay in your head after you've seen this flick. Daniel Craig is one of the best Bonds of all time. He brings not only the smooth special agent attitude, but the intimidating physical presence and toughness a lot of people have wanted out of a character like Bond. Famous Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen is incredible as the terrorist-funding madman with the codename "Le Chiffre." Two Danish friends of mine saw the film and were happy to see a local hero of theirs as a great Bond villain. Le Chiffre does not hide in a secret volcano lair, have tons of henchmen, or have robotic hands. He's just a creepy, evil man who loves money and will go to any lengths to get it. And finally, Eva Green is great as Vesper Lynd, a Bond girl with a different kind of beauty to admire. She is not only as smart as Bond, she's probably smarter. She's finally a great female lead to inspire our hero, Bond.
Daniel Craig shoots at the audience for ever doubting him.
Daniel Craig shoots at the audience for ever doubting him.
The movie is a bit on the slower-paced side of things, but it is well worth watching. The movie slowly builds up to the awesome scenes and fast action. The high-stakes poker game around which the film is based is one of the most exciting poker games of all time. Casino Royale takes its time to tell the story and make the characters more human than we've ever seen them in a Bond film. The reason why I chose this flick to review, is that people haven't seen it. "I think Daniel Craig is just wrong for Bond," is just one excuse I've heard for someone to not see it. I quickly responded by shooting the unnamed individual in the kneecap with a Walther P99. Are you high? Stop drinking the Kool-Aid and get out there and buy this, if not, rent it. It really is great, and it stands on its own as a great action movie with an even better story. Daniel Craig will shoot you if you don't.
Casino Royale is easily a 9/10 on the movie scale, and a 10/10 compared to other Bond films.
Casino Royale is easily a 9/10 on the movie scale, and a 10/10 compared to other Bond films.
Bond is waiting for you to see this movie. He ain't ****in' around anymore.
