Friday, November 17, 2006
Casino Royale
A new James Bond (Daniel Craig) makes a daring return to the big screen in “Casino Royale”. It’s not a remake of the 1967 spoof of the Bond films. It is based on Ian Fleming’s first Bond novel. See the beginning of “00” status and the vodka martini, shaken, not stirred. The new Bond is more physical, less sophisticated, a lean mean tough guy. For action, a spectacular super heroic chase scene jump starts the show. There are hardly any Bond gadgets here because it’s back to basic Bond (ala “Dr. No” and “From Russia with Love”). Venice, the Bahamas, and an Aston Martin serve as tributes to the old Bond films. The writers wisely changed Bond’s casino game against the evil Le Chiffre to high stakes poker because who understands baccarat. Can you spot the ever changing face of CIA agent Felix Leiter before he identifies himself? The new Bond bares more skin than any of the beautiful Bond girls. Only Bond can find humor under duress. The new Bond is not the polished image we all fondly remember, but a diamond in the rough just starting his “license to kill” career and developing before our eye. Certain classic Bond elements are nearly absent from the film, but Alien believes they will emerge as the sequels progress. Be patient. This is the right beginning to launch the new Bond series.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “blood tears and the spy that loved me” stars out of 4.
A new James Bond (Daniel Craig) makes a daring return to the big screen in “Casino Royale”. It’s not a remake of the 1967 spoof of the Bond films. It is based on Ian Fleming’s first Bond novel. See the beginning of “00” status and the vodka martini, shaken, not stirred. The new Bond is more physical, less sophisticated, a lean mean tough guy. For action, a spectacular super heroic chase scene jump starts the show. There are hardly any Bond gadgets here because it’s back to basic Bond (ala “Dr. No” and “From Russia with Love”). Venice, the Bahamas, and an Aston Martin serve as tributes to the old Bond films. The writers wisely changed Bond’s casino game against the evil Le Chiffre to high stakes poker because who understands baccarat. Can you spot the ever changing face of CIA agent Felix Leiter before he identifies himself? The new Bond bares more skin than any of the beautiful Bond girls. Only Bond can find humor under duress. The new Bond is not the polished image we all fondly remember, but a diamond in the rough just starting his “license to kill” career and developing before our eye. Certain classic Bond elements are nearly absent from the film, but Alien believes they will emerge as the sequels progress. Be patient. This is the right beginning to launch the new Bond series.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “blood tears and the spy that loved me” stars out of 4.
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