Film Review

21 November 2008 18:43 BST

Casino Royale

Directed by Martin Campbell, out in cinemas now, starring Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen and Judi Dench, running time 144 minutes .

In a nutshell…

Mesmerizing action, dark and thrilling

What's it all about?

Casino Royale sees Bond return refreshed and back to basics as Daniel Craig becomes the sixth official actor to play Britain's super spy, and as befits the 21st century, the film is darker than its predecessors.

We see James Bond at the beginning of his double-0 career earning his promotion despite his disrespect for the rules of engagement and flagrant disregard for keeping things undercover.

Out to prove his worth Bond tracks down the notorious Le Chiffre who is heading up a consortium that funds a global terrorist network. However, Le Chiffre has a predilection for cards and Bond is staked into a multi-million pound poker game under the watchful eye of Treasury official Vesper Lynd.

The locations may be exclusive and picturesque but that won't stop Commander Bond from blowing it to smithereens in his quest to bring down the latest global threat in the name of Queen and country.

Who's in it?

Daniel Craig was a much derided choice as Bond when he was unveiled but he proves every doubter wrong as he arguably gets as close the Bond of Ian Fleming's books as any actor ever has.

He cuts a figure that is both suave and intimidating and puts his body on the line regularly in a non stop performance that is truly impressive.

Eva Green positively smoulders throughout the whole film as Vesper Lynd and brings a femme fatale quality that is rarely seen in a Bond adventure. Mads Mikkelsen is as maniacal as a Bond villain ought to be, obsessed with besting Bond as much as he is with his role in global terrorism.

As an example…

"It doesn't bother you, killing those people..?"- Vesper Lynd
"Well, I wouldn't be very good at my job if it did."- James Bond

"Shaken or stirred?" - Bartender
"Does it look like I give a damn?" – James Bond

Likelihood of a trip to the Oscars

Traditionally Bond films do not do well at award ceremonies, as with most action films. There is a chance that it could take some audience awards as it is sure to be popular with the public, which ought to guarantee large takings at the box office.

What the others say

"Daniel Craig is not a good Bond. He's a great Bond." Paul Arendt – BBCi

"It is all ridiculously enjoyable, because the smirking and the quips and the gadgets have been cut back - and the emotion and wholesome sado-masochism have been pumped up." Peter Bradshaw – The Guardian

So is it any good?

Having re-energised the franchise in 1995 with GoldenEye, director Martin Campbell has pulled off the trick for a second time, the new Bond is believable within the context of contemporary action films as opposed to the uncomfortable feel of the final two Pierce Brosnan films.

There are fewer gadgets and the pithy dialogue has been severely cut back by Oscar winning writer Paul Haggis (Million Dollar Baby and Crash). The script itself is minimalist letting the action speak for itself, though the interplay between Craig and Green is a delight.

French free-runner, Sebastien Foucan features in the opening scenes of the film which are nothing short of breathtaking in their audacity.

Craig perfectly captures the mood and voracity needed to play the cold-hearted killer that Bond is, and there is a feeling that the actor is out to prove himself which is mirrored in his portrayal of Bond. It was often said that Connery moved like a panther, and here Craig walks like a tiger.

While there are all the hallmarks of a Bond film, it feels like the makers have managed to shake off the post Cold War malaise that both the character and franchise were in. This is the best action film you will see all year and puts Bond back on top. Where he belongs.

8.5 /10

Dominic Beaumont

Click here to see the Bond theme tune, You Know My Name sung by Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell. The single is out on December 11th

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