Genre
Action | Thriller
Director
Martin Campbell
Country
UK | USA | Czech Republic | Germany
Cast
Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Jeffrey Wright, Simon Abkarian, Caterina Murino, Ivana Miličević, Isaac de Bankolé, Jesper Christensen, Sébastien Foucan, Tobias Menzies, Ludger Pistor, Claudio Santamaria, Richard Sammel, Clemens Schick
Storyline
Recently promoted to 00 status, James Bond (Daniel Craig) takes over his first mission, in which he faces a mysterious private banker to world terrorism and poker player, Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen).
First things first, the film has a strong and gripping plot that despite its 144 minutes doesn't bore, not even for a second. Also, this is not your typical Bond story and relies more on classical thrills - like the first James Bond - than technology - I know it's unbelievable but there are no gadgets in this film.
But that's not all. In fact, the action sequences, spectacular as they should be, are wonderfully balanced with brilliant dialogue - especially the conversations between Bond and Le Chiffre - that provides the viewer all the information necessary to understand the story.
Other than having a new face, James Bond is also a different man. He is more secure, tougher - killing in cold blood is not a problem for this Bond -, and more serious, yet he still has a great sense of humour.
The other characters are great as well. Le Chiffre, the villain, is spectacular and probably one of the best villains in the franchise. And the Bond girl, oh boy. Finally she is not some dumb good looking girl, but she actually has a brain and know how to use it.
And the cast. As much as I dislike him, Daniel Craig makes a perfect James Bond, even though, if I have to be honest, he would have made a better villain. Mads Mikkelsen gives a good, enjoyable performance as La Chiffre. And at last Eva Green. Probably for the first time, she is not naked in this one and finally has the chance to show her acting abilities.
Opinion
After "GoldenEye", Martin Campbell returns to direct James Bond, this time played by Daniel Craig, and he wins at the green table with "Casino Royale", arguably one of the best entries in the whole series.First things first, the film has a strong and gripping plot that despite its 144 minutes doesn't bore, not even for a second. Also, this is not your typical Bond story and relies more on classical thrills - like the first James Bond - than technology - I know it's unbelievable but there are no gadgets in this film.
But that's not all. In fact, the action sequences, spectacular as they should be, are wonderfully balanced with brilliant dialogue - especially the conversations between Bond and Le Chiffre - that provides the viewer all the information necessary to understand the story.Other than having a new face, James Bond is also a different man. He is more secure, tougher - killing in cold blood is not a problem for this Bond -, and more serious, yet he still has a great sense of humour.
The other characters are great as well. Le Chiffre, the villain, is spectacular and probably one of the best villains in the franchise. And the Bond girl, oh boy. Finally she is not some dumb good looking girl, but she actually has a brain and know how to use it.
And the cast. As much as I dislike him, Daniel Craig makes a perfect James Bond, even though, if I have to be honest, he would have made a better villain. Mads Mikkelsen gives a good, enjoyable performance as La Chiffre. And at last Eva Green. Probably for the first time, she is not naked in this one and finally has the chance to show her acting abilities.
hahahaaaa-Not naked in this one. There is always one actress in recent decades that always seem to take off their clothes (Greta Scaachi...Kate Winslet) but I agree with you that this was an excellent Bond film with great characters and I loved Felix
ReplyDeleteI know right! I really don't know what's wrong with wearing clothes
DeleteLove this review. The lack of gadgets was a big help to this movie, helped ground it. Never thought about Craig as a villain. Interesting. I love him as Bond, though. To nitpick a bit, I think one of the things that makes this incarnation of Bond great is that he's rather insecure. Other than that, this review is spot-on.
ReplyDeleteI know, he makes a perfect James Bond. And I still don't get all the hate. Is it maybe because he's blonde?
DeleteA great re-boot of a tired series.
ReplyDeleteSo damn right!
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