Casino Royale

Last evening we finally got to see the most recent James Bond movie, Casino Royale. We did it in the most enjoyable fashion, too, sitting in front of the fireplace, eating dinner while watching the action on the big-screen TV...much better than dealing with the rude punks, crying children, and chattering cell-phone junkies in the theater.

Much has been written about this movie and the suitability of Daniel Craig as the new face of James Bond. Opinion seems to have been equally divided between those who think Mr Craig is awful and those who think he's made for the part. I'm in the latter category.

While I found some of the twists of the plot a little difficult to follow, there's no doubt in my mind that Daniel Craig is the best portrayer of the fictional Bond since Sean Connery...and I think he may be better. He played the role with a barely-contained savage energy that convinced me he was a man who could and would kill without remorse. One look at the icy eyes and the calmly rigid face made me glad I wouldn't have to meet this man in a dark alley.

I have enjoyed all the James Bond movies through the years, even as they turned ever more outrageously campy. But the new Casino Royale was brilliantly done because it turned more on the characters and the physical action than on the unbelieveable gadgets churned out by Q in his lab. I could see this action happening in a real world of relentless good guys hunting remorseless terrorists. I could believe the story.

So...

No deep thoughts today, just my observations on a great movie. If it's the sort of thing you like, they don't come much better. If not, well, there are lots of other movies out there. And as for me, I can't wait to see Daniel Craig in action as Bond again. I only hope they stick to the Casino Royale formula and keep James Bond as the believeable character Craig so superbly made him.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo