JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonCasino Royale: In Cinemas-(Footage Included)
January 29th 2007 03:47
Casino Royale
In Cinemas
Director: Martin Campbell
Starring:Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench
“The job’s done and the bitch is dead” - Bond
Gritty, unflinching and willing to get his hands dirty this is the welcome return of a cold blooded, ruthless assassin who lives on vice and thrives on competition, this is the James Bond of Ian Fleming’s Novels.
Cleverly opting to erase the tongue in cheek damage inflicted by Pierce Brosnan and Roger Moore, Casino Royale takes us through the superspy’s first mission.
Tracking the evolution from field agent to high level operative, teaching us the emotional detachment that is essential to achieving his objectives, 007 is human, fallible and not in complete control of his abilities…yet.
The pre-credit sequence begins and instantly it’s clear we are returning to the origins of the franchise. Earning his OO rank, up close and personal slaughter takes it toll; the first kill is always the hardest. Shot with a cold, colour starved tone the once invincible secret agent is engaged in ferocious combat, fists and legs fly and we see that it physically hurts him.
Reckless with an armour plated ego, James’ deadly skills are inconsequential next to his competitive drive that makes him unable to surrender to defeat. Determined to win at all costs he causes an international incident that puts his future in jeopardy.
Resourcefulness saves him from expulsion and M (Judi Dench) gives him a chance at redemption by assigning him to neutralise a terrorist threat.
Funding international mayhem, a mathematics savant Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) has lost over 100 million in a stock market manipulation that Bond sabotaged.
Looking to raise the lost funds before his backers whack him, Le Chiffre plans to win the money back in a high stakes poker game. Naturally, MI6’s most famous member is also its best card shark, and he must foil his attempts at scoring the winning pot.
“Ten million was wired to your account in Montenegro, with the contingency for five more if I deem it a prudent investment. I suppose you've given some thought to the notion that if you lose, our government will have directly financed terrorism.” – Vesper Lynd
From there the espionage, betrayal and danger flow like the Vodka Martinis he doesn’t even know he loves. Becoming the heartless, perfect weapon or “blunt instrument” that will define him, its not until the very last frame that we hear the famous line, ”Bond, James Bond” and the transformation is complete.
John Doe says:
No car chases, no cheese, just ball shredding torture and inventive storytelling that effectively boosts the genre. The kinetic action thrusts you into the maelstrom, a wise script plays with the conventions of the series and an eye for realism brings this spy thriller back to a level of rare excellence.
Director Martin Campbell redeems himself for past blunders (Goldeneye, Zorro, Vertical Limit) balancing the drama, action and romance so that suspense is maintained.
The fluid screenplay penned in part by Paul Haggis operates to educate Politically correct audiences about why Bond is misogynistic and exploits woman for pleasure and information. Why he is a step above the rest and importantly what it is that lets him survive where many fail.
Resorting to the booze as a crutch, showing his dependence on vice as a necessary evil to sustain. Strangely the chain-smoking has been omitted but we get to see a more ruthless and unforgiving spy. (Murder is ok but cigarettes and one night stands are wrong, i never understood this philosophy)
The vertigo inducing cinematography in the early stages of the film reminds us that CGI can not replace talented stuntmen, the foot chase by France’s Parkour boys is as good as any union jack base jump (Spy Who Loved Me) or swampland boat chase (Live and Let Die).
High quality action cinematography, the camera is allowed to assess from a distance giving a frame of reference, then dives headlong into ferociously choreographed action that lets us feel the impact and pain inflicted.
Sceptical about Daniel Craig (Layer Cake), JD’s fears were unfounded. Reminiscent of Steve McQueen in the Thomas Crown Affair, Daniel Craig’s Bond has a tough exterior and a stronger interior…he is a neck snapping, wall breaking thug, an unstoppable carnage machine, think the Terminator but with smarts and sex appeal.
I have never liked Judi Dench in the role of M, till now. In this the character is a lot more detached, as it should be and played with subtlety and no gender consciousness.
Eva Green (The Dreamers) brings intelligence back to the part of the Bond wench. With more than just surface beauty we understand why a man like Bond is attracted to her.
The only glaring fault is the repulsive title song which hurts to listen too; highlighted by the brilliantly realized title animation that underscores it.
A minor gripe considering John Doe had actually given up on the 007 films after Remington Steele flushed the remaining faeces in the toilet bowl and reduced it to schlock entertainment.
This is certainly the next best after From Russia With Love and if the sequels live up to the promise of this first effort, Daniel Craig may be the man to take over the mantle from Connery.
Now is it just me or is there something Martin Riggs about the constant sprints and something Indiana Jones about the truck cabin battle?
View the dizzying foot chase for the film and be left in awe at the stuntwork on display
Click below to witness the jaw dropping physical abilities of the Parkour Boys, cat burglars in waiting.
In Cinemas
Poster: In Cinemas Now
Starring:Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench
“The job’s done and the bitch is dead” - Bond
Gritty, unflinching and willing to get his hands dirty this is the welcome return of a cold blooded, ruthless assassin who lives on vice and thrives on competition, this is the James Bond of Ian Fleming’s Novels.
Cleverly opting to erase the tongue in cheek damage inflicted by Pierce Brosnan and Roger Moore, Casino Royale takes us through the superspy’s first mission.
Tracking the evolution from field agent to high level operative, teaching us the emotional detachment that is essential to achieving his objectives, 007 is human, fallible and not in complete control of his abilities…yet.
The pre-credit sequence begins and instantly it’s clear we are returning to the origins of the franchise. Earning his OO rank, up close and personal slaughter takes it toll; the first kill is always the hardest. Shot with a cold, colour starved tone the once invincible secret agent is engaged in ferocious combat, fists and legs fly and we see that it physically hurts him.
Reckless with an armour plated ego, James’ deadly skills are inconsequential next to his competitive drive that makes him unable to surrender to defeat. Determined to win at all costs he causes an international incident that puts his future in jeopardy.
Resourcefulness saves him from expulsion and M (Judi Dench) gives him a chance at redemption by assigning him to neutralise a terrorist threat.
Funding international mayhem, a mathematics savant Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) has lost over 100 million in a stock market manipulation that Bond sabotaged.
Looking to raise the lost funds before his backers whack him, Le Chiffre plans to win the money back in a high stakes poker game. Naturally, MI6’s most famous member is also its best card shark, and he must foil his attempts at scoring the winning pot.
“Ten million was wired to your account in Montenegro, with the contingency for five more if I deem it a prudent investment. I suppose you've given some thought to the notion that if you lose, our government will have directly financed terrorism.” – Vesper Lynd
From there the espionage, betrayal and danger flow like the Vodka Martinis he doesn’t even know he loves. Becoming the heartless, perfect weapon or “blunt instrument” that will define him, its not until the very last frame that we hear the famous line, ”Bond, James Bond” and the transformation is complete.
John Doe says:
No car chases, no cheese, just ball shredding torture and inventive storytelling that effectively boosts the genre. The kinetic action thrusts you into the maelstrom, a wise script plays with the conventions of the series and an eye for realism brings this spy thriller back to a level of rare excellence.
Director Martin Campbell redeems himself for past blunders (Goldeneye, Zorro, Vertical Limit) balancing the drama, action and romance so that suspense is maintained.
The fluid screenplay penned in part by Paul Haggis operates to educate Politically correct audiences about why Bond is misogynistic and exploits woman for pleasure and information. Why he is a step above the rest and importantly what it is that lets him survive where many fail.
Resorting to the booze as a crutch, showing his dependence on vice as a necessary evil to sustain. Strangely the chain-smoking has been omitted but we get to see a more ruthless and unforgiving spy. (Murder is ok but cigarettes and one night stands are wrong, i never understood this philosophy)
The vertigo inducing cinematography in the early stages of the film reminds us that CGI can not replace talented stuntmen, the foot chase by France’s Parkour boys is as good as any union jack base jump (Spy Who Loved Me) or swampland boat chase (Live and Let Die).
High quality action cinematography, the camera is allowed to assess from a distance giving a frame of reference, then dives headlong into ferociously choreographed action that lets us feel the impact and pain inflicted.
Sceptical about Daniel Craig (Layer Cake), JD’s fears were unfounded. Reminiscent of Steve McQueen in the Thomas Crown Affair, Daniel Craig’s Bond has a tough exterior and a stronger interior…he is a neck snapping, wall breaking thug, an unstoppable carnage machine, think the Terminator but with smarts and sex appeal.
I have never liked Judi Dench in the role of M, till now. In this the character is a lot more detached, as it should be and played with subtlety and no gender consciousness.
Eva Green (The Dreamers) brings intelligence back to the part of the Bond wench. With more than just surface beauty we understand why a man like Bond is attracted to her.
The only glaring fault is the repulsive title song which hurts to listen too; highlighted by the brilliantly realized title animation that underscores it.
A minor gripe considering John Doe had actually given up on the 007 films after Remington Steele flushed the remaining faeces in the toilet bowl and reduced it to schlock entertainment.
This is certainly the next best after From Russia With Love and if the sequels live up to the promise of this first effort, Daniel Craig may be the man to take over the mantle from Connery.
Now is it just me or is there something Martin Riggs about the constant sprints and something Indiana Jones about the truck cabin battle?
View the dizzying foot chase for the film and be left in awe at the stuntwork on display
Click below to witness the jaw dropping physical abilities of the Parkour Boys, cat burglars in waiting.
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Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
She is the best bond girl in years and really does bring an air of substance to the role....plus she manages to ooze sexuality while being fully clothed throughout...
have you seen this one yet?
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
It took me ages to see it for fear of dissapointment, I too was dissimisive of my bondage to Bond (wish I'd come up with that)....hope my review entertained even with my lack of verbal flair...
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Seems his attention to detail has paid off - I cannot wait to see this one JD.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I was totally surprisd at how restrained director Martin Campbell was in this film......he has never made anything I enjoyed till now, but it is very evident that the attention to detail has benefited the film immensely......if its James Bond you want, this is the one to reinvigorate your passion.
Please come back and tell us what you think when you see it.
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
Didn't Martin Campbell direct 'Goldeneye'?
I enjoyed it.
I liked this movie....I like how it 'moved'.
I like Daniel Craig, he's fast, lethal, in his prime, dangerous, naive, not as suave, not as cold, damn he's hot...but he just wasn't James Bond for me.
He was Bland.
...until the end...
Will quote this because this is from the book;
"The bitch is dead"
(you know why he says this, am not quoting it to champion callous misogyny...it was necessary)
Will quote this because...well...
"The name's Bond. James Bond."
When he says that....yeeeeahhh...shivers...
I'm still not too sure.
Sean Connery is so deeply ingrained in my mind as Bond that everyone else is a comparison, not a successor.
Hugh Jackman should have accepted the role.
He has that glint in his eye...and do not doubt his cold, lethal, animal magnetism.
Hope you're well JD.
Dusk
ps. fashion is always controversial.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Yeah Martin Campbell did Direct Goldeneye with a bland eye and terrible casting and corny action, I hated it...
I found Daniel Craig really was the Bond of the novels come to life, save of course for cosmetics....(read my review of From Russia with Love for more specifics on how I see Bond)
Clive Owen is the only man for the job I thought, but Craig as i said in my review brings a Steve McQueen toughness to the role that has been missing....something I couldnt see Hugh jackman do, considering he made wolverine into a pussy I shudder at how user friendly his Bond would be....bearing in mind I dont think Bond was ever meant to be charming, just dangerously seductive and confident....not the type of guy to take home to mother..
"The Bitch is dead" says so much about detachment....and I agree it was neccesary to finally make it clear to people who Bond is and why he is destined to use woman and then throw them away....he is a hardcore murderer after all
Totally with you that Connery is the best Bond and one has to compare all others to him....but Craig could well continue what the scotsman started, finally..
I am one of the few that actually thinks Timothy Dalton was second best to Connery, now he must slide down to third.
Always a joy chatting DD (not daredevil) glad you liked the film.
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Your review has come to me on the eve of my visit to the cinema to finally catch this one. As a Bond enthusiast of many years, I am thoroughly looking forward to it. I loved this review and it makes me even more keen.
I liked your observations ... esp. your words,
Isn't that the one thing that will annoy me too? *lol* not that I indulge in either, but isn't that the truth of a sickening culture?
However, I will disagree with you, agreeably though, over Judi Dench as M, I have really enjoyed her input and felt her getting better, as she would - nervous - in a man's world, with huge responsibility, but not dead in femininity and her feelings for someone with obvious sex appeal, as the Ministry breathes down her neck. I think she plays it well. I heartily look forward to her reaction and interaction with Mr Criag in this one.
Eva is a curiosity for me as the New Age Bond Girl and I am curious. She is appealing in the very feminine way she needs to be, to bring the necessary balance to Bonds world ... and character.
Gosh, now I can't wait, you naughty boy!
I'll post my 'review' tomorrow arvo if you like (if I get time)?
Caio,
Lilla
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I think he did a great job as Bond. Much better than I thought he might do at first.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
On our friendly disagreement (Could there be any other kind between us) Judi Dench didnt carry the authority or strength of the character M in the previous films. In this she seems to finally work out that M is an asexual role, an authority figure who leads by example and doesnt not suffer fools lightly.....her relationship to Bond is much more effective, in his company she is ice, when he is not looking we see that she respects his tenacity....
I do find the absence of nicoitine and womanizing from Bonds vice list since Brosnan repuslive, why with teh stress and danger of teh job would he not be a chainsmoker??
I dont think it will grate ion you to much, In Royale we are in a dark world that compensates, plus they do address his dependance on alcohol.
Eva Green is a Bond girl parexcellence up there with the best like Diana Rigg..
Always good chatting and I look forward to reading your review....I think you will find much to like in this one...it is much more From Russia With Love than Moonraker..
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
...as promised my 'view to a kill' ... I just have to collect myself, although I don't think I can after this one...
Wow : it put the B back in Bond for me, and a Beee in my bonnet too, I can tell you, since this is a private conversation ... I think I'm in love! *lol*
Gritty, real, awesome ... really... From Russia with Love ... [but better] ... human again, too.
I loved it and agree with everything you say about Judi D. now. I can see where you are coming from. She settles well opposite to him and I felt that the respect is mutual - perhaps as a surrogate mother figure and son? Yes, they balance each other really well.
I loved that line : "Your not my type of woman, because you’re …" ..etc [won't spoil it for them that haven't been there yet]...
..I felt that Bond’s gadgetry comes of age in this technologically, time has caught up with most of it, yet it manages to have those few gadgets that keep it ... just beyond our reach. I mean you can use what we have today, but you need to be 'in the know' to make it create that cutting edge that Bond always needs to slides down. I was interested to see if they would insert the [almost required – ad nuseum] ‘Q’, and pondered who they would have chosen? Can’t tell you how relieved I am that they didn’t bother to keep that in.
I loved that the special effects weren't silly and overdone and feel they kept it "real." The script pulled it back brilliantly [past, yet strangely … very present day]… and in your words :
OUCH! (I found my hands were clenched into fists in that scene - horrible) .. and the 'youtube' footchase - awesome!
I could rave on and on, just about on every scene ... totally absorbing and I think it is the fix that Bond fans deserved after waiting through so many Bondy-flopps...
Moonraker *lol* a great comedy, that… indeed.
Wow : I'm so blown away ... I loved Eva Green's performance and looks. I can see why Cibby praised her so.. *giggle* Beautiful eyes ...
Gosh what a great plot.
Now I am left to hope that Mr Craig takes on the task of a few more missions, to delight us all for a few years to come? Hugh Jackman was not the best man for this job, indeed!
Yours in Bond appreciation,
Lilla …
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
It is wonderful to be able to say nice things about one of my childhood heroes again...it caught me by surprise how juicy this Casino Royale was too....refreshing that alot of CG was abandoned for real stunts, they actually trashed a trio of those $300,000 Aston Martins in one afternoon doing the record breaking flip.....
Daniel Craig knows that Bond is not meant to be cool (he didnt even like the Beatles in the 60's) but instead he is meant to be dangerous...thats the allure
Lets hope the next one continues in the same vein.
Glad I didnt over hype it for you or ruin any surprises
Yours too in Jim Bondage
JD
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
...just some news for Bondy Fans [you probably know all this anyway], but I wanted to know if Craig was signed up for more Bondy's and I found out that;
On 14 October 2005, Daniel Craig signed a three-film contract, starting with Casino Royale.
Apparently the next film, Bond 22, will continue on from the events of Casino Royale.
Bond 22 is reportedly going to be based on Ian Fleming short story "Risico," which appeared in his book For Your Eyes Only. (Which was the first Bond Film that Daniel Craig actually saw).
As someone who grew up with Bond - and now finally can revisit it, without gagging - this has been exciting news indeed.
Going to check out Deja Vu next ... Ash says it's pretty good.
Have a good weekend,
Lilla
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
De Javu Im in to minds about still....the premise is interesting but I cant stand Denzel and hate to see a smart idea destroyed by Tony Scott..had mixed feedback, I do know that Bryn over on horrorphile quite enjoyed it.
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
I don't suppose any of you noticed the cameo appearance of Richard Branson in this film, did you?
When Bond is chasing the Terrorist Bomber through the airport he has to go through the security gate.
Branson, is to the right of the screen [in the background] with his hands up in the air - being checked by security, for having supposedly set the alarm of - (it's slightly off focus) ... it is hillarious when you spot it!
Cheers
Lilla ...
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I havent seen the film in a while but will keep my eyes peeled on DVD.
I think I spotted Branson on the bigscreen but havent seen it in a while, either way thanks for the tip. I love a silent cameo, they are fun.
Hope your having a good weekend.