Casino Royale

Directed By: Martin Campbell

Starring:
Daniel Craig
Eva Green
Mads Mikkelsen

Let me just start out by saying for those of you who have seen Bond movies before that this isn't your typical bond movie & for those of you who haven't, well where have you been? Just kidding. Both viewers should find this latest one a treat. The bond movies were adapted from Iam Flemming’s books & Casino Royale is the first one that started it all. The beginning of the movie starts with the two kills that garner Bond his 007 status. Right away we see that this guy means business. The plot revolves around a high stakes poker game set in the Casino Royale in Montenegro (hence the title). If the bad guy wins it means terrorists are going to get a whole lot of money. Of course Bond is sent in because hes the best poker player "The Queen has to offer.
If you're familiar with the Bond series you know Bond goes through one outlandish scenario after another with barely a scratch or a hint of physical pain. However in this one bond gets the sh** beat out of him and you literally see some scratches. The plot devices that save him from almost certain death come a bit too often but they don't bother me. The film does an good job of portraying Bond as a man with feelings too - not just doing his job for Queen and Country - something I felt that the latest bond movies lacked. Some other familiar things are gone too - like Q and the recurring 007 theme song, however the nonstop action & good acting don't even make you miss it. Its a great "spy story on steroids" but isn't that we should expect from 007? This film delivers and then some.

4 stars