It's
been four years since the last 007 installment and things have certainly changed
a great deal since then. Ian Flemming's creation has been given a major overhaul,
and the results are (if you'll forgive me) Smashing! As I'm sure you know the
franchise has been given a fresh new face in the person of Daniel Craig. Craig
brings a refreshing dose of grit and testosterone (bringing 007 in line with contemporaries
such as Jason Statham.) In fact the only real connection to the last film is Judy
Dench, who returns as the character "M".
Taking
the name of the original Ian Fleming novellete (the 1967 Casino Royale was in
name only, serving as a parody of James Bond) we see a newly promoted 00 agent
hot in pursuit of terrorist weapons brokers through such locales as Uganda (one
of the best foot chases ever put on the big screen) to the Bahamas, on to Miami
(with a stunning airport chase) and then to Montenegro, where Bond must match
wits with the notorious terrorist banker Le Chiffre in a very high stakes poker
game. (Le Chiffre has just lost his terrorist clients money playing the stock
market and hopes to recoup it in the casino before he loses his head to his disinfranchised
clients.)
The
Daniel Craig Bond is a true departure from the others. For starters he doesn't
pack an arsenal of fancy gadgetry in his car and pockets from his old friend "Q".
This certainly limits his McGyver-like abilities to extricate himself from hairy
situations – rather he relies on his cleverness and charm. In fact, if this
new version of Bond has a chief weakness, it would be over-confidence.
Craig
is surrounded by an able group of supporting players. French actress Eva Green
serves as a stunningly effective ally and love interest, Jeffery Wright gives
a solid, understated performance as American agent Felix Lighter and Giancarlo
Giannini is superb as a Montenegro detective who may not be what he seems.
A
tip of the hat is certainly due director Martin Campbell, who directed 1995's
Golden Eye, the last classic bond film. He re-invigorates the franchise while
delivering a truly stylish action thriller with real credibility. Hopefully Craig
will stick around a while and attract another generation of double O devotees.
