Photo by: Sony Pictures
Connery, Lazenby, Moore, Dalton and Brosnan. To some, these names may be meaningless. To others, they comprise the legendary action man of film: Bond, James Bond. Now after nearly five years of waiting, the suave secret agent is back on the screen in “Casino Royale.”
At the helm of the new adaptation of Ian Fleming’s novel is Daniel Craig. The actor, known for his work in “Munich” and “Layer Cake,” provides a perfect change from the Bond reawakened through popular actor Pierce Brosnan.
Although some may say that Craig’s blonde hair and piercing blue eyes are quite a change from the silent, yet deadly Brosnan, others will call “Casino Royale” a “reboot” rather than a continuation of the character portrayed in previous Bond films.
Nevertheless, one thing is for certain: “Casino Royale” draws all types of audiences in a mesmerizing show of action, romance and suspense. The story follows secret agent James Bond, recently promoted to 007 status, as he attempts to win a high-stakes poker game set by a dangerous banker known as Le Chiffre.
Le Chiffre, played by Peter Lorre, deals with several terrorist organizations to gain profits and put other businesses out of commission.
During a staged terrorist attack at the Miami Airport, Bond disrupts Le Chiffre’s plans, causing a severe loss of revenue.
To offset his losses and hide his true intentions, he plans on winning the poker game against Bond and other wealthy individuals. To expose Le Chiffre’s debt and terrorist connections, Bond must go against all odds to win the tournament.
Thrown into the mix is the lovely Vesper Lynd (Ursula Andress), a treasury agent and new flame to fill the classic “Bond Girl” character. The culmination of the poker game and Bond’s courtship with Vesper gives audiences a real treat.
As far as production is concerned, “Casino Royale” is almost flawless. The directing skills of Martin Campbell bring a modern look to the previous sci-fi style of James Bond films. The music, special effects and lighting all add to a visually stimulating picture.
From Madagascar to Montenegro, the settings for the film add visually inspiring scenes to the mix. Bond’s Aston Martin DBS is by far one of the highest-class cars seen in a 007 film. Yet, criticism over the film’s main character does arise.
Audience members will find an emotionally kinder, though more physically deadly secret agent. The “reboot” theory of the film would explain these changes but still leaves room for some personal opinion. Regardless, new and old James Bond fans should find the film worth the ticket price.
Whether for a new action movie or out of James Bond nostalgia, “Casino Royale” provides it all for audience members.
From the stylish introduction featuring Audioslave singer Chris Cornell to the shocking finale, this movie is a guaranteed hit. Bond proves that he once again can be shaken, but not stirred.
