Casino Royale
Ursula Andress did it in Dr. No. Halle Barry did it in Die Another Day. Finally we have Bond himself sexily emerging from the sea in a skimpy little number. My double X chromosomes might bias me a bit toward the double-oh's delivery, but I'd have to say he did it best.
Back when Daniel Craig was first slated to become the franchise's sixth James Bond, a community of those who either hold the character a wee bit too close to their hearts or have a wee bit too much time on their hands began an online petition to nix the new blonde Bond. I am no afficio-Bond-o, but I cannot imagine a better Bond choice than this strapping hunk of man-meat. He has the raw good looks and body to match, his delivery is more Sean Connery tough than Pierce Bronson mamsy-pamsy and, yet, you can still sense the slightest bit of vulnerability in this younger version of a Bond freshly anointed with his 007 status.
In addition to the new face of Bond, mere minutes into Casino Royale, you get the sense that this chronicle of the James Bond franchise is meant to be something entirely different. Perhaps it is the solid screenplay writing from movie maven, Paul Haggis. Or, maybe, it's the deviation from special effects and high tech gadgetry in favor of storyline and character development. Whatever the magical formula, the new Bond (which, technically, is the old Bond being that this story is set in his earlier years) could begin a franchise all on its own.
Judy Dench, as M, sends Bond off to track down a known terrorist money man, creepy Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). In order to stay close on his heels, Bond finds himself in a Montenegro poker match at the Casino Royale. Vesper is the Vanessa to his Austin Powers in this high stakes gamble-fest and, wouldn't you know it, just like Austin Powers--- Bond whittles Vesper's edge away with his not so subtle savoir faire.
With a true love interest in Casino Royale, Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), we catch a glimpse into the creation of all Bonds to come (who, technically, have actually passed in the forms of Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan). This Vesper was apparently the real deal for young Bond and their romantic rapport would shape him into the multi-mated man we see in the other Bond flicks. Unfortunately, it is also this lovey-dovey storyline between Bond and Vesper that comes across as a little over done. With the soap opera-esque tunes fluttering about every time the two hook up and the exchange of lingeringly sappy looks, their amorousness feels forced and artificial. Luckily, these moments are fleeting and, although they lower the appeal of the film, there is still plenty to love.
In addition to the usual clever and cheeky quippery by Bond, this film also features witty exchanges between characters. Not to mention that Casino Royale features the coolest chase scene ever--- one that actually occurs without cars! Close to the beginning of the film, free running founder, Sebastien Foucon, sweeps through the streets and rooftops of Prague with Bond close at his heels. The pair fly gracefully through the air with beautiful views of the city whizzing by.
This Bond film was not perfect. However, Craig's version of Bond may very well be. Now that the schmaltzy scenes with Vesper are out of the way, maybe the next 007 flick will get even closer to beating out the Bonds of yore.
Grades
Overall: A-
Story: B
Acting: A-
Visuals: B+
Originality/Innovation: B
Enjoyability: A-
DVD Extras: C
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