Casino Royale [2006] [DVD] [2007]

 

 

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For the first time in many years, we finally get a Bond film based on a novel by Ian Fleming. The silly stuff - invisible cars, the "comedy" section with Q, etc has all been cast aside, and what we are left with is, by and large, a serious Bond film that easily outclasses the recent Bourne films.

The plot sticks to Fleming's first Bond novel quite closely, bar the changes needed to bring it into present day. A lot of criticism has been levelled at the film for not being "a true Bond film", but it's worth remembering that the Bond films, really ever since From Russia With Love, have veered away from Fleming's Bond and transformed him into the humourous, gadget and girl equipped Bond that most people, having never read the books, now see as the "true Bond".

The film has also been criticised for lack of continuity, but what continuity should there be? Continuity between the previous Bond films was always patchy at best, but now, Bond is at the start of his career as a 00 agent, so there isn't going to be any continuity between the previous films and this one.

All in all - a much needed return to form. Can't wait for the next one.

After the deplorable 'Die Another Day' and the fact that Pierce Brosnan's Bond had become some kind of slimy lounge lizard without an ounce of danger, the Bond franchise looked as though it had finally had it's day. With that young upstart Jason Bourne to contend with, a radical rethink was in order. For some, Daniel Craig was a little too radical, and the press surrounding his appointment was almost universally negative. Oh, the joy of hindsight.

With Martin Cambell at the helm, an experienced hand who launched the Brosnan era with GoldenEye, which at the time was a fairly radical relaunch, and the chance to finally film the original Bond story, it was time to show the young pretenders how it should be done.

Daniel Craig's tenure as 007 begins with perhaps the most fantastic pre-title sequence of any Bond. Filmed in black and white, with a level of visceral shocking violence that truly reflects Bond's licensed killer role, and the gun-barrel motif as part of the action this announces the arrival of 007 in style.

The film continues in this new, much grittier way, but still feels very much like Bond. There are the exotic locations, beautiful women, opulent lifestyles and obsession with food and drink that is so evident in Fleming's novels.

On the whole the film sticks very closely to the novel, swapping Bacarat for texas hold-em poker and a carpet sweeper for a knotted rope ;) there are some additions to make the story more cinematic. The free-running chase at the start of the film, and the collapsing venetian house at the climax are dramatic to watch but, particularily in the case of the latter, feel a little overblown in comparison to the rest of the film and the film does seem to flag slightly in the last 20 minutes, but the climax which leaves the film open for a direct sequel is a brave move.

The emotional journey Bond takes through the film hangs very much on the chemistry between Bond and Vesper Lind, (Eva Green) and for me there just wasn't the spark that would have made this feel truthful. There simply isn't enough of an on screen frisson between the leads to make me believe that Bond falls as hard as he does.

Small niggles aside, this is a fantastic film, and I eagerly look forward to the next Bond film, not something I have said for a good few years.

The DVD comes with some fine extras. The two making of features are some of the best I have seen in a long time. One focuses on the creation of the stunts and effects and how as much as possible was filmed for real. This is great fun and beats watching actors stood in front of green screens and special effects nerds showing you how they have a new program to render smoke, again. The other feature follows Daniel Craig through the selection process, announcement of his casting and filming. This is suprisingly frank and deals bravely with his less than rapturous reception.

There is another feature on Bond girls there to pad out the disk, its a bit ropey and was on the TV around the time the film received it's cinematic release. Maryam d'Abo waxes lyrical about the legacy of Bond girls and she talks to some other aging actresses about how lovely they used to be.

Also included is the video for the Chris Cornell song 'You know my name' which is easily the best theme in years, but to be honest only fans will watch the video more than once.

So overall then, the best Bond film in years, with the best Bond in decades, backed with some good extras.

I'm off to pour myself a nice big Vesper, cheers.

Daniel Craig was given a very hard time when he was chosen to replace Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. Personally I always thought he was a good choice, having seen him in 'Layer Cake' with a steely glint in his eye and that great voice. But the proof really is in the pudding. The whole idea of who and what Bond is has been rejuvenated - but without sacrificing the quintessential elements of Bond that we know and love: namely the car, the car and the car (sorry but it was PAINFUL to watch what happened to it), the beautiful leading lady (who is a little more complex than our usual Bond girls), exotic locations, incredible action sequences (the opening action sequence is jaw-dropping), some humour (I defy anyone not to cringe and laugh during the torture scene), a quirky bad guy, gadgets galore and a finger at rather than a nod to some of the other Bond-isms ('Would you like your Martini shaken or stirred?' Do I look like I give a damn?'). Not to mention the incredible credit sequence, thankfully replacing the chauvinistic dancing girls we usually get - and a fantastic theme tune by Chris Cornell which sticks in your head.

But the most interesting aspect of 'Casino Royale' for me is the way we see Bond as never before: as a rough diamond, a thug, before his job truly took his soul. We see him struggle with his feelings about killing, how he learns to trust no-one and how his heart gets broken. Judi Dench is, as usual, wonderful as M and the chemistry crackles between her and Craig as they develop their relationship which often resembles that of exasperated parent and wilful child.

There are some nice extras on the 2-disc edition which is worth having - but just make sure you get the film. In my opinion the best film of 2006 and possibly one of the best Bond films ever. Now THAT'S how to answer the critics!

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5.0 out of 5 stars The best james bond movie ever.
i gotta i say this the best bond movie.
everything about it, Daniel craig best james bond actor, action brilliant, humor funny.
this is a true bond movie. Read more

Published 5 days ago by George Dunn

3.0 out of 5 stars Rugged Mr Bond - all other considerations secondary
Casino Royale (2006) is a reboot of the Bond franchise and remake of Fleming's novel with the notional set pieces and plenty of strutting from Daniel Craig. Read more

Published 1 month ago by Miami

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reboot
In a decade when reboots seem to be all the rage this one certainly doesn't disappoint - the world's number one spy/assassin is back with a bang. Read more

Published 5 months ago by Shrewlord

5.0 out of 5 stars Names Bond, James Bond...or Is It?
A very good action movie, and Craig is great, but it's not a James Bond kind of film, there are no cheesy action scenes and no gadgets! Is this a new, tougher James Bond? Read more

Published 6 months ago by Josh

4.0 out of 5 stars I Like It
This is my first purchase of a UMD film/movie and I will be purchasing more. I love the idea as it is perfect while waiting for the bus or train or even while travelling on them... Read more

Published 9 months ago by K. Jones

1.0 out of 5 stars Great film - Awful audio quality
The sound levels fluctuate worryingly so much throughout this DVD that it ruins the enjoyment. Especially during the action/fighting scenes when you need it most. Read more

Published 10 months ago by Pete

4.0 out of 5 stars good
If you have not seen this film before it is very action packed and I often watch it. It is one of those films you can watch over and over and still want more. Read more

Published 10 months ago by Abbie

5.0 out of 5 stars Arrogance and self-awareness seldom go hand in hand.
Casino Royale is directed by Martin Campbell and adapted by Neil Purvis, Robert Wade & Paul Haggis from a story written by Ian Fleming. Read more

Published 11 months ago by Spike Owen

5.0 out of 5 stars It wasn't too early to promote him.
I havn't been a long time 007 fan to be honest.
BUT... I'm glad that the first Bond film I've seen is Daniel Craig's version of 007 because...
1. Read more

Published 12 months ago

5.0 out of 5 stars casino royale dvd
Ordered 2nd hand copy for cheapness ( 1p ! ) . Company said the discs had been inspected & that they were A1. I doubt if u could buy it in better condition when new. Read more

Published 12 months ago by philarelli

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