James Bond 007 : Casino Royale (2006)
Cast : Daniel Craig, Ev Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright, Giancarlo Giannini, Simon Abkarian, Caterina Murino, Jesper Christensen
Director : Martin Campbell
This is one heck of a great movie. The major makeover and face-lift of James Bond doesn’t just involve the Bond himself but also a revamp of the entire franchise. It attempts to stay close to the heart and soul of the original Ian Fleming novels. This movie and, more grounded but yet still realistic.
I've said it last time that Daniel Craig brings the new meaning of the name James Bond, and I am still sticking with that. Daniel Craig DOES bring the new meaning. He’s no Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, George Lazenby or Pierce Brosnan. In fact, I think that he’s nothing close to any of them. Yes, he might not be as romantic, as smooth as the previous James Bond but he has this charisma. This aura, if some of you might call it. He’s relentless, rough, serious but still smooth and slick. He still has the license to kill but this time, it’s just that he is missing a few hi-tech and savvy gadgets. Rest assured dear Bond fans, it is still as good as last time. No worries about Sean Connery’s Bond legacy, it is still there and untouchable. Luckily, watching Casino Royale is not like watching a typical James Bond movie but it’s like watching an action-packed movie. In fact, it’s like watching Xander Cage in xXX only less biceps and triceps. (Is that too much?). At times, it slipped my mind that I was watching a James Bond movie. The action flick knows no end! It’s so typical that the scene had to start in Africa. (Spoiler!) But this time, chasing the suspect bomb-maker adding up with the action sequence that is perfectly choreographed. Makes it flawless! I remembered the American Gladiator, an obstacle course game on TV last time. Just as similar.
Bond still loves gorgeous women. Gorgeous MARRIED women (Same as moi!) This time, Bond girl is Eva Green as Vesper Lynd, the $10 million cash supplier for Bond in a high-stake poker game that will be attended by Le Chiffre. One thing's for sure now, Eva Green is hot but Judi Dench is hotter than her! Any time! Yeah! Call me pervert but I have this thing for older women. She got this ass kicking punch line, she gets to order Bond to go here and there and she’s the head of MI6. She doesn't need that low cut dress but she still look sexy. And that short hair makes her more appealing. She's one heck of a lady, man. (Not a pervert, am I?) Unfortunately, no sexual intercourse scene because it has been cut off (Damn it!) but this time, it’s not important anymore. I am more glued to the movie instead of that scene.
Le Chiffre will be known as a villain not just because he shed blood from his eyes but with that cold look. But this villain isn’t the type of villain who blatantly wants to conquer or take over the world and he doesn’t have those evil schemes to dominate the world, he only wants to cash in on the stock market following terrorist calamities. It comprises an element of terrorism, stock market and the effect of those 2 towards the world’s global economy. Sadly, he died scratching Bond’s ball.
The location of this movie is something that I like. Seriously, there are other Bond movies with much more luxurious and expensive setting but Prague, Bahamas, Lake Como and Venice just blew myself away. I personally feel that it’s one of the assets of the movie. It was in Venice when they shot what I considered the most ballistic heroism act by Bond. He literally brings a building down is a rip-roaring action highlight.
The soundtrack “You Know My Name” from Chris Cornell is fuckingly great. Mind the profanity but it’s true. In Fact, I hardly hear the typical track that will be played right before Bond gets into trouble or in action.
Finally, it’s fun to see how Bond emerges from a serious, cold-blooded agent to a softy and then back to the sadist brat after Vesper Lynd was killed. (Well, serves her right!). It’s funny that the last scene when Mr. White was murder was the time when he recited his infamous lines…”The name’s Bond, James Bond.”
Casino Royale was the first movie that introduced James Bond worldwide. And their aim to revamp the whole franchise seems to work, well, for me it does. Frankly speaking, I am pleased with the product, Daniel Craig as Bond and the whole movie all together. Reluctant and hesitant at first, but now, I rest assured that Bond is safe in the hands of Daniel Craig. Even without those gadgets, this movie is worthy to watch.
James Bond : Now you can tell all your friends that you died scratching my balls
Aku Kasi : **** / *****
Labels: movie
