37 replies to this topic

[Bond_Bishop]

Excellent review!

[holothane]

wonderful review thank you for this, 10 days for me I can't wait.

[MystikTK]

The toying with the Bond film formula is playful yet respectful from the placement of the gunbarrel, the name-reveal, the use of the James Bond theme, outrageous femme fatale names ("Stephanie Broadchest"!), the use of gadgetry and the symbolic invocation of the vodka martini (the Medal), Aston Martin (the chariot), MI6 hierarchy (the Order) and M (the Monarch). The reboot really is tangential to the story.

That actually allays a lot of my fears regarding this film. As I just said in another thread:

All this talk of it being "as if it was the first film in a new series" just makes me paranoid that it won't "feel" like a Bond film. That was/is my criticism of the book-end Brosnan films, GE and DAD, that too often they didn't exude the sensatiion that you were watching something "different" - a Bond film. Apparently, though, my fears are unfounded as, according to all the early reviews, this doesn't eliminate the formula, it just plays with it, as most of us have been rightfully hoping for - a Bond film in the style of the novels, more concerned with fleshing out the characters than action, gadgets and silly puns.

I just hope that for Bond 22 (or Bond 23, if they go the direct sequel route with 22), they go back to the mature, sophisicated modern-day Bond. It's one thing to try a different approach, but the idea of EON actually rebooting the series and KEEPING it that way makes me a little uneasy, for some reason.

Great review, by the way.

Edited by MystikTK, 05 November 2006 - 09:28 PM.

[bsforever]

excellent review..your writing is impeccable.

[Loomis]

ACE, as I recall, you like all of the Bond films, with the possible exception of TWINE. Early days, I know, but where would you rank CR among all the others?

Or is it so much of a different animal as to be an apple that cannot be ranked in a list of oranges?

[ACE]

Or is it so much of a different animal as to be an apple that cannot be ranked in a list of oranges?

That!

It is not remotely formulaic. It is a different thing but still very, very Bondian.

And yes, I do like all the Bond films, even TWINE, in their own way. I'm a little bit of a Bond fan...

[00Twelve]

Well, somehow I'd gone until now without catching your review, ACE, but I'm so glad I did. There has just been nothing but good things to say about this film (from those who understand Bond), and I'm thankful to see your review add to the positive anticipation.

[Loomis]

Or is it so much of a different animal as to be an apple that cannot be ranked in a list of oranges?

That!

Agreed.

The larder of the last 20 films will confuse and confound the ardent Bond fan upon first viewing. This is not Surf 'n Turf at your local franchise chain restaurant. This film will not be to everyone's taste and does not lean into expectations. Casino Royale needs to percolate, mature, air in the mind, explored by the senses. Only then will the full flavour of the gourmet Bond film we have been served begin to be savoured by all of us who have hungered for James Bond to return.

Definitely. Film 21 is a visit to Sardi's after 20 movies munched at McDonald's. Really needs to be savoured, this one.