Another OHMSS?

Last night was my first chance to see Casino Royale.

So after four years of waiting and a new start how did it fare?

Well, my first impression was that it was very good.

For me all this year I've been to see films only to be let down. None of the blockbusters have done anything for me and so Casino Royale was the last chance this year for popcorn cinema to redeem itself. Superman was well intentioned but boring, MI3 was just simply a dreadful mess. And everything else has been - well so forgetful I can't even remember much of it.

I can remeber sitting through Die Another Day cringing at the dreadful dialogue and pathetic plotting - and the less said of the theme and the CGI the better.

Casino Royale easily succeeds on all these counts - much better plotting, great characters, a better villain (however not the classic Fleming character) wonderful theme song (yes it does work - though I admit I was surprised by the orchestration after listening to the rock version for so long), and CGI that was used only when necessary and sparingly.

And what a revelation Daniel Craig is. I admit I was one of those who were worried when his casting was announced. But as more photos and then trailers were released my fears subsided. However I could never understabd the vitriole thrown at him. At the time he may not have been at the top of my list but I only wished the best for him, because the series was in his hands. Those who were part of the personal attacks really should hold the heads in shame because Craig fits the part.

All this made CR a much more enjoyable film than the rest of the year's releases and a more satisfying Bond film since OHMSS. And I think that is how I shall view Casino Royale - it is not an instant classic - nor does it jump to the top of my list yet. But like OHMSS, where it took years for me to get over it's 'flaws' to see it for the great film that it is, I think I shall see it rise towards the top. Presently it is about no 5.

However for all the care the producers took it seems they could have done with re-reading the script before they committed scenes to celluloid. Like others have noted, who made Mathis announce himself with 'I am your contact', why not, 'Mathis, head of Station M' (for Montenegro or whatever). This was't Mathis only snafu - the 'tell' line to Vesper was really clunky and felt like a set of grinding gears.

But the plotting dropped a few balls as well: Having Mathis work for Le Chiffre was a traitor too far. I can only hope Mathis is being set up and that he will be redeemed in the next film. But having everyone seemingly working against Bond just did not work for me. Plus having Mathis as a turncoat denied us a crucial CR scene. If this film serves as a reboot then why avoid the one scene in the book that so defines Bond's character - why does, and continues to do, what he does: killing people for his country.

Finally Le Chiffre's motivations became unclear once Bond killed off the Africans in the stairwell. A couple of lines of would have made it clear that he lost more than their money and that he needed to keep the trust of Mr White.

Can I be the only one who want no more MGW cameo's? They seem like a relic of the Roger Moore era - and serve to distract from the 'reality' that CR tries so hard to create. Even this minor scene shows how much he cannot act. By all means let him walk by camera or sit off to one side if he must, but no more acting.

However this are minor points but stand out because they could so easily have been avoided - and yes they should have announced the next title when the end credits started to emphasis the point that Bond would be back in (my choice) Quantum of Solace (followed 2 years later by Risico).

James Bond is definitely back and looks greater - the film and the actor. Cinematography was stunning - crisp and colourful - and the direction concise and, with the exceptions not, clear. Please someone chain Martin Campbell in place to do the next one.

As soon as I left the cinema I drove home, with the Bond theme from the CR soundtrack blaring out of the car stereo. Now another two year wait - though I shall see CR a couple more times at the cinema - finally a blockbuster that generally lived up to the hype.

Where to now though? Well put the gunbarrell back at the beginning, otherwise keep with this new style. Frankly I did not miss Moneypenny or Q (is Villiers M's new secretary?) so only have them back when needed.

#1 Bond... Raybond

#2 JCRendle

#3 Skudor