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Collecting our thoughts


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#31 Jim

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Posted 19 November 2006 - 08:05 AM

CBn user name: Jim

Favourite Bond film: Thunderball

Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): From Russia with Love

Least favourite Bond film: Licence to Kill

CR rating out of 5: 5

How many times have you seen CR?: Twice

Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better than I expected

Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: What I expected; I had faith.

Most memorable moment: The shower scene; on reflection, all the bathroom scenes, PTS included.

Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: Everything between Bond and Vesper. A real relationship given space to breathe.

Which part of the film interested you least?: Brutal product placement.

What surprised you most about the film?: That they made a quality film that happens to be a Bond film, rather than makng a Bond film and gambling as to whether it turns out any good.

Most amusing scene in the film: Everyone ordering martinis and Le Chiffre getting really, really annoyed about it. Well, I laughed.

Most "Fleming" bit in the film: The recuperation and aftermath.

The film's biggest strengths: Convincing performances, quiet moments, the bother to try to tell some sort of story rather than run through the same old crap yet again.

The film's greatest flaws: Having whinged for years that recent Bond films only appeared to have a cast of three, this one seemed to have too many - what was the point of Felix Leiter, save for the "buy-in"? Although I accept that this criticism could be levelled at the book.

Comments: It really annoys me that I have wasted time and money on the last five "Bond films" when they were secretly capable of producing something like this. In danger of making a lot of the other Bond films looks like the hidebound, tired, formulaic knock-offs that - ulp - they are. It deserves better than being rated alongside Bond films; it's a proper film. Thanks!

#32 Vauxhall

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Posted 19 November 2006 - 08:29 AM

CBn user name: Vauxhall

Favourite Bond film: ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE

Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): may well be the same as my favourite, but if not, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE.

Least favourite Bond film: A VIEW TO A KILL

CR rating out of 5: 5

How many times have you seen CR?: once (going twice more this week)

Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better than I expected, and I thought it would be stunning.

Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: I expected him to be outstanding. He was better.

Most memorable moment: Bond being tortured at the hands of Le Chiffre, and the particularly iconic final scene - made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.

Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: Easy to say "the whole thing", but I think that the casino scenes were beautifully shot, and also interesting to see Bond having to deal with the emotional consequences of his killings. Bond and Vesper's romance was another obvious highlight.

Which part of the film interested you least?: Struggling to think of anything here. I was riveted throughout. I suppose I could have done without some of the product placement, although it doesn't really bother me to be honest. Often makes it seem like a real world setting. I'll say that all the same.

What surprised you most about the film?: I had extremely high hopes for the movie, and it surpassed even those. That surprised me immensely. I expected to leave the cinema disappointed after it failed to reach the level I had set for it. Also, the humour of the torture sequence amazed me. Was so much better than how it read in the script.

Most amusing scene in the film: The introductory exchanges between Bond and Vesper in the train and car; ordering the Vesper at the table in the casino; oh and Mr Mendel's brief appearances!!

Most "Fleming" bit in the film: I think it was the torture sequence for me. An iconic moment in the world of the literary 007, and Campbell, Craig and Mikkelsen definitely did it justice.

The film's biggest strengths: The violent fight-scenes; the love story between Vesper and Bond; the astonishing performances of Craig, Green and Mikkelsen.

The film's greatest flaws: I can imagine that the constant reel of new villains popping up here and there may have been difficult to follow. I had read the script so knew where everyone fitted into the plot, but can see others not being so fortunate. Also, the fact that so many scenes were cut, but hopefully will make nice extras for the DVD.

Comments: I previously described this movie as a "renaissance" of James Bond. Now, I'm not so sure. I don't think it's entirely a case of 'Bond is Back' - we're getting a completely different breed of Bond than before. Bond is clearly different to what we have had in the most recent past, and is a huge triumph. Daniel Craig's performance in this movie is comparable to any dramatic role I've seen in the last year or so. It is what the franchise needed, and has made me an extremely happy member of the fanbase once more.

#33 belvedere

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Posted 19 November 2006 - 02:02 PM

CBn user name: belvedere
Favourite Bond film: OHMSS
Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): OHMSS
Least favourite Bond film: Live and Let Die
CR rating out of 5: 4.5
How many times have you seen CR?: 1, so far
Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better
Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better
Most memorable moment: M's great reveal - that Vesper died to spare 007
Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: Surprisingly, the card game
Which part of the film interested you least?: The Miami airport sequence. Pointless.
What surprised you most about the film?: How good Eva Green and Mads Mikkelsen were
Most amusing scene in the film: "Do I look like I give a damn", and trying on the tux with "You Know My Name" and "James Bond Theme" cues in background
Most "Fleming" bit in the film: "The bitch is dead" - but I thought they could have used the line better.
The film's biggest strengths: Breaking free of the formula
The film's greatest flaws: Trying to shoehorn in action seqeunces which do little to advance the plot - aka Tomorrow Never Dies disease
Comments: The best Bond film since OHMSS. This Bond is believable - not mere folly. They should continue in this vein, it works. Daniel Craig was terrific.

#34 Lazenby880

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Posted 19 November 2006 - 10:56 PM

CBn user name: Lazenby880

Favourite Bond film: Casino Royale

Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): Casino Royale

Least favourite Bond film: Diamonds Are Forever

CR rating out of 5: 5

How many times have you seen CR?: Twice

Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: I had exceedingly high expectations. They were surpassed.

Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: As good as I thought. A second viewing confirmed what I thought on Friday night: Daniel Craig *is* the best James Bond.

Most memorable moment: Bond's contemplative look in the mirror; the shower scene.

Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: Lots. The relationship between Bond and Vesper was incredible; so good that I had trouble believing this was actually happening in a *Bond* film. The aforementioned scenes registered a great impact also and were met with similar disbelief on first viewing. Craig's performance was masterful, I enjoyed that most too. And the writing. And the intelligence. And a reasonably complicated plot which nevertheless made sense without too much Basil Exposition ('African conflict diamonds', anyone?). I enjoyed almost everything most.

Which part of the film interested you least?: Richard Branson.

What surprised you most about the film?: The scenes previously mentioned, and the fact that they have made a great film which happens to be about James Bond as opposed to just another Bond film. Vive la revolution.

Most amusing scene in the film: "Now everyone's going to know you died scratching my balls," or something like that.

Most "Fleming" bit in the film: The inhaler.

The film's biggest strengths: The acting, the time taken to tell a good story, the slower pace, the smaller scale, the script, the action and lots of other things.

The film's greatest flaws: Richard Branson.

Comments: I'm still not sure if what I have twice watched this weekend is real. If it is, thanks to all involved. Tomorrow, a review of greater length.

Edited by Lazenby880, 20 November 2006 - 06:45 AM.


#35 Bryan Harris

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Posted 20 November 2006 - 12:52 AM

CBn user name: Bryan Harris

Favourite Bond film: Goldfinger

Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR):
From Russia With Love

Least favourite Bond film: Diamonds Are Forever

CR rating out of 5: 4/5.

How many times have you seen CR?: Two.

Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better. Until I saw the film, I wasn't sure just how far EON would stray from the familiar ritualized beats. It felt very fresh.

Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better. Craig's other films made me confident that he would be steely and intimidating, but he infused Bond with a marvelous good humor which underlined the crucial fact that, even with all the blood and thunder, Bond finds much to enjoy in his life. As good as Dalton and Brosnan were, they were seldom relaxed enough to do the same; you could almost hear them thinking "Grit those teeth, son. Flare those nostrils."

Most memorable moment: Bond's pleasure as Carlos discovered where the explosive keychain wound up.

Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: The Madagascar chase was brilliantly designed and executed, building to an absurd but somehow never quite unbelievable pitch, with two clever and indefatigable opponents constantly having to improvise in order to beat each other.

Which part of the film interested you least?: The score. This is David Arnold's best Bond score, but I still find it pretty pedestrian. EON seems to have learned the value of laying out for a big name on the screenwriting side, and I hope that in future they carry the lesson over to the composer; someone like, say, Howard Shore, who has much of the same overhanging moodiness of John Barry, but who's still very individual and accomplished.

What surprised you most about the film?: The genuine humor in the film. No belabored slapstick or strained innuendo (I mean, there was plenty of innuendo, but it was very deft).

Most amusing scene in the film: Bond coolly humiliating Demetrios at poker ("Oh, and the valet ticket.").

Most "Fleming" bit in the film: Bond cleaning himself up after the stairwell fight and dulling his nerves with a scotch. Fleming's novels teem with scenes of Bond struggling to recover after combat, but the films almost never have them (much to their detriment, since they fail to communicate that Bond's almost-superhuman fortitude doesn't come from never getting rattled or hurt, but from his bloody-minded refusal to give up).

The film's biggest strengths: Fine acting across the board, stylish direction, and effective characterization.

The film's greatest flaws: A certain amount of narrative clarity was sacrificed for pace, and much of the plot hinges on convenient institutional error that isn't really addressed as an active theme (for example, how did Vesper get fortuitously assigned to the Casino Royale op in the first place? Is there a more senior mole in HM Treasury? Why didn't MI6 ever identify Vesper as a potential blackmail target? How did the CIA manage to let Le Chiffre slip the noose?).

Comments: What a Bond film should be: a tense, propulsive action movie first and foremost, but with a wit and glamour that no one else can match.

#36 ACE

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Posted 20 November 2006 - 01:12 AM

CBn user name: ACE
Favourite Bond film: Goldfinger
Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): GF
Least favourite Bond film: AVTAK
CR rating out of 5: 6
How many times have you seen CR?: 5
Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: As expected
Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: As expected
Most memorable moment: The shower scene
Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: The free running scene
Which part of the film interested you least?: The Miami trail
What surprised you most about the film?: The Arnold score
Most amusing scene in the film: Catching and throwing the gun on the crane
Most "Fleming" bit in the film: The gambling sequences
The film's biggest strengths: The Bond/Vesper relationship
The film's greatest flaws: Hurried post-torture recuperation
Comments: My comments are here

#37 AgentPB

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Posted 20 November 2006 - 01:21 AM

CBn user name:AgentPB (PB stands for Pierce Brosnan)
Favourite Bond film: From Russia With Love
Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR):The Spy Who Loved Me
Least favourite Bond film:Live And Let Die
CR rating out of 5:5
How many times have you seen CR?: Twice a day apart.
Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: It was Better!
Was Craig better than you expected: Craig was Better.
Most memorable moment: The Construction Yard Fight
Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: All the fights, big and small.
Which part of the film interested you least?:The poker was excellent but a bit long.
What surprised you most about the film?:The love story was fantastic.
Most amusing scene in the film:The Death of Vesper
Most "Fleming" bit in the film:The torture scene
The film's biggest strengths:The acting and cinematography
The film's greatest flaws:More like ever other action movie, less Bondish
Comments:I liked this film but I'm not sure if Craig is Bond. He's a good actor but i just don't buy him. But when actually watching the film he is amazing.

#38 NATO Sub

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Posted 20 November 2006 - 09:33 AM

CBn user name: NATO Sub

Favourite Bond film: Goldfinger

Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): Goldfinger

Least favourite Bond film: DAD

CR rating out of 5: 5/5

How many times have you seen CR?: 1

Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: About the same

Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better

Most memorable moment: Stairwell fight

Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: Torture scene

Which part of the film interested you least?: The watch banter between Vesper and Bond, specifically the mention of Omega

What surprised you most about the film?: Faster paced than I had been led to believe

Most amusing scene in the film: Dialogue between Bond and Le Chiffre during Torture scene

Most "Fleming" bit in the film: M's attitude to Bond

The film's biggest strengths: Cast, stuntwork, script

The film's greatest flaws: Product placement, too much action bunched at both ends

Comments: In a different league to the Brosnan films, CR is satifying adult entertainment that managed to avoid most of the Bond cliches.

#39 dee-bee-five

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Posted 20 November 2006 - 09:46 AM

Inspired by Brendon's "DAD Quick Reviews" thread*, a one-stop guide to where we all stand on CR.

http://debrief.comma...?showtopic=6164

No discussions, please, just your two cents on the following:

CBn user name: dee-bee-five
Favourite Bond film: Casino Royale (replacing OHMSS)
Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): Casino Royale
Least favourite Bond film: TMWTGG (if we're not counting NSNA)
CR rating out of 5: 6 (well, the Daily Mirror did it!)
How many times have you seen CR?: 3
Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Exceeded all my hopes and expectations.
Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better.
Most memorable moment: Too many to single one out.
Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: The poker game.
Which part of the film interested you least?: Nothing.
What surprised you most about the film?: How much I liked the titles.
Most amusing scene in the film: Bond winning the Aston.
Most "Fleming" bit in the film: The bit between Bond travelling to Casino Royale and the end credits.
The film's biggest strengths: To misquote Terence Young, "Daniel Craig. Daniel Craig. And Daniel Craig."
The film's greatest flaws: Giving M Villiers as her PA instead of Moneypenny. The reboot was fine, but that was just one tiny step too far.
Comments: After a couple of decades, OHMSS has finally been knocked down to second place in my favourites list. James Bond has finally come of age with his 21st official movie. This is a film for grown-ups, not kids and will definitely separate the men from the boys amongst Bond fans.



#40 Captain Grimes

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Posted 20 November 2006 - 06:41 PM

CBn user name:
Captain Grimes

Favourite Bond film:

You Only Live Twice

Best Bond film:
Dr No

Least favourite Bond film:

Die Another Day

CR rating out of 5:
4.8

How many times have you seen CR?:

Once

Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?:
Better

Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?:

I thought he would be very good; he turned out to be very, very good.

Most memorable moment:
The cardiac arrest scene.

Which part of the film did you enjoy most?:
The Casino Royale sequence

Which part of the film interested you least?:

The Miami sequence.

What surprised you most about the film?:
Some truly funny moments and Arnold's terrific score.

Most amusing scene in the film:

Difficult to say, as this was probably the funniest Bond film since Diamonds are Forever.

Most "Fleming" bit in the film:

The torture.

The film's biggest strengths:

Craig's phenomenal performance.

The film's greatest flaws:
As with all Bond movies, the runtime could have been shaved by 20 minutes without doing much damage.

Comments:

I was very happy that Bond in this movie drank something other than just vodka and champagne. He drank both of those, of course, but, like the Bond of the books, he drank his fair share of gin and especially whiskey, the bathroom scene being a stand out.

#41 Lazenby880

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Posted 20 November 2006 - 06:50 PM

Favourite Bond film: Casino Royale (replacing OHMSS)

Comments: After a couple of decades, OHMSS has finally been knocked down to second place in my favourites list. James Bond has finally come of age with his 21st official movie. This is a film for grown-ups, not kids and will definitely separate the men from the boys amongst Bond fans.

Great minds evidently think alike. :) I never thought I would see the day that a Bond film could top On Her Majesty's Secret Service; I always said that I hoped Casino Royale would be the best thing since The Living Daylights or, if lucky, 1969's OHMSS. However Casino Royale *is* the best Bond film (or, more accurately, the best film *about* James Bond if you see the difference), in my view, and Daniel Craig indubitably the best Bond.

Edited by Lazenby880, 20 November 2006 - 06:57 PM.


#42 Tarl_Cabot

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Posted 22 November 2006 - 09:22 PM

No discussions, please, just your two cents on the following:

CBn user name: Tarl Cabot
Favourite Bond film:

From Russia with Love

Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): ditto

Least favourite Bond film: Die another Day
CR rating out of 5: 4.5/5

How many times have you seen CR?: 2

Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better. Much better. :P

Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better.

Most memorable moment:Torture scene.

Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: Bond meeting Vesper on the train and The Bahamas...

Which part of the film interested you least?: Miami airport chase

What surprised you most about the film?: How moved I was by the romance/fate of Vesper.

Most amusing scene in the film:Bond as a valet

Most "Fleming" bit in the film: Card game, martini order

The film's biggest strengths:Craig's performance as Bond, Eva Green because I cared about her.
The film's greatest flaws: The theme song was weak. I've been listening to the 30th anniversary CD and I really like Mr. Kiss Kiss bang bang...they could have used that!!

Comments:Great film. I'm totally geeked out over it. :)

#43 dinovelvet

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Posted 22 November 2006 - 09:29 PM

CBn user name: dinovelvet
Favourite Bond film: CR
Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): CR/OHMSS
Least favourite Bond film: NSNA
CR rating out of 5: 193
How many times have you seen CR?: TWO
Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: BETTER
Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: BETTER. I KNEW HE'D BE GOOD, BUT...DAMN!
Most memorable moment: THE NAME'S BOND...JAMES BOND
Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: ENTIRE BAHAMAS SEQUENCE FROM BOND'S ARRIVAL TO WINNING DEMETRIOS' CAR
Which part of the film interested you least?: THE END CREDITS :)
What surprised you most about the film?: HOW BLOODY GOOD IT WAS
Most amusing scene in the film: "AND THE VALET TICKET?"
Most "Fleming" bit in the film: TELLING VESPER SHE'S A BLOODY IDIOT
The film's biggest strengths: DANIEL CRAIG, MARTIN CAMPBELL, THE SCRIPT
The film's greatest flaws: MATHIS' POKER COMMENTARY DIALOGUE, THE COMEDY SWISS BANKER
Comments: I LOVE CASINO ROYALE. DANIEL CRAIG FOREVER.

#44 Vanish

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Posted 26 November 2006 - 07:22 AM

Very interesting thread. My two cents:

CBn user name: Vanish

Favourite Bond film: The Living Daylights

Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): Thunderball

Least favourite Bond film: Diamonds Are Forever / NSNA

CR rating out of 5: 4.5

How many times have you seen CR?: Twice.

Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better, but I already had high expectations.

Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Just as I'd expected - He's a perfect[b] 007.

Most memorable moment: Capturing and executing Mollaka in Madagascar.

Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: Craig and Green's performances.

Which part of the film interested you least?: The airport chase - felt out of place.

What surprised you most about the film?: The retro titles, Mads Mikkelsen's Le Chiffre (very fine work)

Most amusing scene in the film: Bond and Vesper sparring in the hotel lobby, with Bond ignoring their new codenames and general secrecy.

Most "Fleming" bit in the film: Washing the blood off after the stairwell fight.

The film's biggest strengths: Character, nuance, aggressiveness of it all, dialogue, locales - CR has quite a long list of major positives.

The film's greatest flaws: The aforementioned airport chase feels awkwardly placed and overlong, despite the nice payoff. Also too much reliance on cellphones.

Comments: A superlative Bond film, and an instant Bondian classic. Daniel Craig's performance is so strong and compelling that I'm convinced he has the potential to be the best James Bond yet.

#45 stamper

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Posted 26 November 2006 - 07:57 AM

CBn user name: Stamper

Favourite Bond film: From Russia With Love / OHMSS

Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): OHMSS

Least favourite Bond film: LALD

CR rating out of 5: 4

How many times have you seen CR?: 2

Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better in than expected.

Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better than I expected.

Most memorable moment: The travelling closing on Bond at the airport when the bomb goes off, and the smile on Bond face. Something I have never seen in a Bond film.

Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: Enjoyed all of it.

Which part of the film interested you least?: The recovery scenes, I think the editing could have been better, and I feel some moments were missing.

What surprised you most about the film?: The way it reset the Bond series, and accomplishes the same thing for action cinema, that Dr No did at the time, mixing the last 25 years of action movies into a shaker to come up with something old, but new at the same time.

Most amusing scene in the film: Bond being mistaken for a car valet and throwing the keys over his shoulders.

Most "Fleming" bit in the film: The whole second act in the Casino up to the torture sequence.

The film's biggest strengths: Performances and action.

The film's greatest flaws: Torture scene too short. Some key dialogue from the novel in that same scene missing ("this is not a movie where the hero get the girl at the end" I would have loved to have Le Chiffre say that). The climax is not up there with the action from the first act, but the epilogue makes up for it. And why did they cut Bond trowing the computer in the water at the end ? That was one great moment nicely acted by Craig.

Comments: Best Bond since 1969.

#46 Tajike

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Posted 26 November 2006 - 09:51 AM

CBn user name: Tajike

Favourite Bond film: FRWL

Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): FRWL

Least favourite Bond film: DAD

CR rating out of 5: 4.5 ::: shared second place in my favs ranking with OHMSS

How many times have you seen CR?: 1 (second time later today)

Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Much, much better

Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: I had high hopes for Craig and he didn't let me down

Most memorable moment: 1) The torture sequence 2) The ending

Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: The entire Montenegro part, with the Bond/Vesper combo and the poker game as favs

Which part of the film interested you least?: The Miami sequence should've been cut shorter or left out entirely

What surprised you most about the film?: The intensity of the entire product

Most amusing scene in the film: 1) Torture scene 2) Herr Mendell 3) the "Gutenabend" quip

Most "Fleming" bit in the film: 1) The dinner after the poker game 2) Bond's recuperation

The film's biggest strengths: 1) The acting 2) The script 3) The cinematography 4) I can go on forever

The film's greatest flaws: 1) The editing 2) The screentime for Mathis and especially Leiter

Comments: First movie ever which will get a second (or even more) viewing by me in the cinema. That, my friends, says enough from someone who despises going to a cinema

#47 Andrew

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Posted 26 November 2006 - 05:08 PM

CBn user name: Andrew
Favourite Bond film: Thunderball
Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): From Russia with Love
Least favourite Bond film: A View to a Kill
CR rating out of 5: 4.5
How many times have you seen CR?: 3
Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: About the same.
Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: About the same.
Most memorable moment: "Bond...James Bond"
Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: All of it.
Which part of the film interested you least?: Madagascar.
What surprised you most about the film?: The contrast to the other films.
Most amusing scene in the film: The valet scene.
Most "Fleming" bit in the film: The aftermath of the stairwell fight (Bond cleaning himself up and joining Vesper in the shower) and the post-game dinner.
The film's biggest strengths: Daniel Craig.
The film's greatest flaws: The Madagascar sequence, though still fun, is a bit over the top for the rest of the film and is somewhat unnecessary.
Comments: Time will tell but the odds are favorable.

Edited by Andrew, 26 November 2006 - 05:08 PM.


#48 DamnCoffee

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Posted 26 November 2006 - 05:17 PM

CBn user name: mharkin
Favourite Bond film: Casino Royale
Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): Casino Royale Least favourite Bond film: A View to a Kill
CR rating out of 5: 5
How many times have you seen CR?: 007
Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: About the same as i expected
Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: About the same as i expected
Most memorable moment: "Bond...James Bond"
Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: All of it.
Which part of the film interested you least?: Madagascar Chase.
What surprised you most about the film?: The contrast to the other films.
Most amusing scene in the film: The scene when Mr Mendell arrives to transfer the money.
Most "Fleming" bit in the film: Can i say ecerything :)
The film's biggest strengths: Daniel Craig, Eva Green...
The film's greatest flaws: The Madagascar Chase was a great piece of Cinema but i thought the crane scene was a little OTT
Comments: Casino Royale is the Best Bond movie ever.

#49 yolt13

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Posted 26 November 2006 - 05:42 PM

CBn user name: yolt13
Favourite Bond film: FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): Tie - CR and FRWL
Least favourite Bond film: LICENSE TO KILL
CR rating out of 5: 5
How many times have you seen CR?: 3
Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better.
Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: I had high expectations, but he surpassed even those.
Most memorable moment: Last scene.
Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: Last scene.
Which part of the film interested you least?: Loved it all.
What surprised you most about the film?: Great interplay and chemistry between Craig and Eva Green.
Most amusing scene in the film: Bond and Vesper on the train.
Most "Fleming" bit in the film: The fight in the stairwell of the hotel.
The film's biggest strengths: Cast, script, decision to avoid fantastic elements.
The film's greatest flaws: If any, the flaws lie only in that the story is centered around a card game. Though great sequences, they keep Bond sitting still a bit long.
Comments: Craig owns the role and is completely credible as a young Bond. The film is criticized by some for length, but the amount of time devoted to character development and the relationship between Bond and Vesper is absolutely essential to the drama, and Craig and Green are a joy to watch throughout. Best Bond film (and Bond performance) since FRWL, and is being duely rewarded for it at the box-office. The last scene had me walking on air out of the theater, all three times I've seen it.

#50 gkgyver

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Posted 26 November 2006 - 06:39 PM

I love the last scene! Favourite moment hands down. If there is a scene that describes the cold gentleman- killer image more, please let me know!

#51 Double-Oh-Zero

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Posted 27 November 2006 - 03:28 AM

CBn user name: Double-Oh-Zero

Favourite Bond film: From Russia With Love

Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): From Russia with Love...may become CR in a few years

Least favourite Bond film: A View to A Kill

CR rating out of 5: 4.75

How many times have you seen CR?: Twice

Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better than I expected, actually.

Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Substantially better than I expected.

Most memorable moment: Torture scene, if I had to pick only one.

Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: Craig's performance, by far.

Which part of the film interested you least?: Miami Airport sequence. Well done, but it could have been dropped without too much of a problem.

What surprised you most about the film?: That they actually decided to take it seriously this time and ended up with genuinely well done FILM. As well, Dame Judi Dench was finally given an opportunity to shine, and wasn't seen clutching a glass of bourbon.

Most amusing scene in the film: Bond running through a wall. Well, I chuckled both times I saw it.

Most "Fleming" bit in the film: Tough call, but the PTS with Bond killing some anonymous bloke in cold blood and drowning another in the bathroom was pretty brutal.

The film's biggest strengths: Great performances, some well-placed, genuine humour as opposed to lame, ridiculously juvenile penis jokes.

The film's greatest flaws: An underused Felix Leiter; a lot of speculation made about him being black, and he end up being there for five minutes and then buggering off. Aside form that, no legitmate complaints from me.

Comments: It's a little troubling to know that they can make a good film out of a Bond fillum in that they haven't really taken advantage of that fact until now, after thirty/forty-odd years.

#52 connery&dalton

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Posted 27 November 2006 - 06:54 AM

Inspired by Brendon's "DAD Quick Reviews" thread*, a one-stop guide to where we all stand on CR.

http://debrief.comma...?showtopic=6164

No discussions, please, just your two cents on the following:

CBn user name: connery&dalton
Favourite Bond film: Casino Royale
Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): Casino Royale
Least favourite Bond film: The World Is Not Enough
CR rating out of 5: 5
How many times have you seen CR?: 1
Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better
Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better
Most memorable moment: The conflict between Bond and M in her apartment. Great work by Judi Dench.
Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: Poker Game
Which part of the film interested you least?: The end
What surprised you most about the film?: The change in the gun-barrell
Most amusing scene in the film: Bond blowing the guy up at the airport
Most "Fleming" bit in the film: Craig's portrayal of Bond
The film's biggest strengths: Craig, Green, and Mikkelsen, and Dench
The film's greatest flaws: Some parts were confusing, especially the end. It was hard to follow some of the minor villains.
Comments: Even though Casino Royale was a little confusing, it doesn't do any damage for me. This is a highly enjoyable film with the greatest Bond performance of all time.


Edited by connery&dalton, 27 November 2006 - 06:55 AM.


#53 Blonde Bond

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Posted 27 November 2006 - 08:36 AM

CBn user name: Blonde Bond
Favourite Bond film: Goldfinger/Goldeneye
Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): Goldfinger
Least favourite Bond film: Die Another Day
CR rating out of 5: 5 (for now)
How many times have you seen CR?: 1
Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: about the same as I expected
Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Haven't decided yet
Most memorable moment:
Which part of the film did you enjoy most?:
Which part of the film interested you least?:
What surprised you most about the film?: How different it was compared to previous movies/How similar it was with some parts.
Most amusing scene in the film: the torture scene/the train scene where Bond & Vesper analyze eachother, by the cover
Most "Fleming" bit in the film:
The film's biggest strengths: natural actor, natural Bond
The film's greatest flaws: "You Know My Name" was a bland song in the theater.
Comments: Maybe not the best(un-decised), but in the top 10 at least

#54 tigerheart

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Posted 03 December 2006 - 08:12 PM

CBn user name: tigerheart
Favourite Bond film: The Living Daylights/Goldeneye
Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): Goldfinger
Least favourite Bond film: Die Another Day
CR rating out of 5: 4
How many times have you seen CR?: 2
Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better.
Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Even better: I believed he could do a great job, and he surpassed my expectations.
Most memorable moments: the dinner jacket sequence, that iconic line..
Which parts of the film did you enjoy most?: the poker game, the stairwell fight, the Madagascar chase, the shower scene.
Which part of the film interested you least?: the collapsing palazzo because it went on too long, although I'll admit I found it less tedious on the second viewing.
What surprised you most about the film?: How much of the original book they used. The strength of the violence in the action scenes. The genuinely humorous moments.
Most amusing scenes in the film: Le Chiffre getting annoyed at the other players asking for Vespers, 'that last hand...nearly killed me', the torture scene and the 'you know what I can do with my little finger' line - fantastic delivery from DC! :)
Most "Fleming" bits in the film: Bond washing the blood off himself and drinking a stiff whisky after the stairwell fight. The verbal sparring with M.
The film's biggest strengths: using so much of the book. Daniel Craig's superb performance. Full-on action. Genuine sparks between Bond and Vesper.
The film's greatest flaws: the cuts to the storyline (presumably for runtime) which impacted on the plot flow and coherence. Not enough Felix!
Comments: A great start to DC's Bond era; not without its flaws, but hugely watchable all the same.

#55 Blonde Bond

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Posted 30 December 2006 - 12:29 AM

An update

CBn user name: Blonde Bonde
Favourite Bond film: Goldfinger/Goldeneye/Casino Royale
Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR):Goldfinger/Casino Royale
Least favourite Bond film: Die Another Day
CR rating out of 5: 5
How many times have you seen CR?: 3 (yeah, I'm a huge geek. Only saw latest Star Wars 3 times, and I am/was a huge SW geek)
Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better. And it gets better with every repetitive viewing.
Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: I had a big hopes for him and now I can safely say, that he delivered. There's room for another actor, on the winners' rostrum.Or should I say "Move Moore" ?
Most memorable moment: The whole variety of the movie. Maybe the train and the casino.
Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: Casino and the first few scenes with Vesper and Bond (Train/Car)
Which part of the film interested you least?: Cant say. The movie's growing on me.
What surprised you most about the film?:
Most amusing scene in the film: The torture scene, Train, Car and the hotel reception hall.
Most "Fleming" bit in the film: Cant say.
The film's biggest strengths: The actors and the low key plot.
The film's greatest flaws: I cant honestly say.
Comments: One of the greatest bond movies. Going to be a classic.

#56 Santa

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Posted 30 December 2006 - 02:21 AM

I'm sorry, Looloo, I can't be that detailed. All I will say is that I loved CR and my only doubt is: Do I love it because I wanted to or is it really , really the best? As yet I don't have an answer.

#57 ComplimentsOfSharky

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Posted 30 December 2006 - 02:35 AM

CBn user name: MooMoo :)

Favourite Bond film: right now...CR (followed closely by TLD FRWl and OHMSS)

Best Bond film: FRWl, OHMSS or CR

Least favourite Bond film: MR

CR rating out of 5: 5

How many times have you seen CR?: 4

Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: Better and I expected it to be good.

Most memorable moment: Vesper's death or Daniel walking past Mr White after he just shot him.

Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: Eva in the dinner jackets scene. :P Or the Venice sequence to the end.

Which part of the film interested you least?: I didn't like how Mathis got the shaft.

What surprised you most about the film?: How good Craig was... and I was the most optimistic about him of my friends. He really blew me away.

Most amusing scene in the film: "You OK?"

Most "Fleming" bit in the film: Bond and Vesper on the train.

The film's biggest strengths: too many to name for me really...it all came together perfectly. An instant classic.

The film's greatest flaws: PTS a little short, gun barrel felt forced. Some choppy editing that led to plot holes...movie couldve been a few minutes longer and I'd have been ok with it.

#58 Double-0-Seven

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Posted 30 December 2006 - 07:05 PM

CBn user name: Double-0-Seven

Favourite Bond film: Casino Royale

Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): Casino Royale

Least favourite Bond film: Casino Royale (1967) :P

CR rating out of 5: 5

How many times have you seen CR?: Once. I meant to go again but now I'll probably just wait for the DVD.

Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the
same as you expected?:
I expected it to be awesome and it completely blew away my expectations.

Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about
the same as you expected?:
Same as above. I had faith and thought he would be awesome, an he was beyond awesome as Bond.

Most memorable moment: There's many, but probably the final line of the film.

Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: The poker scenes.

Which part of the film interested you least?: Nothing. I loved it all.

What surprised you most about the film?: How close it was to the book.

Most amusing scene in the film: There's many, but I'll say when Le Chiffre gets mad at the poker players for ordering so many Vespers and asks, "That's it? Anyone want to play poker now?"

Most "Fleming" bit in the film: Bond ordering the Vesper. It's exactly how it was in the book.

The film's biggest strengths: The excellent performances by Daniel Craig, Eva Green, and Mads Mikkelsen.

The film's greatest flaws: They should have kept the deleted scenes. Other than that, nothing.

Comments: To keep it short, the film is awesome. It's a great start to the Daniel Craig era. I can't wait to see where he takes the character next. :)

Edit: The emoticons I posted aren't showing up for some reason.

#59 Gri007

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Posted 30 December 2006 - 07:16 PM

CBn user name: Gri007
Favourite Bond film: Thunderball
Best Bond film (if different to your fave - you may, of course, cite CR): Casino Royale
Least favourite Bond film: Octopussy
CR rating out of 5:5/5
How many times have you seen CR?:4
Was CR better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: A lot better then I'd expected
Was Craig better than you expected, worse than you expected, or about the same as you expected?: About the same as I expected
Most memorable moment: The toture sequnce/and Bond smiling at watching Carlos blow up
Which part of the film did you enjoy most?: The construction site and MIA sequence
Which part of the film interested you least?: NONE
What surprised you most about the film?: The fisished result
Most amusing scene in the film: torture scene
Most "Fleming" bit in the film: As soon as he enters Casino Royale
The film's biggest strengths:The 2nd half. The Fleming part
The film's greatest flaws: None
Comments: A fantastic combination of originality and Fleming