Martin Campbell has given us a near perfect movie. With knee melting fighting, chases and stunts! That was shot with all the glamor of the classic Bond era (Connery). That keeps the audience enthralled from the first shot to the very last. The ending is well worth the wait. I for one didn't think the movie was overlong. Just more Bond for my money! Purvis, Wade and Haggis has a crafted a script that is a instant classic. Yes there are holes, but it's so enjoyable that one overlooks them. Everything we the fans expect in a Bond script are there the quick quips, sex and death, but also things we're not used to romance and mistakes. Lindy Hemmings, bless her heart knows how to dress Craig's Bond. Her costumes enhances Craig's magnetism and physicality. By the looks of it, she has been doing her research of the classic Bond era. Yes this isn't her first Bond movie but Craig's costumes looked as if he took them of Connery's Bond.
Judi Dench has truly grown into the role of M. It's now hers, no longer is she a poser in the brilliant Bernard Lee's chair. Giancarlo Gianinni is wonderful as usual, easily believeable as a super spy. Mads Mikkelsen is an actor with a slight hand. One doesn't realize he's acting. He deserves fame that I'm sure that awaits him. In Le Chiffre, Craig's cerebral Bond has a true foe. Someone he can't defeat with brute force but with the strength of his wit and mind. Eva Green was not only breathtaking but Bond's true equal. Besides Tracy, she is the ONLY other complex multi-faceted Bond 'girl'. What you see is not what you get in Miss Lynd. Green easily pulls off every little nuance of her character. Making her sympathetic although as woman you envy her much. Both Green and Vesper are a surprise. The one thing I can say about Jeffrey Wright, he was utterly under-utilized! I wanted more interactions between the two future best pals. To witness the beginning of a beautiful friendship. It is although lovely to see Dr. Leiter back in Bond. I have missed him. Welcome home, Felix!!
Daniel Craig, where I start? Those who have voiced their doubts will be squashed once and for all. I had HIGH hopes for Craig as Bond but he blew them out of the water. He is absolutely authentic start to finish as a man who has not yet found himself. And most importantly as Bond, James Bond! Every new Bond should have such a dynamtic beggining! Poor George Lazenby must be disappointed that OHMSS wasn't just that for him. Who was the last truly strong Bond. Effortlessly, Craig outshines the Bonds of the last 35 years. It is hard for me write that statement, Moore was my first Bond and I've loved Pierce since the days of Remington Steele. In equal measure, Craig assuredly delivers Bond's infamous lightning fast wit and the new demands of the Bond for the 21st century. Craig never needs words to tell the audience just how Bond is feeling or thinking. He can do it with his entire being. Some of the greatest moments of Casino Royale needed no words. He's that good. Maybe the ellusive recognition that such a marvelous actor is entitled to will finally be his. Thank you Barbara for making the right choice!
In short, is it 2008 yet? Don't walk, run to the theatre! You will not be disappointed in the movie or Daniel Craig. Your eyes will glued to the screen and you will be at the edge of your seats. In closing I'll quote Carly Simon "And nobody does it better, Makes me feel sad for the rest, Nobody does it half as good as you,"
Edited by swaz, 18 November 2006 - 07:26 PM.
