38 replies to this topic

[DamnCoffee]

I was originally going to post this nearer the release of Quantum of Solace, but watching some of Casino Royale I was encouraged to post it now.

Back in 2005 we were greeted with a brand new Bond, Daniel Craig. He promised us that he would bring more to the role that was written on the page. He promised us a harder, darker Bond, a more vulnerable Bond. And he delivered. Casino Royale, released in 2006. is in my eyes, one of the best James Bond films ever made. The back to basics approach works well with Craigs harder edged Bond.

I love everything about this movie. the action sequences are visually stunning as are the Bond girls (Vesper and Solange), the dialogue is beautifully delievered and the plot is very character driven.

Looking back at the Podcasts, Trailers and TV Spots, I've recently began to get the same giddy feeling that I had before the films release. I actually felt excited watching the You Know My Name music video aswell. I think it's the release of Quantum of Solace looming over us that is getting me very, VERY excited.

The memories are now flooding back to me, when I saw this movie on November 16th 2006 at 18: 50pm. The tension was unbearable in the cinema, waiting for the film to be released whilst listening to David Arnold's brilliant soundtrack. Once the PTS rolled, It was clear to me that I was watching one of the best James Bond films of all time.


Some of the things that stick out for me:

The Pre Title Sequence - A great way to introduce Daniel Craigs 007, sitting in the dark waiting for his second kill.

The Gunbarrel/Title Sequence - The Design is perfect! Very colourful indeed!

The Free Running Sequence - Daniel Craigs very first action sequence as James Bond. It didn't let me down at all. Beautiful scenery, Brilliant on Blu Ray too.

The Bond/M relationship - For the first time from Goldeneye onwards, I've actually looked forward to the Bond and M exchange. I love Judi as M, as well as her pissy attitude towards Bond.

Solange/Bond on the beach - Yeah, even the males were in awe of Craigs body.

Miami Airport Chase - Love it from start to finish, very fast paced.

Bond and Vesper - I adore the chemistry between Craig and Green, one of the best in a long time. probably of all time!

Stairwell Fight - Daniel Craig screams Fleming in this scene, brutal, gritty and vulnerable.

The Poison Scene - This is probably my favorite scene in the movie, I love the attitude of the camera angle when Bond bursts in the bathroom, beautiful. Craig proves that he can act in this scene, I couldn't see any other Bond actor pulling this of as great as he did.

The Shower Scene - This is a very beautiful scene, shows Bond's vulnerabilty perfectly.

The Car Crash/Torture Scene - Brilliant acting from Craig. Nuff said.

Venice - The entire sequence in Venice, from start to finish is bloody fantastic.

Bond, James Bond - Now, what can I say this scene is ing fantastic!

Bond: Mr White? We Need to talk!

White: Who Is This?

*BANG!*

Bond: The Names Bond, James Bond!

Craig is sooo great in this scene. Roll on Quantum of Solace!

Casino Royale is a modern classic. Feel free to discuss this fantastic James Bond film!

Oh yeah. and when the credits rolled. I stood up in the cinema and it hit me... Bond is back, and my god... he's better than ever!

[stamper]

This was not James Bond, bring back Brozz !

Just kidding. I just hope QOS is at least as good as CR.

[DamnCoffee]

I dont think this deserved a thread of it's own, but I came across this whilst lookinhg through some DVD's last night:

Casino Royale - Alternate Theatrical Trailer [Official]
http://uk.youtube.co...h?v=nig1AW5SIQs

[Mercator]

I'm not so hot for the Bond Begins Casino Royale but you have pretty much listed all the film! I really dig the title sequence - although I miss the chicks this was pretty cool too. Real smart with the cards. Reminds me a bit of the 1967 Casino Royale David Niven titles. With the trails of the bullets and stuff.

[Aris007]

The film didn't make a great impression to me at first, but after a dozen of times it makes you love it! I think that we have here a new FRWL! I'm sure that this film wil become better and better as the years pass! Great plot, very dark with a cuple of classic scenes! Craig doesn't make you love him at the beggining, but you adore him as the film moves on!

Great one!!!

[DamnCoffee]

The film didn't make a great impression to me at first, but after a dozen of times it makes you love it! I think that we have here a new FRWL! I'm sure that this film wil become better and better as the years pass! Great plot, very dark with a cuple of classic scenes! Craig doesn't make you love him at the beggining, but you adore him as the film moves on!

Great one!!!

I completely agree with this statement!

[ImTheMoneypenny]

Another great thread Mharkin!

Casino Royale blew me away when I saw it. It set my brain on fire and I had to see it again and again and again in the theatre, which I don't do often. I saw it 8 times before its run ended and to get me by until the dvd came out I admit I sneaked an mp3 player/recorder in at a second run theatre and my sister ( who had a steadier hand) recorded the music/dialogue so I could at least listen to the film until I ran out and bought the dvd on its release date and then deleted the audio recording I'd had. It was not so great anyway as the heating system of the theatre kicked on and off routinely!

I had fallen out of love with 007, as the Brosnan era really left me cold. I really wanted to like his Bond films but just couldn't get into them. And I had been dubious of Craig, my own fault for being so blind. But I was sold once the trailers were out and my boyfriend showed up to my door a week before it was to open and admitted "I've got to go see the new Bond movie!" and I said "Me too!", I was broke that week so I sold some of my cds just so I could buy myself and him a ticket (It was his birthday present.).

What I like about CR the most is that it really packs a punch, yet it's not afraid to shine a light on Bond actually falling in love. It has gorgeous scenery, terrific Bond girls, Craig's brilliant performance, and in my opinion a great script. I do love the soundtrack. I bought that right away!

The PTS just took my breath away. Very effective with the B&W, I'm not sure if it would have had the same punch had it been in colour. The shower scene is probably my favourite of all the scenes if I had to pick only one.

CR is my favourite Bond film, though FRWL is right up next to it. Some days, I go back and forth on which I like more.

I could go on and on, but I'll stop here.

[DamnCoffee]

I could go on and on, but I'll stop here.

Please dont.

I find you're reflections very entertaining.

[Mr. Blofeld]

You missed a line, Harkster:

Bond: Mr White? We need to talk...

White: Who is this?

*BANG!*

White: OOOOWWWWW!!!

...

Bond: The name's Bond, James Bond!

Other than that, fantastic review.

[zencat]

Recently rewatched CR and I'm just amazed at how good it is. What a gift for Bond fans. It's really in a league of its own.

[ImTheMoneypenny]

I could go on and on, but I'll stop here.

Please dont.

I find you're reflections very entertaining.

I do try to be entertaining!

Here's a couple more fun stories about my CR enthusiasm. My poor dad, he loved the Peter Sellers version so when I cheerily brought over this CR when we were having dinner one Sunday, he didn't quite know what to make of it! He just kept saying "Wow, this isn't like the Casino Royale I know!" The torture scene got a bit uncomfortable for him to say the least!

I do love showing CR to people who may not be all that familiar with Bond. I showed it to the gal who's son I baby sit on occasion. Her brother is a big Bond fan but she hadn't really ever paid attention to the franchise as it wasn't her sort of movie. She was in complete awe, I might add. She dug Craig right away, thought he was very sexy.

As zencat said CR is a gift for Bond fans. I turn into a little kid sitting there mouth agape as Bond's climbing girders and plowing through drywall. I lost myself completely in the film.

I have yet to tire of the film! I take it out and watch it and always see something new about it I missed before. And thanks to CR I have such a new appreciation for Bond not only of films but of novels too. Though I'd grown up with Bond I saw him in one way, and now I see him entirely different. 007 become more exciting than I had ever known, not just Craig as he is but one facet of the jewel, but Bond the character.

And as a side note, since CR I've been going to the movies more than I ever have since I was a little kid. Not only did Casino Royale bring back the joy of Bond for me, but the joy of the movie going experience.

[DamnCoffee]

I've watched Casino Royale 3 times in the space of two days. I actually think this is on par with The Spy Who Loved Me as being my favorite Bond movie! It's currently 2nd place at the moment.

I think it's because were getting the sequel in October is what's making get the giddy feeling I had at the time of release.

[BoogieBond]

I have to agree CR is a fantastic film, and even though it is the most recent release, it is considered one of the best in the canon. Thats a massive achievement for a 40+ year franchise.

I felt the same as others after DAD, my enthusiasm for Bond was waning a bit. But CR was a big shot in the arm. As Zencat says, it was a gift. Bond was back with renewed zest and Mojo.

Everything clicks, the Famous ending when he introduces himself as Bond, James Bond is in tune with the more modern films, hardly any have a really happy ending. The ending for CR is a shot in the arm, but as he is saying his name, it is stating "I have lost everything and I have learned, my guard will not come down again, I have become a cold spy now"

[avl]

Recently rewatched CR and I'm just amazed at how good it is. What a gift for Bond fans. It's really in a league of its own.

I totally agree with this. I find it very hard to think of CR as a Bond film as we know and love them. I find it impossible to rank against the first 20 - it would have to be way ahead of them all, though it does not displace my subjective love for OHMSS, TLD and Connery.

I think I feel this way because Craig is the first Bond to convincingly have a "journey" - he changes during the course of the film, you get inside his head and his heart, you even question whether the sacrifices he makes are worth it (or at least I do). I know similar themes were dealt with by Laz, Dalton, Brosnan - but for me, no where near as completely and effectively. The whole film is engineered to portray Bond's emotional story, from the PTS and the title sequence on.

CR is a step change in Bond films, it is out there on its own, with hopefully QoS to match or surpass it. Does anyone else feel similarly?

[SPOTTER]

I was actually watching this the other night. I have seen the film about 5 or 6 times now but it's still very refreshing. What I found great about CR was that when I had first watched the film I could remember near enough every scene. With a lot of films you have to watch them a few times.

I like everything about the film really. The only con that I have with it is the over exposure of the Sony mobile phones and laptops etc. But it is the 21st century and marketing is key for selling a big picture.

CR has modern day classic stamped all over it. I know the word classic is used so much these days that it no longer means anything but I truly believe that in 30 years time people will still think highly of this film and the Craig era in general.

[DamnCoffee]

Something whats always bothered me, I dont think it deserves a thread of it's own but were the players at the Casino Royale all just normal people or did they work for Quantum? Just since Bond seemed a key target throughout the game. Would Valenka have poisoned Infante if he posed a threat, would Le Chiffe have torchered him, if he won all of the money?

[David Schofield]

I have fond memories of Licence to Kill and Tim Dalton as the perfect post 60s Bond film and take on the Fleming character.

Therefore, I do not get dewy-eyed over CR. I admire it and appreciate it, however.

[Loomis]

Recently rewatched CR and I'm just amazed at how good it is. What a gift for Bond fans. It's really in a league of its own.

Absolutely. And, like yourself, I'm someone who loved the Brosnan era and even loved DIE ANOTHER DAY. But CASINO ROYALE is just---- I mean, dude, I don't know what to say.

Another great thing about CASINO ROYALE is the kudos it's (rightly) been getting from non-fans. It's really broken out of the 007 fandom bubble.

And while CASINO ROYALE trumps GOLDENEYE in every respect, I still find it remarkable that Martin Campbell has not once but twice resurrected the Bond series with such astounding success. What an amazing double achievement. Not that it's all Campbell's achievement, far from it, but still....

[dinovelvet]

Something whats always bothered me, I dont think it deserves a thread of it's own but were the players at the Casino Royale all just normal people or did they work for Quantum? Just since Bond seemed a key target throughout the game. Would Valenka have poisoned Infante if he posed a threat, would Le Chiffe have torchered him, if he won all of the money?

I think the point is that none of them were any threat to Le Chiffre - since it was his tournament, he probably hand-picked a bunch of rich fools whom he could beat at poker in his sleep.

Who let Felix into the tournament, though?

[ImTheMoneypenny]

Another great thing about CASINO ROYALE is the kudos it's (rightly) been getting from non-fans. It's really broken out of the 007 fandom bubble.

Former all music video channel, VH1 was doing one of their usually snarky list show, this one was I love 2006, so I watched it to see how they'd crack on CR. However, when it came to DC and Casino Royale, they didn't make fun of it! They poked fun at their own reactions, the guys pondering Craig in his swimming trunks, but they all loved the movie and they loved Craig. Rarely does a subject get by unscathed on such a show so it proves your point nicely.

Plus wasn't Casino Royale something like 4th top movie of 2006? That says a lot!

[Vauxhall]

Who let Felix into the tournament, though?

Yep, this seems a fairly gaping plot hole. It's all very well allowing Bond to participate as a last minute replacement for Bliss, but Leiter must have been originally part of the tournament. Le Chiffre knew that Bond was a British agent, so presumably he must have known that Leiter was an American agent. It's strange that he didn't place a bigger emphasis upon the dual threat posed by the two of them, and didn't consider that they would work together against him.

[sharpshooter]

I love CR. It is the best modern Bond film so far in my opinion.

[Judo chop]

Who let Felix into the tournament, though?

Yep, this seems a fairly gaping plot hole. It's all very well allowing Bond to participate as a last minute replacement for Bliss, but Leiter must have been originally part of the tournament. Le Chiffre knew that Bond was a British agent, so presumably he must have known that Leiter was an American agent. It's strange that he didn't place a bigger emphasis upon the dual threat posed by the two of them, and didn't consider that they would work together against him.

I always wrote it off to the CIA thinking the same thing as MI6 and sneaking their guy in. Heads of the respective departments could have even been in discussions. In any case, LeChiffre had his eye on Bond from the get-go, and Bond basically announces his appearance, but there’s no reason to think LeChiffre should have smelled anything wrong with Felix.

Unless, of course, LeChiffre DID ‘hand-pick’ everyone else, which would clearly put more emphasis on Felix. I really don’t think we can say Felix was sooo undercover that LeChiffre hand picked him as well.

[Publius]

Who let Felix into the tournament, though?

Maybe Le Chiffre was confident that he could take on Leiter without breaking a sweat. Maybe he knew his particular style of play, or maybe he just didn't think much of either his or Bond's chances regardless of their skill level.

I can imagine Le Chiffre letting the Americans and Brits have a seat at the table because he knew they were going to be there anyway breathing down his neck, and thinking he might as well embarrass them by taking their money if they insisted on throwing it away by challenging him and his great intellect. Also a little bit of revenge for foiling his plot to destroy Skyfleet's stock.

Alternatively,

Spoiler

Leiter is the double agent, not Mathis. Or maybe both are. I doubt that's the case (and hope it isn't), but I'll put this wild suggestion in spoiler tags just in case.

[DamnCoffee]

I dont think this deserves a thread of its own....


Casino Royale Revisited - Trailer

To celebrate the release of Quantum of Solace. I put together a Casino Royale trailer, using music mostly from TDK. You would have had this in higher quality, but since I couldn't find a bloody DVD ripper that works, this is the best I could do. PS. Apologies for the ed up Audio. MM was crashing quite alot and my computer was running slow.


and

Casino Royale Revisited - TV Spot 1
I got bored on holiday so here is a TV Spot I cooked up for Casino Royale.

[ImTheMoneypenny]

I always wrote it off to the CIA thinking the same thing as MI6 and sneaking their guy in. Heads of the respective departments could have even been in discussions. In any case, LeChiffre had his eye on Bond from the get-go, and Bond basically announces his appearance, but there’s no reason to think LeChiffre should have smelled anything wrong with Felix.

Unless, of course, LeChiffre DID ‘hand-pick’ everyone else, which would clearly put more emphasis on Felix. I really don’t think we can say Felix was sooo undercover that LeChiffre hand picked him as well.

I've always just assumed that it was a CIA sneaking Felix in as MI6 had Bond as well. Since they have more than enough money to cover his involvement in the game he just has to stick close enough to grab LeChiffre eventually.

Maybe Le Chiffre was confident that he could take on Leiter without breaking a sweat. Maybe he knew his particular style of play, or maybe he just didn't think much of either his or Bond's chances regardless of their skill level.

I agree, Felix was 'bleeding chips' so I've always just assumed if LeChiffre even suspected Felix was CIA, it didn't matter because Felix couldn't beat him. Felix was no threat to LeChiffre's plans, however Bond was.

I dont think this deserves a thread of its own....


Casino Royale Revisited - Trailer

To celebrate the release of Quantum of Solace. I put together a Casino Royale trailer, using music mostly from TDK. You would have had this in higher quality, but since I couldn't find a bloody DVD ripper that works, this is the best I could do. PS. Apologies for the ed up Audio. MM was crashing quite alot and my computer was running slow.


and

Casino Royale Revisited - TV Spot 1
I got bored on holiday so here is a TV Spot I cooked up for Casino Royale.

Nice work as usual, Mharkin!

[DamnCoffee]

Thank you very much!

[DamnCoffee]

Here is another attempt at a Casino Royale Revisited TV Spot:


Casino Royale Revisited TV Spot 2:
http://au.youtube.co...h?v=YnrBHhPNsEc

[Aris007]

You're amazing!

EON must hire you for the TV spots! I'd have considered it original if you hadn't specified that it isn't!

Well done!

[DamnCoffee]

LOL, Thanks.

I'm gonna stick Casino Royale in the player tonight. I cannot wait to watch it.