28 replies to this topic

[Bondian]

Hi, Gang and Gangesses.

After all the hype over Quantum of Solace, and your obvious multi viewings of Casino Royale. Do you still get the same kind of buzz as you had when this film was still fresh?

Have watched it around six times, and I have to say that it's getting stale. The PTS is bland, and most of the parts I accepted before have grown to be quite tiresome. On each viewing I notice more and more absurdities that do not make sense.

Casino Royale is still a great film with it's bold want to be unique. But has it still got the same flavour two years later?

Before I indulge in divulging what I've found stale, or the extra absurdities. It would be interesting to hear (not literally) your opinions.

Cheers,


Michael G. Barbara

[stamper]

Casino Royale is the best Bond film ever made. Nothing come close.

[Bryce (003)]

Well, it still stands up for me my friend.

I mentioned this in another post somewhere around here, but, aside from being a greatly needed reboot of the franchise with a contemporizing of the original story, I made a true observation.

Last year, Dave and Greg stayed with me for a few days whilst in town. CR was running continiously on my TV on a daily basis. At one point during the many viewings Dave asked me "What makes this just such the perfect Bond film?"

I thought for a moment and spoke my gut.

"Because Bond isn't perfect."

Maybe that makes sense, maybe it doesn't and, as we poor yanks have yet to see QoS, I'll see how it makes me feel as a follow up to CR.

As QoS approaches release, CR has been running on a number of the movie channels over here regularly. I still haven't tired of it.

However, tonight, another spy is on my screen.

Agent 86. I got my copy of Get Smart today.

Anyway, CR still rocks for me.

[SecretAgentFan]

Hi, Gang and Gangesses.

After all the hype over Quantum of Solace, and your obvious multi viewings of Casino Royale. Do you still get the same kind of buzz as you had when this film was still fresh?

Have watched it around six times, and I have to say that it's getting stale. The PTS is bland, and most of the parts I accepted before have grown to be quite tiresome. On each viewing I notice more and more absurdities that do not make sense.

Casino Royale is still a great film with it's bold want to be unique. But has it still got the same flavour two years later?

Before I indulge in divulging what I've found stale, or the extra absurdities. It would be interesting to hear (not literally) your opinions.

Cheers,


Michael G. Barbara

Well, that... shocks a bit, coming from you.

I agree with this: no film can remain totally fresh after watching it six times. And this comes from a self-proclaimed film fanatic with lots of classic movies on his "island list".

Of course, CR has its weaknesses (as every film or work-of-art or even human being has). But I have to say that its weaknesses stood out for me when I first watched the film.

- I do like the PTS, though. (I do prefer it to the longer version now included as deleted scene on the new DVD set.)

- I love the free climbing chase and the Miami airport scene and do not think that they could have been cut.

- I still cringe, however, at the "James, you´re more of a man with you little finger..."-line (even if it is a bit rescued by Bond´s answer.

For me, these scenes drag a bit:
- Bond researching the CCTV in the hotel
- the love scene with Solange
- Bond getting the tracking device
- the poker game scenes

But these are minor quibbles with me. I do enjoy this film very much and I adore the shower scene (for me right up there with OHMSS´ "We have all the time in the world" ending, Connery´s reaction to Grant´s death in FRWL, Moore´s acknowledgment of killing Anya´s lover in TSWLM, Moore´s reaction to Holly after escaping the centrifuge in MR, Dalton´s reaction to the death of Saunders in TLD, Dalton´s look after Della implies that he could marry again in LTK, and Brosnan´s delivery of "I never miss" in TWINE).

Cheers, Sir Bondian!

[sharpshooter]

It still stands up for me, though the Miami Airport stuff doesn't.

[Blofeld's Cat]

CR still enthuses me. Even after 41 years.

[MattofSteel]

Any film gets stale the more you watch it. I've probably seen the film close to 10 times by now, if not more. And the answer would be no, it's not getting stale.

I rank it #3, all time, on the Bond list - only because FRWL and GF can never be touched, in my opinion, for capturing EXACTLY what "classic" James Bond should be. But CR is completely in the league of those films - shrouded in the aesthetic of classic Bond, with a very contemporary edge and soul to it.

If Quantum is in, even remotely the same "family" of films with that respect - I know I will enjoy it.

[Bondian]

Well, it still stands up for me my friend.

I mentioned this in another post somewhere around here, but, aside from being a greatly needed reboot of the franchise with a contemporizing of the original story, I made a true observation.

Last year, Dave and Greg stayed with me for a few days whilst in town. CR was running continiously on my TV on a daily basis. At one point during the many viewings Dave asked me "What makes this just such the perfect Bond film?"

I thought for a moment and spoke my gut.

"Because Bond isn't perfect."

Maybe that makes sense, maybe it doesn't and, as we poor yanks have yet to see QoS, I'll see how it makes me feel as a follow up to CR.

As QoS approaches release, CR has been running on a number of the movie channels over here regularly. I still haven't tired of it.

However, tonight, another spy is on my screen.

Agent 86. I got my copy of Get Smart today.

Anyway, CR still rocks for me.

Thanks for your reply, my friend.

IMHO. The film still stands as one of the best. But there's so really strange moments that I don't understand. Seems like action replaces logic.

For example. When Bond is chasing Mollaka, Mollaka has a gun and Bond hasn't. Mollaka shoots a couple of chaps who are no real threat but doesn't aim at Bond. A little later, Mollaka throws the gun at Bond and he catches it. Bond jumps on a back of a vehicle whilst Mollaka looks totally knackered. Bond isn't even out of breath. Mollaka is on foot, but gets to the place before Bond.

Well, that... shocks a bit, coming from you.

Yeah. I'm just a weirdo.

I agree with this: no film can remain totally fresh after watching it six times. And this comes from a self-proclaimed film fanatic with lots of classic movies on his "island list".

But I never get board with some of the earlier movies.

Of course, CR has its weaknesses (as every film or work-of-art or even human being has). But I have to say that its weaknesses stood out for me when I first watched the film.

- I do like the PTS, though. (I do prefer it to the longer version now included as deleted scene on the new DVD set.)

- I love the free climbing chase and the Miami airport scene and do not think that they could have been cut.

- I still cringe, however, at the "James, you´re more of a man with you little finger..."-line (even if it is a bit rescued by Bond´s answer.

For me, these scenes drag a bit:
- Bond researching the CCTV in the hotel
- the love scene with Solange
- Bond getting the tracking device
- the poker game scenes

But these are minor quibbles with me. I do enjoy this film very much and I adore the shower scene (for me right up there with OHMSS´ "We have all the time in the world" ending, Connery´s reaction to Grant´s death in FRWL, Moore´s acknowledgment of killing Anya´s lover in TSWLM, Moore´s reaction to Holly after escaping the centrifuge in MR, Dalton´s reaction to the death of Saunders in TLD, Dalton´s look after Della implies that he could marry again in LTK, and Brosnan´s delivery of "I never miss" in TWINE).

Cheers, Sir Bondian!

I agree with your thoughts, my friend. But the shower scene gives me problems too. When Bond started to chew on Vesper's fingers made me think "kiss her you damn fool".

CR still enthuses me. Even after 41 years.

"Damn cat".

[Safari Suit]

I agree with you that the PTS is a bit bland. I know a lot of people are fond of it's "minimalism" (for want of a better word) but beyond the first viewing it has done very little for me.

Frankly, I much prefered QOS to CR. If that makes me a cretin in some people's eyes so be it.

[Conlazmoodalbrocra]

Excellent thread Bondian, you raise a good point!

Casino Royale still gives me a real buzz, it's a true masterpiece, and will always be in my Bond Top 5 (3 at the moment).

I've seen it 21 times to this day, and enjoyed it all but one time (as I was pissed and fell asleep halfway through!) I love the pre-titles sequence and the Madagascar scnes, which is definitely the high point of the film. The only crtiticisms I could possibly make about it is the length (a tad too long), the ever so slightly complicated plot, and the "I have no armour left" scene, which does tend to grate on me - seeing the great James Bond look like a soppy woman!

I think Martin Campbell was brave to take on such a revolutionary project, after Goldeneye, which had followed the typical Bond formula. He is my favourite Bond director, and I would love to see him do another one, but I doubt he ever will.

But yes, Casino Royale still thrills!

[Judo chop]

I’ve found Craig’s performance to be even more robust. He builds Bond’s character using every single second of screen time given.

For a Bond Film, the script manages to hold itself together remarkably well after multiple viewings. Folks can complain about unlikeliness of Bond breaking into M’s apartment, or the excessive use of cell-phone technology, but those are complaints against CR as a film. Not as a Bond Film. As a Bond film, I think it’s rock solid.

The Bodyworks/Airport tailing sequence starts to feel a little long in the tooth and low on energy, while the poker scenes retain all of their momentum.

The final scene was an 11 out of 10 the first time I saw it and I think it will never be moved. It somehow defies the rules of space and time and becomes, 44 years after Bond’s inception, the reason that he ever existed at all.

It's the best scene of them all.

[MkB]

For me, these scenes drag a bit:
- Bond researching the CCTV in the hotel

You mean "Bond in the Sony showroom"?

Seriously, CR still rocks for me. It's full of iconic Bond moments, and the action scenes are stunning AND striking. Of course it has its flaws (particularly some lines during Bond's recovery...), but

[Blofeld's Cat]

"Damn cat".

That's "Damn Cat ™", thank you.

[HildebrandRarity]

It stands up nicely vs the dire For Your Eyes Only.

Stands up nicely against the final Eon Bonds of Connery and Moore.

I suppose it doesn't stand up to OHMSS at Christmas time, say Dec 1 to Dec 26 in any given year.

I imagine overdosing on anything, whether it's Casino Royale ... or golf ... or sex with your wife of 15 years or greater ... or cocaine can't be the best thing.

It's Quantum Of Solace time. Right now I don't want to watch anything but Q0S. I've had enough of Casino Royale for a while. Q0S between Nov 14 to Dec 14 for me...then OHMSS in the week leading to Christmas.

CR can wait for sometime in the new year. Bored of it for now.

[Sbott]

The Bodyworks/Airport tailing sequence starts to feel a little long in the tooth and low on energy, while the poker scenes retain all of their momentum.

This film still has an energy/buzz about it which hasn't changed since I first saw it in the cinema. In particular i think the film is bookended brilliantly. The PTS is fantastic even after watching it numerous times it still gets the old pulse racing in anticipation and the final scene well what more can be said that has not already been written about that scene it just leaves you aching for more.
In agreement with a couple of other posts I always skip the Miami Airport airport scene- I have always thought it too long or as my better half puts it "too samey".

[marktmurphy]

Yes it's still great- watching QoS only assures me more of that as it tries to follow on and can't match CR.

[Bryce (003)]

Thanks for your reply, my friend.

IMHO. The film still stands as one of the best. But there's so really strange moments that I don't understand. Seems like action replaces logic.

For example. When Bond is chasing Mollaka, Mollaka has a gun and Bond hasn't. Mollaka shoots a couple of chaps who are no real threat but doesn't aim at Bond. A little later, Mollaka throws the gun at Bond and he catches it. Bond jumps on a back of a vehicle whilst Mollaka looks totally knackered. Bond isn't even out of breath. Mollaka is on foot, but gets to the place before Bond.

Fair enough you old git.

Now, I shall shred your observation.

*straightens tie - clears throat - pours Glenlivet*

*Ahem*

When Bond is in pursuit, he short cuts the bastard. Mollaka (still not sure I'm spelling it right) He climbs up a frame work. Bond runs up a crane. He climbs (God knows how many) stories on a cable by hand. Bond releases the counter balance and is whisked up to catch him. He jumps, leaps and runs back down. Bond takes a ride back down by breaking the hydraulic line of the lift. Mollaka runs. Bond catches a ride on the truck. 007 is still right on him, but in many bits of ingenuity.

By the time he enters the embassy, he's just had that bit of "Enough of this" and goes full throtle so to speak and, granted, just my opinion.

So there. Now, pick yourself up and go cry somewhere.

P.S. Lydia sends her love to Carol and Frances to 003.5

and yes, you're still a wanker. Catch you next time I'm in the UK you big old bloke.

No....really.

[Bondian]

"Damn cat".

That's "Damn Cat ™", thank you.

What's a capitalised 'C' between friends.

Fair enough you old git.

LOL

Now, I shall shred your observation.

*straightens tie - clears throat - pours Glenlivet*

*Ahem*

When Bond is in pursuit, he short cuts the bastard. Mollaka (still not sure I'm spelling it right) He climbs up a frame work. Bond runs up a crane. He climbs (God knows how many) stories on a cable by hand. Bond releases the counter balance and is whisked up to catch him. He jumps, leaps and runs back down. Bond takes a ride back down by breaking the hydraulic line of the lift. Mollaka runs. Bond catches a ride on the truck. 007 is still right on him, but in many bits of ingenuity.

By the time he enters the embassy, he's just had that bit of "Enough of this" and goes full throtle so to speak and, granted, just my opinion.

So there. Now, pick yourself up and go cry somewhere.

Yeah. I know all of that, dear boy. But Mollaka could have shot Bond when he was just underneath him. Anyway. Why would an armed man run away from someone who is unarmed?

P.S. Lydia sends her love to Carol and Frances to 003.5

Would you please thank them for us. Would be great if we could all meet up again.

Can you please give the girl's Alex's website?

http://www.alexanderrowland.com/

and yes, you're still a wanker. Catch you next time I'm in the UK you big old bloke.

No....really.

Once a wanker, always a wanker.

Cheers,

Wanker (Uk Division)

[00Twelve]

"In a word...

(GE crew takes a smoke break)

...yes."

[Kristian]

I would have to say that the thing that I never really bought about CASINO ROYALE is the one thing that really was supposed to be its emotional center - Bond's romance with Vesper. I guess their relationship arc was supposed to be one that began with sardonic sparring gradually deepening into something more meaningful. For me, their romance didn't have the right momentum to make it plausible that Bond would quit the service (something he clearly enjoyed) for Vesper. They went too fast from trading barbs to him comforting her in the shower. The bulk of their romance was supposed to have taken place while Bond was recovering at Lake Garda. It was presented in the all-to-lazy montage style that is supposed to be an effective short-hand but rarely is. And I know that some information was being withheld for the second installment of the Vesper Saga, but I never really was sure if Vesper was really in love with Bond - I mean, what were her feelings about her boyfriend?

If she loved her BF enough to do everything that she did to keep him from being killed, could she fall for Bond that easily? Yes, of course - if they painted the romance more convincingly. I remembered being entertained and pleased when CR ended - but I left the cinema with questions as to what Vesper's real motivations were. I wasn't so sure if she was being regretful or cowardly or scared when she killed herself. She remained too much of cipher for me to buy that act of sacrifice. For a romance to really resonate, there shouldn't be more questions that answers. Now it is obvious that the producers planned on answering those questions in QOS, but for me it is too little too late. CR is a good, solid film - but a bit overrated in my humble opinion.

[byline]

Maybe that makes sense, maybe it doesn't and, as we poor yanks

and Canadians

have yet to see QoS, I'll see how it makes me feel as a follow up to CR.

Only one more week to go. *sigh*

Anyway, CR still rocks for me.

Same here. Though I've watched it so many times that, for example, the crane chase during the freerunning sequence doesn't give me the same chills as it did the in first few viewings. But it's still pretty darned amazing. I also think there's nothing like viewing this film in the cinema, so watching it at home pales by comparison, somehow.

Edited by byline, 09 November 2008 - 03:55 AM.

[Turn]

As part of preparing for QoS here in the U.S. next weekend, Mrs. Turn and I watched CR on Blu-ray last night. I'd watched the standard DVD in bits and pieces since my last viewing on January 1, 2007 when it was still in cinemas, but this was the first time since then in its entirety.

It's still as great as it was then.

Craig dominates the film. Whereas in some past Bond films it was easy to just look at the details, the sets, etc., Craig keeps the attention focused on him and kept me looking forward to what he'd do next.

I also still like Le Chiffre. He's much different than the normal Bond villain bent on controlling the world. He's almost sympathetic. When can you say that about another Bond villain? And the organization in the background kind of reminds me of the early Bond films when SPECTRE was just a mystery controlled by the guy hidden behind a screen stroking a cat.

Maybe it was the fact I was watching it on Blu-ray, but it's a great looking film, although much of it takes place indoors and at night. I also like how the film goes from an action-filled beginning to a middle section that's more focused on story and the game and back again and still able to maintain interest. How many other action films can say that?

[chriso]

Of course, it does! The story of Bond becoming Bond is incredible. The movie is the best Bond film.

[Mr_Wint]

I feel the same way as when I left the cinema after my first viewing. Decent Bondfilm - a major improvement after DAD - but nothing special.

[00Twelve]

On the other hand, it's a very special film for me. Just finished watching it again, and I'm reminded that it's not a movie that I can watch very often. And that is nothing but a compliment; My very favorite films are largely that way.

CR isn't a pilsner imitator that I can consume 5 nights a week; it's a fine Bordeaux that demands my attention, my contemplation, my investment. There's more to see and think about with each viewing and, so far, no part of it has grown sour or astringent. I find myself in awe of the action scenes and mesmerized by the three-dimensional character that is our protagonist. Not once do I watch this and am not affected by what happens to him because of Vesper. She's intoxicatingly beautiful and mysterious and while I've always been fully aware of what happens with her in the end, I can't help but be drawn in by her and I try to hope that maybe it won't happen like that "this time." (I'm sure many who watch the end of OHMSS can sympathize.)

I admit, I watched it this time so I could be 100% clear on where everything is at the start of QOS. I paid more attention to the many twists and turns and motives and logic in the plot and the visual style, really trying to distance myself from the emotion. Minimally successful at said distancing at best. It's just a masterfully crafted movie [which testifies to Fleming's masterfully crafted story].

Long story long, it's not getting old whatsoever. A more substantial investment, yes, but not one that's losing an ounce of flavor. :tup:

Oh, and the Omega comment still fails to irritate me.

[SilencedPPK]

Casino Royale is that one Bond film (aside from OHMSS and FRWL) that I can actually watch on a weekly basis, and still be thrilled. I still get the same emotional feelings while watching CR that I got the first time I saw it at the cinema back in 2006. As of this moment, it still stands up to be one of the best Bond movies ever produced, in my own opinion.

[Se7en]

Casino Royale never dies for me. I can watch this movie multiple times every week and i will still love it.

[sharpshooter]

I watched it last night, and enjoyed the whole film. I didn't really have a problem with the airport sequences, either.

[sark]

I've seen it 21 times to this day

Are you mad? Where do you find the time?