(*) CASINO ROYALE ****½

USA/UK/Germany/Czech Republic: Martin Campbell, 2006

Having watched this reboot of the Bond franchise a second time, I'll admit my initial evaluation of CASINO ROYALE was a tad harsh. Certainly, I remember being quite bored by the film when I saw it for the first time and totally unimpressed with Daniel Craig as Bond. I should point out that I did watch the film early in the courtship of my good lady and it is reasonable to assume my attention was somewhat distracted from the screen. Also perhaps the hype surrounding its release (plus the large shadow cast by its action/thriller contemporary THE BOURNE TRILOGY) meant I was predisposed to be disappointed.

However, I can admit it when I'm wrong. Having watched the film again I agree that it stands as a bold and well crafted re-imagining of Britain's most famous secret agent. In fact, I now recognise that CASINO ROYALE is an excellent thriller on its own merits with some sublime action sequences. In addition, I was particularly impressed by the subtleties and depth of both script and direction which seemingly past my radar first time round. Finally, Daniel Craig as Bond was significantly better than I had remembered. Although I had always rated Craig as an actor, at the time of first seeing the film, I thought his acting range as Bond comprised solely of one moody look. I was wrong, highlighting my own unfounded prejudices against his casting in the role at the time. Craig is in fact excellent as Bond, bringing an emotional intensity and physicality to the character I had never noticed before. Okay, confession over, I feel better now. Next up QUANTUM OF SOLACE.

IMDB reference