If you love James Bond movies, as I do, be warned. The latest Bond flick is probably the lamest ever made. I watched it recently on an airplane. I have to admit, I only watched the whole thing because my only other options were to watch Beauty and the Beast (which I have only seen about 300 times with my three year old) or jump out the window. Since neither one of these options seemed particularity appealing, I hunkered down and watch the film in its entirety. Here is what you can expect if you go to the theater and pay real money:
Casino Royale is actually the first chronological story in the Bond series. British agent James Bond has just received his wonderful "license to kill." He blows his first assignment after a ten minute chase through an African city. The chase led me to think that this would be yet another great action packed Bond flick. However, after he ends the chase (and blows the assignment), the action really takes a nose dive. British Intelligence decides that the only way to stop the evil terrorists is to play poker with them and win. This would leave them without any more money for terrorism. I'm not making this up! You would think someone with good sense would have read the screenplay and realized that the concept was totally lacking.
Don't get me wrong. Ian Fleming's book is great and suspenseful. The heart of the book in an intense game of Baccarat with huge stakes. Fleming's skilful writing puts you right inside the key game. In the movie, the producers figures that American just weren't familiar with the game of Baccarat enough, so they had Bond playing Texas Hold 'em poker instead. Now, anyone can figure out Baccarat through Fleming's writing. But in making the switch, they blew the whole movie out of the water. Texas Hold 'em is fun and popular, but you really can't see this British secret agent and French terrorist staring at each other over the "Round-Up." But that's exactly what happens! Maybe they could have used a few more test screenings.
Well, the rest of the money slowly meanders along a predictable path until Bond finally gets even. After watching though, you just have to wonder how this movie can be considered in the same class as some of the classic Bond flicks. I mean you just can't compare Casino Royale to Goldfinger, Moonraker, or Live and Let Die. Let all who dare to continue making Bond films know that the standard is very high.
2 comments:
I agree - I though Casino Royale was a travesty. I grew up on Bond movies. Now he doesn't even play Baccarat. And I head gay scenes are next. What is the world coming to?
This wasnt really a bond movie much as a silly action movie. If they would have just called it somethign esle it would have been a slick fast paced action movie. The kind you rent for $3.95.
The opening scene with the chase and then blowing up the compound was spectacular.
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