Casino Royale

[Drunk Monk]

Everyone was saying it was more true to the books, which really isn't saying much at all given the previous movies. And it wasn't in story, but the character of Bond seemed truer to Fleming's vision to me. Loved the opening chase with Sebastien Foucan (one of the founders of Parkour - see CF's District B-13 review). That should make a nice 'making of' extra in the DVD. Foucan is an outrageuos stuntman. Loved the new feel of the franchise and look forward to the next film. I was slightly bothered by the switch to Poker but it seemed to work for the audience since no one knows how to play Baccarat anymore (as if it's a complicated game), as well as Judi Dench still being M. I respect Madame Dench but a female M never worked for me. The poker playing seemed to work better for the audience - I could hear people in the muttering about the plays. No one got the Dead Man's Hand reference in my earshot tho. Enjoyed the villain. And the new Bond girls were fine. Mrs. DM commented on the lack of gadgetry until DM pointed out the uber phone and the car with the defib. That scene was too funny. All in all, the best Bond since Live and Let Die. Isn't that next in the book series?

Gotta agree with PPFY's top three picks, although not necessarily in that order. I'd have to add Live and Let Die because of Yaphat Kotto, Jane Seymore, Geoffrey Holder, McCartney's theme and of course, the Jamaican setting. I overlook Roger Moore, but he did make a great honky, which is what that film needed. I'd also add Never Say Never Again, just because it was Sean reclaiming the role in a non-Broccoli production. So that would mean CR makes in into my top six.

If you like Craig, go see Layer Cake. I reviewed it on a previous forum...