New James Bond

[kayo]

It's not the good guy I'm after, who is playing the bad guy then? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

ME

[Narachon]

Daniel Craig as the new James Bond?

I guess Jude Law was busy......

[kayo]

This month there are some excellent movies coming out... the prestige.... the departed... and one institution movie....

so... It has finally arrived....

I was a naysayer.

I've still to see it.

For those who missed somehting in the last 40 years, Casino Royale was the first introduction to Bond by Ian Fleming. The only movie version was NOT a "Bond Movie", but a humouristic Seller/Woody allen re-write.

This is now finally the "Bond Movie" Version.

Here is the Empire Review (Kim Newman)

Plot

Newly-promoted to the 00 section, James Bond (Daniel Craig) thwarts a scheme of shady financier LeChiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). LeChiffre stages a high-stakes poker tournament in Montenegro, hoping to recoup his lost money, and M (Judi Dench) has Bond enter the game, intent on bankrupting his opponent. He is teamed with Vesper Lynd (Green), a treasury official who holds the purse-strings on Bond’s table stakes

Empire Review

The only thing missing from Casino Royale is a truly memorable theme song. Otherwise, this has almost everything you could want from a Bond movie, plus qualities you didn’t expect they’d even try for. It does all the location-hopping, eye-opening stunt stuff and lavish glamour expected of every big-screen Bond, but also delivers a surprisingly faithful adaptation of Fleming’s short, sharp, cynical book with the post-WWII East-vs.-West backdrop persuasively upgraded to a post 9/11 War on Terror.

From Goldfinger on -- especially in the Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan films -- the usual gambit has been to open with a pre-credits sequence highlighting amazing stuntwork and a larger-than-life exploit. Here, with a new actor cast as a Bond only just issued with his license to kill, we get an intense, black and white scene set in an office in Prague. Bond has just killed his first man – as shown in brief, brutal fight flashbacks which strain the 12A rating – and confronts a traitor in British Intelligence, exchanging pointed dialogue which leads to the ice-cold agent’s demonstration that the second killing is easier (‘Considerably’). The famous iris pose brings in colour, and a brilliantly-designed (shame about the song) titles sequence that highlights not an anonymous beauty but the silhouette of Daniel Craig himself.

For a few reels, Casino Royale lets the new boy settle in to what could almost be a Brosnan or Dalton movie – hard-hitting, but tinged with the fantastical. Bond goes off the map to harry the organisation of ‘banker to the world’s terrorists’ LeChiffre, with a beddable beach beauty along the way, and a thwarted attack on a super-sized jet aeroplane which could have been the climax of any other adventure. Then, with a notable click into focus, the movie segues into Fleming’s tight, twisted plot. Readers will be amazed to find the book’s most memorable scene (involving a wicker chair with the bottom cut out) is included, as is Bond’s brutal Mickey Spillane-ish last line (though, here, he doesn’t quite mean it).

Director Martin Campbell, who set a high mark in GoldenEye that subsequent craftsmen haven’t matched, returns, and regular scripters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade get Oscar-polishing assist from Paul Haggis. There are nods to tradition, with respectful Aston-Martin product placement, but also refreshing breaks from established practice. Judi Dench’s imposing M is held over, but supporting comedy characters like Q and Miss Moneypenny sit this one out. Mads Mikkelsen’s LeChiffre has a physical tic and a lethal girlfriend, but this villain interestingly has as much to lose as the hero, playing cards because he lost terrorist money and needs to make up the shortfall before his clients kill him.

There are miscalculations (a collapsing building in Venice is a gimmick too many in an emotional finale which would play better without all the noise) and audiences who just want a handsome fantasy figure might find a muscular Bond with perpetually bruised knuckles and the beginnings of a drink problem too much of a stretch. But long-running series can only survive through constant renewal. Casino Royale is the most exciting Bond film, in conventional action terms but also in dramatic meatsince On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, , with the added advantage of a star who finally delivers what the credits have always promised: ‘Ian Fleming’s James Bond’.

Verdict

Contrary to pre-release nay-sayers, Daniel Craig has done more with James Bond in one film than some previous stars have in multiple reprises. This is terrific stuff, again positioning 007 as the action franchise to beat.

[Patsycat]

But who cares about Bond any ways. Who are the new Bond girls going to be !!!!!!

Me, all of them. From Judie Dench to the sultry one...

Edited November 11, 2006 by Patsycat

[The Dan Sai Kid]

But who cares about Bond any ways. Who are the new Bond girls going to be !!!!!!

Me, all of them. From Judie Dench to the sultry one...

What happened to Halle Berry?

She signed up for a second Bond film after Die Another Day. Yet no sign of her.

[Patsycat]

I said ALL of THEM, but you can call me Halle anytime!!

[Seapok]

Daniel Craig could be the best James Bond in years, I'm sure he wont be a match for my favourite Bond of all time (Connery) but I'm sure he will come close, I've seen trailers for the new Bond and its dark, edgy and action packed, what more can you ask for? just like the latest Batman (Bale) it feels more like an adult action hero rather than a childs fantasy hero.

[lomatopo]

Early reviews are extremely positive citing Daniel Craig's performance as possibly the best Bond, and the film itself for it's re-start of the Bond story. Not a lot of gizmos, gadgets, etc., and it is evidently quite violent. One torture scene had to be pared back to get the 12A rating. Also the longest Bond film at 2:15.

Daniel Craig has a lot of stage experience, and if you've seen his performance in Layer Cake you might possibly understand why he is a good fit for the new Jame Bond?

BTW, all of the Bond films are being shown here in Star Movies this month.

Yesterday and today's marathon schedule:

21:35 Dr. No

23:02 From Russia With Love

UBC Chanel : Star Movies

Date : 12/11/2006

Start time Program

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

01:20 Goldfinger [sm]

03:15 Thunderball [sm]

05:30 You Only Live Twice [sm]

09:30 Dr. No

11:20 From Russia With Love

13:15 Goldfinger [sm]

15:15 Thunderball [sm]

17:30 You Only Live Twice [sm]

19:30 Opening Night: Casino Royale

Note the Opening Night special this evening on the new film.

Edited November 12, 2006 by lomatopo

[AlexLah]

This guy is 37 and really looks so old already.

Why do some of the girls here find him cute?

I think they should make Kenau Reeves the next Bond.

[kayo]

Alex,I like ya... But Don't ever suggestsuch a blasphemous idiocy again please...

In exchange, the most comprehensive Bond Girl Site ever.

[Donz]

Mark "chooper" Read would of been better then this clown

[Thaddeus]

I think they should make Kenau Reeves the next Bond.

"Yeah, so I'm like James Bond..... cool...... catch you later M and Q"

Arrrgghhhhhh........ NO.

[Hermano Lobo]

This is a real James Bond :-

Sidney Reilly

Edited November 13, 2006 by Hermano Lobo

[JacknDanny]

Alex,I like ya... But Don't ever suggestsuch a blasphemous idiocy again please...

In exchange, the most comprehensive Bond Girl Site ever.

Hey Kayo, great site!!! A must for all Bond fans.

What great names for the girls........... Pussy Galore

Holly Goodhead

Plenty O'Toole

[GracelessFawn]

This guy can actually act which is a first for a Bond actor........

Why they are remaking Casino Royale I'm at a loss to explain, but Craig will be a million times better than Brosnan who was more wooden than an oak tree!

Are you kidding??????

Have you seen Pierce Brosnan's -- Matador?

[kayo]

This is a real James Bond :-

Sidney Reilly

As a writer, I can confirm that this gentleman MIGHT INDEED have been ONE of the many influences that led to the Creation of James Bond.

I say, "as a writer" because it is often a combination of different things that come together to form the idea and creations.

It is often speculated, however, that Sidney Reilly was not so much the inspiration for the character, but his activities that helped to contribute to storylines.

With regards to the creation of the actual character, perhaps more specifically, is another superspy of this same generation, D. Popov. Ian Fleming had once been his "control" when I.F Worked for British Intelligence.

Other points:

James Bond (the name) was the name of the author of a book on birds Ian Fleming was reading at the time of writing his first spy story.

At a later time, I.F established that the Character J.B got expelled from Eton for indiscretions (but no sex) witha school nurse. He was around 12 or 13 apparently.

He then got sent to Fettes College in Edinburgh, whose Alumni include David Olgivie (advertising King), Anthony Blair (soon to be ex PM), And for a brief period of time Yours Truly, KAYO!!! (I too got expelled for indiscretions with a fellow student. - Yes, it's Co'ed and yes, I lost my virginity before James bond and have slept with more women than him though not all as beautiful... But I digress.)

But, if possible, EVEN MORE INTERESTINGLY, considering J.B's Fettes College Days were only established in book four or five, there was once upon a time a real person called James Bond who atteneded Fettes, and later became a frogman for the SAS.

This can only be put down to coincidence, for, as mentioned, James Bond's Character, some of his background, and most certainly his name, already existed before Ian Fleming probably even knew about Fettes College.

Edited November 14, 2006 by kayo

[Hermano Lobo]

This is a real James Bond :-

Sidney Reilly

As a writer, I can confirm that this gentleman MIGHT INDEED have been ONE of the many influences that led to the Creation of James Bond.

I say, "as a writer" because it is often a combination of different things that come together to form the idea and creations.

It is often speculated, however, that Sidney Reilly was not so much the inspiration for the character, but his activities that helped to contribute to storylines.

With regards to the creation of the actual character, perhaps more specifically, is another superspy of this same generation, D. Popov. Ian Fleming had once been his "control" when I.F Worked for British Intelligence.

Other points:

James Bond (the name) was the name of the author of a book on birds Ian Fleming was reading at the time of writing his first spy story.

At a later time, I.F established that the Character J.B got expelled from Eton for indiscretions (but no sex) witha school nurse. He was around 12 or 13 apparently.

He then got sent to Fettes College in Edinburgh, whose Alumni include David Olgivie (advertising King), Anthony Blair (soon to be ex PM), And for a brief period of time Yours Truly, KAYO!!! (I too got expelled for indiscretions with a fellow student. - Yes, it's Co'ed and yes, I lost my virginity before James bond and have slept with more women than him though not all as beautiful... But I digress.)

But, if possible, EVEN MORE INTERESTINGLY, considering J.B's Fettes College Days were only established in book four or five, there was once upon a time a real person called James Bond who atteneded Fettes, and later became a frogman for the SAS.

This can only be put down to coincidence, for, as mentioned, James Bond's Character, some of his background, and most certainly his name, already existed before Ian Fleming probably even knew about Fettes College.

Kayo,

Very interesting !

I seem to remember that Ian Fleming was talking once about his creation. He didn't rate himself as an author or James Bond as a spy. He said in effect, forget about my rubbish, look to Sidney Reilly, there was a real spy !

Rubbish or not, his books have been very successful. The people who make the films often refer back to the books even though the end product is quite different. Except for perhaps From Russia with Love.

I read all the books about four years ago. There is definitely something about them. I have not seen the latest Bond flick yet - is it close to the book ?

Should that not be :- a frogman for the SBS?

Talking of frogmen, I think the Buster Crabbe story is intriguing ?

Nice Bond site. OOoooooohhh Halle Berry - very tasty.

More trivia:-

Did you know that there is quite a famous strip-pub opposite MI6 headquarters ?

Edited November 14, 2006 by Hermano Lobo

[kayo]

Sorry YES!!!! that should indeed read SBS... My bad !!!

Special Boat Service (sort of like Navy seals, but better, of course!)

And bear in mind the furtherance of the coincidence that Ian's James Bond was a Navy Veteran.

Question for you Brother Lobo,

I missed the relevance of Buster Crabbes to this thread? Though, indeed, he did lead a very interesting life.

[BambinA]

but i really love these bond's girls

just cutest hahahhahahahhahahahha

anyway ..since i have got many idea from this thread.. i'd better see the 007 movie before i judge the new bond

[kayo]

The girl's faces looks a LEEEEEEeeetle bit different there Bambers,

I think the name of that movie was

"When One Bambi's Not Enough!"

Or

"Bambi Lives Twice"

or

"Bambi's Are forever!"

(I could go on...)

;D ;D

[BambinA]

lol , it could be

" i want Bambi , shaggin not stirred "

Edited November 14, 2006 by BambinA

[kayo]

[Hermano Lobo]

Sorry YES!!!! that should indeed read SBS... My bad !!!

Special Boat Service (sort of like Navy seals, but better, of course!)

And bear in mind the furtherance of the coincidence that Ian's James Bond was a Navy Veteran.

Question for you Brother Lobo,

I missed the relevance of Buster Crabbes to this thread? Though, indeed, he did lead a very interesting life.

Kayo,

You will find the relevance with these links:-

Buster Crabbe - Somethings NEVER change

The fate of 'James Bond' naval hero hushed up by government

Navy hero inspiration for Bond

Details on vanished 'spy' diver

Lionel Crabb

Lionel 'Buster' Crabb

'Sverdlov' Class Soviet Cruiser similar to the Ordzhonikidze

Comandante Hermano Lobo

Edited November 15, 2006 by Hermano Lobo

[kayo]

Gracias compadre!

Edit:

Jaysus....it views like a Ludlum Novel

Edited November 15, 2006 by kayo

[khall64au]

Hunt for Red October?

[Little Black Duck]

Connery was definately the best, Moore was too smarmy, the rest were crap except for the Irishman,,

[JimsKnight]

This guy can actually act which is a first for a Bond actor........

Why they are remaking Casino Royale I'm at a loss to explain, but Craig will be a million times better than Brosnan who was more wooden than an oak tree!

An English James Bond at long last!

Daniel Craig got the right stuff for the Bond Role! Brosnan was almost English (Irish) and played the part well but he always acted too clinicaly. Connery played the role ok, a bit too clunkish at times though. Moore and Dalton were the best, very smooth and deliberate.

Daniel Craig, has bags of potential!

[britmaveric]

This guy can actually act which is a first for a Bond actor........

Why they are remaking Casino Royale I'm at a loss to explain, but Craig will be a million times better than Brosnan who was more wooden than an oak tree!

An English James Bond at long last!

Daniel Craig got the right stuff for the Bond Role! Brosnan was almost English (Irish) and played the part well but he always acted too clinicaly. Connery played the role ok, a bit too clunkish at times though. Moore and Dalton were the best, very smooth and deliberate.

Daniel Craig, has bags of potential!

Only one Bond I'm afraid .... Sean Connery

[kayo]

Hunt for Red October?

That's Clancy, love, not Ludlum... (I'm getting Deja Vu here... )

As far as the Bonds are concerned....

I WAS A NAYSAYER ABOUT CRAIG FROM DAY ONE OF PRODUCTION...

Connery has always been the one.

Lazenby IMHO wasn't bad, but maybe I'm biased by the fact that his was one of the best story-lines,so maybe he wasn't so great...

(I've just downloaded the new firefox, and there's a spell checker HERE! Cool! )

Moore... He was fun. I can't say he was all that great though.

Dalton, too cold. Too ugly, and too old looking.

Brosnan, had the humour of Moore, the coldness of Dalton, and the Husky manliness of Connery, but the worst stories.

This new guy, I really cannot say it enough, is EXCELLENT.

I do not use this word lightly.

I've just seen CR and there are few words I can use, after first viewing.

Craig Is Excellent.

The Movie Is Wonderful.

A 26 year long Bond fan rests happy with the choice, of and unabashed about my change of opinion for the positive.

[Firefan]

Went and saw the movie yesterday, really good (a long love sequence could have been shortened) and Daniel Craig played a great Bond, back to the roots from Ian Flemings books (I read them all). A killing machine, border line alcoholic, wreckless.

I am also a long time Bond fan as my avatar indicates! Cheers!