Review of Casino Royale (1954) by Raji K — 24 Apr 2014

The Brosnan era comes to a close and we have a new James Bond played this time by Daniel Craig. In addition to a new bond, the series also decides to take a chance and do a prequel. Both of these risks I was very wary of and on first viewing I did not enjoy Casino Royale at all. After watching the older films again and re-watching this movie, I made a complete 180 on my feeling of the movie. Daniel Craig is a great Bond, and the raw element that he brings makes so much sense given it is a prequel. He is no the polished agent we know because he has only just started and has just acquired 00 status. Once this is recognized Casino Royale cements the reason why Bond is Bond in all the films prior.

Bond Girl - 3/5.

Eva Green is not exactly my favorite, but she does have a big role to play and she performs well.

Gadgets - 0/5.

If there is a movie where this score is okay, it is this movie. Because it is a prequel it is showing the department in its days before it relied on gadgets.

Villains - 3/5.

Le Chiffre is not exactly as stand out villain, but he has the characteristics of a Bond villain with his arrogance, and different schemes to make money.

Music 3/5.

You Know My Name by Chris Cornell is different than some of the previous Bond openers, and it holds its own in a crowded field of movies that feature female soloists.