Review of Casino Royale (1954) by Mark D — 16 Dec 2013

Finally catching up with the Daniel Craig Bond films.

This was fun, but with a lot of reservations. For one, it was too darn long. Especially since just when you think it's about to end, it starts right back up again.

I also get tired of ordinary people being able to take endless beatings and keep on going. Or being able to jump from 20' high and not break their legs. Tell me these guys have titanium exo-skeletons and I'm totally on board. Otherwise, please try, just a little, to maintain some sense of realism.

I also get so sick of everyone double-crossing everyone else. I expect it in a movie like this, but come ON. I just gave up and rolled my eyes 360 degrees at the last one.

Ok, that was my negative stuff. On the positive side, I thought the movie was well written, acted, directed, etc.

I like that they took some efforts to make Bond, as a character, more human. There was some gritty stuff here, and it works.

Daniel Craig made for a great Bond, and I look forward to seeing the next two. Eva Green was great, too, and beautiful to boot.

I understand Quantam isn't quite as good, but I'll watch it so I can get to Skyfall.