Casino Royale (2006) Review

Casino Royale (2006)

Casino Royale follows newly minted double 0 agent James Bond, who, after uncovering a link to a man financing terrorists, enters a high stakes poker game in hopes to topple his organization. 

With Casino Royale in 2006 came a new type of Bond, a blunt instrument sure, but a realistic take more in line with what the late Ian Fleming had in mind, and that is no better stated than in Daniel Craig’s entrance to the role. From the prologue on, this is far from your grandfather’s Bond, setting a darker and grittier mood right away, full of hard violence and visceral action. A cold blooded and flawed character, we get to see 007’s start, without the flashy gadgets or kills, just a man determined to get the job done at whatever the cost. Something that’s really shown in his brash willingness to break the rules, as evidenced by much of the movie’s thrilling opening. 

And while this is still an action packed film, I like how it toned things down after the comical madness of Brosnan’s last outing, Die Another Day. There’s no ridiculous CGI, mainly laying the central focus on the battle of wits at the Casino Royale between Bond and Le Chiffre, as well as delving into his emotional and physical vulnerability as a still young, up-and-comer trying to prove himself. Yet, even with its focus, you are always left on your toes, never sitting still too long so as to keep you guessing, especially through to Vesper’s tragic end. 

We, naturally, get a superb cast, featuring Giancarlo Giannini, Jeffrey Wright, Judi Dench, Mads Mikkelsen, Eva Green, and Daniel Craig. Craig, in his first outing, brings a gruff but collected persona to Bond that works rather well, especially when paired with the lovely Eva Green, who surprises to the end. Mikkelsen also has all the makings of a terrifying Bond villain, and though he was far from the big bad, still makes a major impact in the time he gets. 

Based on the book by Ian Flemming, Casino Royale, directed by Martin Campbell, is a gritty but refreshing return to the Bond universe, scale back the cheesiness for a gripping battle of the minds that still holds up as one of the most solid Bond outings to date. 

9/10