The Bond Identity

So, after the last 007 in the diminutive Pearce Bronson was presumably killed in action (probably crushed by a toppling road cone!) a rather rugged and sexist regeneration (well it is rather like Dr Who when a new one comes along) in Danny Craig has picked up the Beretta.
Some have complained he just doesn't have the look and sex appeal of previous Bonds and it is fair to say he does look like a builder, but I, on the other hand, say it's what the tired Bond franchise really needed and the type of a guy women want mind an estimate from.. One too many CGI special effects and gadgets (culminating in the ludicrous invisible car last time up) needed to be checked in their path. Going back to basics has done the job.

So if we are being authentic about things then why not start again with the first ever Bond movie. Casino Royale has been freshened up from the 1960s version to the present day and it's not going to be the last, judging by Craig's edgy and physical performance, even though we have now used up all of Flemmings original books with Brosnans final Bond.

Craig brings back a real macho edge to proceedings, a bit of Paul Newman about him with those piercing blue eyes, swigging his Martinis like pints down the Dog & Duck, grabbing the ass of a sexy girl his misogynist chat up style. I wouldn't say he was a working class 007, but, like Doctor Who, has turned the white collar a distinct shade of aqua blue in the bungled washing. Well that is a woman's job.

Du du de ded de ded de ded da da...

A new Bond (which he is here) can not get his 00 license until he has killed twice, our raw agent reciting his first kills in Ms' (Judy Dench) office to bump his six to the all important seven.
After the spectacular and traditional opening action sequence-stuffed with product placement- the new Bond theme song washes over us (I've never heard of them but its quite a rocky tune) as we are introduced to the villain, his beautiful girl once again sliding out of the pool in search of her towel in his secret lair. To say Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) is a clich Bond Mr Evil is an understatement, the broken right eye having you screaming for him to put on the annoyingly absent monocle.

Le Chiffre is a compulsive gambler, playing only the most glamorous and highest stake games around the world. And to get on those roulette tables he needs lots and lots of money, usually obtained by causing terrorist atrocities, and then picking up the dividend

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