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movie review - Casino Royale (2006)

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-eight years and a million words

Today my son and I watched the first of the Bond movies to feature Daniel Craig. He agreed that it was by the best of the five we watched together, and had none of those moments when he wondered, "Why did they do that?"

I've reviewed this movie in the past, but I have come to realize something in watching it this time. The story isn't telling us what happened when our man became James Bond, 007; it's telling us how he did. He's not "007" at the beginning of the movie, he's a young man with the talent but not the edge, not the motivation, and without the perspective that his job needs. By the end he's hardened, cynical, methodical, and focused. It's a subtly brilliant story and it flew right over my head when I first saw it some 14 years ago.

Yes, a brilliant James Bond movie. All the other Bond movies are OK and sometimes fun but not great. This one's worth another viewing.

A favorite. Strongly recommended.