The most successful invigoration of a cinematic franchise since
Batman Begins, Casino Royale offers a new Bond identity. Based on the Ian Fleming novel that introduced Agent 007 into a Cold War world,
Casino Royale is the most brutal and viscerally exciting James Bond film since Sean Connery left Her Majesty's Secret Service. Meet the new Bond; not the same as the old Bond. Daniel Craig gives a galvanizing performance as the freshly minted double-0 agent. Suave, yes, but also a "blunt instrument," reckless, and possessed with an ego that compromises his judgment during his first mission to root out the mastermind behind an operation that funds international terrorists. In classic Bond film tradition, his global itinerary takes him to far-flung locales, including Uganda, Madagascar, the Bahamas (that's more like it), and Montenegro, where he is pitted against his nemesis in a poker game, with hundreds of millions in the pot. The stakes get even higher when Bond lets down his "armor" and falls in love with Vesper (Eva Green), the ravishing banker's representative fronting him the money.
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For longtime fans of the franchise, Casino Royale offers some retro kicks. Bond wins his iconic Astin-Martin at the gaming table, and when a bartender asks if he wants his martini "shaken or stirred," he disdainfully replies, "Do I look like I give a damn?" There's no Moneypenny or "Q," but Dame Judi Dench is back as the exasperated M, who one senses, admires Bond's "bloody cheek." A Bond film is only as good as its villain, and Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre, who weeps blood, is a sinister dandy. From its punishing violence and virtuoso action sequences to its romance, Casino Royale is a Bond film that, in the words of one character, makes you feel it, particularly during an excruciating torture sequence. Double-0s, Bond observes early on, "have a short life expectancy." But with Craig, there is new life in the old franchise yet, as well as genuine anticipation for the next one when, at last, the signature James Bond theme kicks in following the best last line ever in any Bond film. To quote Goldie Hawn in Private Benjamin, now I know what I've been faking all these years. --Donald Liebenson
Stills from Casino Royale (click for larger image)
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Customer Review: Casino leaves something to be desired...
While there seems to be a lot of rallying support for "the new Bond", I can't say that I'm with that group at all. Casino Royale was "ok" and certainly 1000% better than the Woody Allen/Peter Sellers sham, but compared with more traditional Bond movies, I felt it left a great deal to be desired. First there was the tragic demise of a well established timeline. This could have been easily avoided by simply adding that the "previous" Bond had retired (or been killed) and that the new agent was simply replacing his predecessor, the way "M" and "Q" had been replaced as the actors portraying them aged and/or passed away. To "re-envision" such a well established franchise completely without paying tribute to that which has come before was simply a mistake. Then there is Daniel Craig's less than impressive portrayal of one of the most well known "action heros" of all time. Let's face it here...whether you are a fan of the books or the movies, when someone mentions the name "James Bond", it provokes a certain mental image. Regardless of who has portrayed Bond in the past, there is an image of a suave, sophisticated individual usually wearing a tux, drinking a vodka martini (shaken, not stirred). The image certainly includes having a beautiful woman on his arm, fancy gadgets to help him out of a tight spot and that attitude that "laughs in the face of danger"...usually accompanied by a "pithy come back". With the introduction of Daniel Craig in Casino Royal, gone is the tongue in cheek humor that typically accompanies the James Bond persona. To me this was a tragic mistake as it is simply a part of who James Bond is. In the Bond movie "Golden Eye" for example, there is a scene where Bond (portrayed excellently by Piece Brosnan) crashes a tank he is driving in a chase scene (wonderful in it's own right!). The camera zoom's in on Bond as he pauses, straightens his tie then continues with the chase. Truly a wonderful moment of humor to say the least! There are no such "moments" with this new Bond...he is simply a man with a bad attitude and "a chip on his shoulder" who's out to prove himself against the world. With Craig's portrayal, the character of James Bond could have just as easily been a disgruntled shoe salesman who's forced to smell stinky, fat feet day in and day out. I'm sorry to say but Craig does a very poor job of "filling the shoes" of his predecessors. To use a food analogy, if you make spaghetti sauce without any spices what so ever, all you end up with is tomato soup. Daniel Craig's portrayal of Bond is watery tomato soup at best. While Sean Connery, Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan (and even Dalton and Lazenby) all brought something new and unique to the role, they all managed to maintain the principle character that is "Bond". Here particularly, Craig falls abominably. While it is a ok action film with a fairly average plot (save the world...yawn), there is nothing in Craig's portrayal that really says "James Bond" in any way. The character names could have been easily changed and very simply, it would not have effected this movie at all (and probably would have been for the better). Gone too are the wonderful gadgets that are so iconic of James Bond movies. While a good story line is certainly the greatest success of any film let alone "Bond", high tech gadgetry is something that most loyal fans have come to expect (for example the submarine Lotus in "The Spy Who Loved Me"...priceless!). When watching James Bond using many of these devices, one can easily hear Q's words of wisdom saying "Grow up 007!". Such things are now apparently a part of the distant past. Apparently all a modern secret agent needs any more to defend himself against the evils of the world is his ever loyal and faithful cell phone. For the sake of fairness, I will add that there have certainly been other Bond "flops". Connery's "Diamonds Are Forever", Moore's "Man With The Golden Gun" and "Moonraker" and Brosnan's "Die Another Day". I guess even the best of Bonds are entitled to having a bad run. That said, it appears that this may not be a one time event due to the fact that the producers seem to want to take Bond in a new (and horrifying) direction. We loyal Bond fans can certainly hope but none of us should hold our breath for too long either. Final Thoughts... For those who are looking for an average action film with the proverbial explosions and car chases and an otherwise average plot, you will probably be satisfied with "Casino Royal". However for those like me who are long time fans of the James Bond franchise and all that it represents, you will probably be sorely disappointed. In and of itself it was an "ok" movie but it certainly wasn't "Bond" by any stretch of the imagination. It would have been better to simply change the character names and call this film something else and just let the Bond franchise rest until something better and more appropriate came along.
Customer Review: The best Bond thus far: two years on, people are still looking for blown-off socks
An artful turn of phrase, an upturned eyebrow, and a casual air in the midst of a deadly situation means only one thing: James Bond has returned. Curiously absent on the big screen for the last half-decade, the famous, womanizing MI6 agent ignited the fires of controversy--off-screen for a change--when gossip-mongers discovered that the actor cast for the role would be, gasp, blond. Luckily, the producers and directors of "Casino Royale" forged ahead regardless, giving actor Daniel Craig ("Layer Cake") a chance to prove his worth. The short version of this review would be that he succeeded spectacularly; further, he was working with one of the best scripts the series has had in years. The long version of this review, as befits this reviewer's compulsion, will continue below. By the mid-to-late 1980's, fans were beginning to view the franchise in a light similar to how nearly all Americans viewed "SNL" since the seventies--as a once-great thing long past its peak. Then, "Goldeneye" was released, and new life entered the series as a new generation was indoctrinated into the cult of the Sultan of Suave. Pierce Brosnan was the new captain, but even his brave leadership couldn't save future episodes ("Tomorrow Never Dies," "The World is Not Enough," and "Die Another Day") from being simply okay at best, and silly at worst. Another idea floating around is the somewhat specious view that the "Austin Powers" franchise diminished Fleming's cinematic translations. This is convenient in that blame is removed from the producers, writers, and directors of the Bond films, which was probably the entire reason for forwarding such as ridiculous idea in the first place. Regardless, the series was far past the time for something new--director Martin Campbell ("Goldeneye," "Beyond Borders") proves far more than capable at injecting a little modernity into the aging series. Ironically, he pulls this off by starting at the beginning: the beginning of Bond's "00" career, of Fleming's novels, and of the agent's descent into total emotional detachment. Campbell is not above resurrecting a few ideas and scenes from past "Bond" films--several of which may be lost of today's audience--but the overall effect still feels remarkably fresh. Everything chic and hip happens in Prague, so naturally that is exactly where Bond earns his "00" status. He kills Dryden, a regional MI6 section chief who has been appropriating extra funds illegally. After obtaining his promotion to "007" designation, we find James on surveillance duty in Madagascar. His partner bungles his cover and is made by the target, prompting the movie's first chase sequence. Chasing his acrobatic quarry through construction sites and city streets, James is finally able to corner him in an embassy. Interested only in the target's bag, Bond kills the man and blows up most of the embassy in what must be the world's most elaborate distractionary gambit. Finding a text message which says only "ellipsis," he begins on a journey to unravel a tangled web consisting of international crime syndicates, stock market manipulation, and Le Chiffre, (Mads Mikkelsen, "King Arthur") a banker who finances terror. Along the pathway to illumination, James finds time to play perhaps the largest-stake Texas Hold `em game ever, win the heart of Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), hack into M's personal computer account, and seduce a vixen after first stripping her husband...of several thousand dollars, his pride, and his classic Aston Martin, that is. This film shows the filmmaker's desire to reinvent the franchise. "Casino Royale" was Fleming's first novel, and this movie seeks to similarly begin a new Bond continuum, with no relation to prior films in the series. As such, Craig's Bond is permitted to be shown as a flawed, vulnerable, and green agent who does not yet bear the scars of cumulative experiences. He is recognizable as the agent we know--brash, arrogant, ruthless, and philandering--but seems to almost be the adolescent version of later manifestations. The deep wound he sustains by the conclusion of "Casino Royale" may provide the viewer with a sense of why his later versions seemed so apathetic and aloof regarding--supposedly--key emotions like compassion, love, and honor. Prior to this film, the character of Bond seemed axiomatic: he simply was, and he was not a result of anything. Perhaps the success of this movie over its predecessors is partially due to better audience identification with the main character--it's easier to root for someone that you identify as human. Forget the character, for this is a Bond movie, right? That means blazing action sequences, smoldering women, hotter cars, technobabble, and cutting wisecracks garnished with the perfect martini to most fans. Fans need not fear to the slightest degree. Two of the chase sequences had my wife suspecting that I'd prefer a seat inside the screen, so riveted by the onscreen action was I. I'll never view an airplane refueling truck the same way again. Solange (Caterina Murino) heats up the screen with vibrant Mediterranean allure, probably causing most male viewers to miss the gist of several lines of dialogue. However, Eva Green as Vesper succeeds in taking first prize in the sex appeal department--despite a rather mousy appearance--via simple combination: presence, presence, and presence. The unspoken suggestion present in every line of dialogue between her and James is hotter than even Solange's bikini-on-horseback scene. Aston Martin brings several representative vehicles into the film--one car being most unfortunate, more's the pity. Speaking of Bond's Aston Martin, it conveniently comes equipped with cardiac defibrillator, chemical blood analyzer, silenced pistol, and GPS locator, so technophiles everywhere should be assuaged their concerns. Finally, James Bond--even as an agent just starting out--achieves a sum total of wit in one half sentence which most people aspire to in their entire lives. He even manages to be witty without actually uttering an entire phrase--as an audience, we so easily accept his innate verve that we are willing to forgive him such extraneous matters as actually finishing the witty sentence. In summary, 007 is supernaturally charming, capable, lucky, desirable, and macho, but this time, he's human, too. The movie had me chuckling from the moment Le Chiffre first took a puff from his silver inhaler to when Craig finally uttered the immortal introduction. The tension was present from the bathroom brawl to the final confrontation in a doomed building. The conspiracy runs deep and the movie may require several viewing before a viewer feels comfortable with the plot; however, the story does not end with the credits. Fans of "Dr. No" will note a playfully inverted take on perhaps the most famous Bond girl introduction scene of all time. "Casino Royale" is only the first movie of a planned trilogy, (the second film, "Quantum of Solace," was out last fall) so expect even more character development, as opposed to what you may be familiar with: an indestructible, unaltered agent who operates in a vacuum, without memory or care of past events. This movie is highly recommended for those interested in seeing both Bond's best film and Bond's best actor--and yes, I'm including Sean Connery amongst that list.
If you have children, chances are good that your children will eventually want to visit Disneyland. While you're there, be sure to check out the unique tiki culture on display. Both the Polynesian Resort and the Enchanted Tiki Room grew out of Walt Disney's desire to showcase island culture with a tiki room theme. Both opened at a time when tiki decor was quite popular on the mainland, and these attractions have remained popular ever since. They represent an important cultural side of Disneyland that you should not miss.
While visiting Disneyland, consider staying at the Polynesian Resort. This unique hotel features tiki dcor, which is fun for kids and adults alike. Tiki dcor has been popular on the mainland since the 1940's, and the Polynesian Resort offers a beautiful take on this decorating style. Each room has a Hawaiian tiki motif, with wooden tikis and bamboo accents. Because the resort was originally built in the 1960's, it also has a retro feel, although it has been updated several times since then. You'll feel like you are staying in an island in the South Pacific without ever leaving the mainland.
The resort is not built in a high-rise building, but instead it has several intimate two- or three-story buildings scattered over the grounds. The area of the Polynesian resort features dense vegetation; even after you step outside the room you'll still feel like you are in an island paradise. These grounds include white sandy beaches complete with hammocks and lounge chairs. There are several Polynesian restaurants in the resort, so you can even sample some traditional island fare. For adults, there is also a traditionally-styled tiki bar.
Once you get to the park, make sure that you stop at Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. One of the more unique attractions in Disneyland, it is a theater featuring Polynesian characters and wildlife. There are over 150 animatronic characters that come to life during the sixteen minute ride. In fact, this attraction was the first to feature Disney's audio-animatronic system. It opened in 1963 in Adventureland, and has long been one of the more popular attractions in the park. The show is "hosted" by four singing macaws, and also features other tropical birds, tiki totems and masks, flowers, and drummers. Animatronic Hawaiian tiki gods are located around the perimeter, each telling their own story. There is also a version of the Enchanted Tiki Room at Tokyo Disneyland, as well as one at Disney World.
When visiting Disneyland, be sure to learn about the tiki culture you get the chance to experience in the Polynesian Resort and the Enchanted Tiki Room. Tiki culture is built around distinctive wooden or stone figures with large, flat heads in proportion to their bodies. These statues play an integral part in the decor of both the Polynesian Resort and the Enchanted Tiki Room. You'll also see other decor choices that have been popular parts of tiki dcor in the U.S., including bamboo, dried grass, and thatched roofs.
Royal Tiki specializes in genuine Hawaiian-made Tiki masks, Statues and Signs.
valentine gift for him
Knee-length sexy slinky stretch poly dress with 3 rows of prongset crystals, tie back. Junior plus sizes 1-5X.
