BOND - A Review

Frank Granovski · November 30th, 2006, 12:14 AM

I'm going next week, but I don't want to go downtown. Maybe I'll bring a pillow with me when I go to the Dunbar.

Steven Davis · November 30th, 2006, 07:01 AM

I thought the board voted and passed a resolution that the bond couldn't be blond and be a bond. It's like having a blue darth vader. I just can't get past my purist descrimination. :}

Marco Leavitt · November 30th, 2006, 08:11 AM

Well, if Felix can suddenly be black, I guess we could have a blonde Bond. :)

Richard Alvarez · November 30th, 2006, 08:28 AM

I really didn't notice the blondness... Maybe it's because the opening sequence is in black and white, and his hair is 'dark'. Maybe because it's not lik he's bleach blonde... not really an issue for me.

I had not read anything prior to seeing it. So I WAS curious about how much of the 'old school'' franchise they were going to adhere to. I was pleased when they DID USE the gun barrel POV and 'graphic credits' opening... even if the theme music wasn't EXACTLY present at the open. Coupled with the black and white, it sort of said to the audience..."It's different, but the same Bond... we won't leave you without your touch points..." Since they were going back to the origins, I didn't even know if they were going to use Judith Dench as "M" or start over with a man again. I was pleased to see Dame Judith. I love her as M. Again, a nod to the fans... "The more things change, the more they are the same." I wondered if we would meet "Q". No such luck in this film, but I'll bet he's in the next. When Vespia sits down on the train, and says, "I'm the MONEY" and Bond replies, "Ever PENNY OF IT." I turned to my wife and said "This MUST be "Moneypenny". I half expected their relationship to go uncomsummated, and that she would be a recurring 'tease' in James' side. Which would have been a great device. But alas, not to be. I suspect, that MoneyPenny will show up along with Q in the next flick.

And Felix has been black in other Bond films before. A number of actors have played him. I was pleased when he showed up as well.

And then of course, ending with the familiar theme music. "Bond is BACK BIG TIME" my friends.

Jaadgy Akanni · November 30th, 2006, 09:07 AM

I already was a fan of the original CASINO ROYALE(1967) (which started the Bond franchise) with David Niven, and it was still quite good in the late 70's when I was still a child. Perhaps my child innocence was a factor in my liking it so much. However, this new version was a real overhaul, 100 fold. I loved it-so raw, so flesh and blood. At first I didn't think Daniel Craig would pull it off, but he did with flying colors.

Van Zijl Loots · December 4th, 2006, 08:08 AM

Did we watch the same film? First off, the casting of Bond was good. Daniel Craig rocks. There´s some awesome sequences, like the Airport scene, the car chase where he´s caught in the end, and especially the opening sequence. But that´s where it stops. A film packed with cheesy dialogue, easy way outs for our super lucky Bond, and female actors that suck so much that it makes me sick, I think this film is a flop.

Now I don´t like to compare it just to other Bonds, I like to compare it to other spy films. Films like Mission Impossible 1 & 3, The Bourne films, Spy Game, XXX, even Golden Eye with good old Brosnan, they rocked. This one was too easy, too retarded in a way. Easy viewing. How lame can you get Hollywood?

But I know it´s not everyones glass of Martini, (all those parts in this film rocked. Especially where he doesn´t care how the barman makes it.) but for me, I´ll pass on the next one, the authenticity of Bond has gone out of the window and I´m sure they´re pushing their luck these days just to suck us dry...

That was my 5 cents...

Regards
Van Zijl

Jaadgy Akanni · December 4th, 2006, 08:54 AM

I don't see Dond jumping the shark anytime soon. There's such a wide range of angles and features to add to that character. Same with Mission Impossible.

Alan James · December 4th, 2006, 10:14 PM

I loved the movie. I am not a fan of remakes but in this case it is okay because the first wasn’t an official Bond movie. Does anyone know what format this was shot on? The beginning bathroom scene and the bathroom scene that he is drugged both look like they were shot HD but the rest of the movie looked like it was maybe super 35. Anyone know or know of a website I can look these things up on in the future.

David Jimerson · December 6th, 2006, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaadgy Akanni

I already was a fan of the original CASINO ROYALE(1967) (which started the Bond franchise) with David Niven, and it was still quite good in the late 70's when I was still a child. Perhaps my child innocence was a factor in my liking it so much. However, this new version was a real overhaul, 100 fold. I loved it-so raw, so flesh and blood. At first I didn't think Daniel Craig would pull it off, but he did with flying colors.

That movie didn't start the "Bond franchise."

The first screen Bond was on TV in 1954, and that, too, was "Casino Royale," starring Barry Nelson as the American agent "Jimmy Bond." Not the same thing.

The Broccoli/EON "Bond franchise," which which most Bond movies are a part, was started in 1962 with "Dr. No." Most fans consider these the "official" movies. The Broccoli Bond movie out in 1967 was "You Only Live Twice," the 5th movie in that series.

The 1967 spoof/Niven version of "Casino Royale" wasn't part of the Broccoli/EON continuity or franchise, just as 1983's "Never Say Never Again" (a remake of "Thunderball") was not.

Hugh DiMauro · December 6th, 2006, 01:12 PM

I agree for the most part with everybody's comments.

I've been a James Bond fan since the day my father took me to see "You Only Live Twice" at the Embassy theatre in Atlantic City. I remember always having butterflies in my stomach prior to the start of each Bond film because I knew villians and their henchmen were gonna die in a bad way. I'd be on the edge of my seat as soon as the theatre darkened and the animated blue and white United Artists logo painted itself on the screen. Then I waited for all hell to break loose. The staccato trumpet blasts followed by the white dots racing across the screen and widening into the gunbarrel. The music. The violence. The fast, new model cars. I guess my estrangement with the series started with The Man With The Golden Gun. Once the franchise introduced silly humor, situations and characters, the series lost its excitement. Just my opinion.

As a man now in my 40s, I will never again feel that level of excitement at a Bond movie as I had when I was a wee lad. But that's to be expected. Life experience and age tend to dull the mystique of the Bond movies. Taking that into consideration...

CASINO ROYALE ROCKS!

Finally, a human Bond and no silly villains or henchmen (i.e. Nick Nack, Jaws). Realistic fight choreography. Good story. And yes, I cringed in my seat alot. Daniel Craig has an interesting face. Funny how they showcased his physique instead of his leading ladies! Well, with abs like that...

One thing with which I disagree: Folks like to compare Craig with Connery. Connery was ruthless, dashing and suave. And heck, he tried to be. That was the whole idea. Craig's Bond is more like everyman and actually closer to George Lazenby's Bond in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Both were very human and both relied on their own ruggedness to get out of jams. No gadgets.

I once again enjoy the James Bond franchise and will continue to do so if only they maintain the current magic.

November 30th, 2006, 07:01 AM	#17
Steven Davis Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,065	I thought the board voted and passed a resolution that the bond couldn't be blond and be a bond. It's like having a blue darth vader. I just can't get past my purist descrimination. :} __________________ What happens if I push the 'Red' button?

November 30th, 2006, 09:07 AM	#20
Jaadgy Akanni Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: new york city Posts: 346	I already was a fan of the original CASINO ROYALE(1967) (which started the Bond franchise) with David Niven, and it was still quite good in the late 70's when I was still a child. Perhaps my child innocence was a factor in my liking it so much. However, this new version was a real overhaul, 100 fold. I loved it-so raw, so flesh and blood. At first I didn't think Daniel Craig would pull it off, but he did with flying colors. __________________ I will be KING!

December 4th, 2006, 08:08 AM	#21
Van Zijl Loots Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cape Town, South Africa Posts: 31	BOND - A Review Did we watch the same film? First off, the casting of Bond was good. Daniel Craig rocks. There´s some awesome sequences, like the Airport scene, the car chase where he´s caught in the end, and especially the opening sequence. But that´s where it stops. A film packed with cheesy dialogue, easy way outs for our super lucky Bond, and female actors that suck so much that it makes me sick, I think this film is a flop. Now I don´t like to compare it just to other Bonds, I like to compare it to other spy films. Films like Mission Impossible 1 & 3, The Bourne films, Spy Game, XXX, even Golden Eye with good old Brosnan, they rocked. This one was too easy, too retarded in a way. Easy viewing. How lame can you get Hollywood? But I know it´s not everyones glass of Martini, (all those parts in this film rocked. Especially where he doesn´t care how the barman makes it.) but for me, I´ll pass on the next one, the authenticity of Bond has gone out of the window and I´m sure they´re pushing their luck these days just to suck us dry... That was my 5 cents... Regards Van Zijl

December 4th, 2006, 08:54 AM	#22
Jaadgy Akanni Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: new york city Posts: 346	I don't see Dond jumping the shark anytime soon. There's such a wide range of angles and features to add to that character. Same with Mission Impossible. __________________ I will be KING!

December 6th, 2006, 01:12 PM	#25
Hugh DiMauro Trustee Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,207	Huge Bond Fan I agree for the most part with everybody's comments. I've been a James Bond fan since the day my father took me to see "You Only Live Twice" at the Embassy theatre in Atlantic City. I remember always having butterflies in my stomach prior to the start of each Bond film because I knew villians and their henchmen were gonna die in a bad way. I'd be on the edge of my seat as soon as the theatre darkened and the animated blue and white United Artists logo painted itself on the screen. Then I waited for all hell to break loose. The staccato trumpet blasts followed by the white dots racing across the screen and widening into the gunbarrel. The music. The violence. The fast, new model cars. I guess my estrangement with the series started with The Man With The Golden Gun. Once the franchise introduced silly humor, situations and characters, the series lost its excitement. Just my opinion. As a man now in my 40s, I will never again feel that level of excitement at a Bond movie as I had when I was a wee lad. But that's to be expected. Life experience and age tend to dull the mystique of the Bond movies. Taking that into consideration... CASINO ROYALE ROCKS! Finally, a human Bond and no silly villains or henchmen (i.e. Nick Nack, Jaws). Realistic fight choreography. Good story. And yes, I cringed in my seat alot. Daniel Craig has an interesting face. Funny how they showcased his physique instead of his leading ladies! Well, with abs like that... One thing with which I disagree: Folks like to compare Craig with Connery. Connery was ruthless, dashing and suave. And heck, he tried to be. That was the whole idea. Craig's Bond is more like everyman and actually closer to George Lazenby's Bond in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Both were very human and both relied on their own ruggedness to get out of jams. No gadgets. I once again enjoy the James Bond franchise and will continue to do so if only they maintain the current magic. __________________ Interesting, if true. And interesting anyway.

November 30th, 2006, 12:14 AM	#16
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	I'm going next week, but I don't want to go downtown. Maybe I'll bring a pillow with me when I go to the Dunbar.

November 30th, 2006, 08:11 AM	#18
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Well, if Felix can suddenly be black, I guess we could have a blonde Bond. :)

November 30th, 2006, 08:28 AM	#19
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	I really didn't notice the blondness... Maybe it's because the opening sequence is in black and white, and his hair is 'dark'. Maybe because it's not lik he's bleach blonde... not really an issue for me. I had not read anything prior to seeing it. So I WAS curious about how much of the 'old school'' franchise they were going to adhere to. I was pleased when they DID USE the gun barrel POV and 'graphic credits' opening... even if the theme music wasn't EXACTLY present at the open. Coupled with the black and white, it sort of said to the audience..."It's different, but the same Bond... we won't leave you without your touch points..." Since they were going back to the origins, I didn't even know if they were going to use Judith Dench as "M" or start over with a man again. I was pleased to see Dame Judith. I love her as M. Again, a nod to the fans... "The more things change, the more they are the same." I wondered if we would meet "Q". No such luck in this film, but I'll bet he's in the next. When Vespia sits down on the train, and says, "I'm the MONEY" and Bond replies, "Ever PENNY OF IT." I turned to my wife and said "This MUST be "Moneypenny". I half expected their relationship to go uncomsummated, and that she would be a recurring 'tease' in James' side. Which would have been a great device. But alas, not to be. I suspect, that MoneyPenny will show up along with Q in the next flick. And Felix has been black in other Bond films before. A number of actors have played him. I was pleased when he showed up as well. And then of course, ending with the familiar theme music. "Bond is BACK BIG TIME" my friends.

December 4th, 2006, 10:14 PM	#23
Alan James Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 261	I loved the movie. I am not a fan of remakes but in this case it is okay because the first wasn’t an official Bond movie. Does anyone know what format this was shot on? The beginning bathroom scene and the bathroom scene that he is drugged both look like they were shot HD but the rest of the movie looked like it was maybe super 35. Anyone know or know of a website I can look these things up on in the future.