Casino Royale

USA / UK 2006, 144 minutes
Dir. Martin Campbell
Genres: Action/Adventure / Spy

Feat. Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright

Aroview: The James Bond franchise finds a new face, goes back to the very beginning, and rediscovers its mojo, with new Bond Daniel Craig and Kiwi dir. Martin Campbell presenting a tougher, more believable 007 - downplaying gadgetry and womanizing in favour of a script that dares to surprise, and even allow its secret agent to fall in love.

After winning disfavour for overstepping the bounds, the secret service reluctantly re-employs Bond to play in a high stakes gambling session against a villainous banker. Despite the ludicrous-sounding plotline and the odd awkward gear change, this scores most for its courage in daring to walk the tightrope of a man who is simultaneously heroic fantasy and cold-blooded problem child.

Based on the first Ian Fleming novel published in 1953.

Member Reviews

Average rating (Very Good). Showing 1-5 of 5 member reviews.

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5 stars (Exceptional) ~normfilmbuff
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5 stars (Exceptional) Casino Royale pushes the boundaries of the Bond Series, with a grittier, darker, and newer 007. The result is a brilliant spy/action movie, a great new Bond, and a new direction for future entries. Now how would you like your Martini? ~Tom H
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5 stars (Exceptional) ~Mick28
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5 stars (Exceptional) A more worldly and more sombre James Bond. Top quality all round, sets new standards for the genre. The opening five minutes in particular is a stunningly complex piece of action photography. ~Anon
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2 stars (Good Try) By losing its panache & humour this instalment brings the franchise back to the field. After setting the standards for so long it is now indistinguishable from the wannabees in the genre although the stunt people can still hold their heads high. ~Tubbs