CASINO ROYALE (2006) Daniel Craig - James Bond Revisited

[@jiggygrand]

Eva Green was a fully fleged character with depth and a compelling backstory. This and great attention to detail is what made Casino Royale one of the absolute best Bond films!

[@TheRealAdaWong]

She is the Audrey Hepburn of Bond Girls. Not a style or character that won't be inspired by her work as Vesper.

[@randomhuman97]

Easily top 3 of any james bond list. Sadly, he didn't mention caterina mourinho who was equally stunning

[@jiggygrand]

@@randomhuman97 Right!!! I forgot about her. She was gorgeous. I was actually disappointed when she was killed. I was like "Dang! James. That's cold" 😎 Haha!!

[@bigneon_glitter]

I'll never forget the sound of that theater in 2006 as it _gasped_ in unison at the sight of a near natural Eva Green applying her makeup in the Casino Royale hotel bathroom mirror. Truly, one of the most beautiful women ever photographed in a Bond film.

[@diogocatalano9557]

They had to. The leading actor looks like sh.....

[@nightwing245]

The only real issue with Vesper Lyn is that she is so good she makes the romance between Bond and Madeline in Spector look almost comically unbelievable. To me all it took was the train scene to establish Lyn as a tour de force. But after I finished Spector, I was unconvinced that Madeline was "the one". It just honestly doesn't work while Lyn and Bond do. In spades. (pun intended)

[@rotyler2177]

Haha good comment and yes Vesper ftw

[@stuartcooper8886]

Spectre is a mess in my opinion. While I don’t mind bond leaving with her at the end (if that had been the end for Craig) it has some terrible choices and direction… especially after the brilliant skyfall. Daniel Craig’s best bonds are the odd numbers. That does give me hope for no time to die … although I do think they should have recast/started a fresh.

[@Bjjbhcoa86]

@@stuartcooper8886 Have you seen the new film? What did you think of it?

[@stuartcooper8886]

@@Bjjbhcoa86 I enjoyed it. It’s his third best after casino and skyfall. I stand by that really it should have been reset after spectre. What’s your thoughts

[@Bjjbhcoa86]

@@stuartcooper8886 I really disliked Spectre, so after that this one was a really nice surprise. I liked it a lot, but I know I liked it this much for reasons like; - it being Craig's last film, I'm a huge fan of his and I really like him as Bond, - many nods and references to earlier films, - Fukunaga's slick direction, he knows how to direct this kind of spy/thriller/action film, - I like all the actors. In terms of storytelling/script, it was a bit weak, I found especially Safin very lacklustre. I agree that it the third one in Craig's Bond films list. My favourite is also Casino. What do you mean by reset after Spectre?

[@makatron]

Eva Green gets 13/10 as Vesper Lind. Fully fledge character with proper motivations and back story. And of course Eva makes any dress look insanely good, and those piercing eyes though.

[@ccburro1]

My favorite Bond woman. Her beauty, persona, story. ❤️

[@TehEeveeGeneral]

My favorite line from this movie will always be when we first meet Vesper: "I'm the money." So confident. So cool. She's the best.

[@beatlebass64]

My favorite is: "Shaken or stirred?" "Do I look like I give a damn?"

[@Harey0407]

Yeah Bond's reaction to that was basically what i would say too.

[@louischiappani5422]

Every penny of it

[@antoniokastrocarlisledemel6617]

Shit I'll take her over the money

[@antoniokastrocarlisledemel6617]

Shit I'll take her over the money

[@sincitytaoist3883]

The scene with Vespa and Bond on the train when they are engaging in the verbal sparring was one of my favorite scenes in the movie.

[@j.a.weishaupt1748]

Vespa?

[@scruffynerd84]

The score is so good. The theme by Chris Cornell is one my favorites. The small moments when theme pops up in the tracks, aston montenegro, Dinner Jackets and I am the money are perfect. The track City of Lovers is so classic John Barry-esk Bond, very old time Hollywood romantic.

[@ArkriteTheMad]

Poets of the Fall did a cover of You Know My Name that I thought was really good. I kind of wish we could have mixed their vocals with the movie's instrumentals.

[@Juandachu]

Without a doubt my favorite Bond film and easily in my top 10 all-around. Three times in theaters (in 3 different countries, heh) and I've lost count on how many times at home. Hell, I think I'm gonna watch it again tonight.

[@jambler15]

Anyone who loves Casino Royale should also check out The Mask of Zorro. Also by Martin Campbell. It's not as great as Casino Royale...but pretty damn close.

[@phantom_fox_blue4384]

The most grounded of Bond films. Bond shows emotions and weakness. The locations are beautiful. The screenplay is good. Daniel Craig was in great shape to convey a SS spy/killer. It's a shame this didn't all continue beyond Casino Royale.

[@ghani666]

Skyfall is pretty incredible though.

[@vgjunkie8386]

I hate how y'all dismiss skyfall, like c'mon!

[@bodacious117]

My brother who has prolly never watched any James Bond movies watched this in the theatre and absolutely loved it

[@JoBloOriginals]

Yep - that’s a pretty common thing. Made a lot of new Bond fans.

[@thorthewolf8801]

Yeah, when you have nothing to compare it to, shit will taste good! Im just being cheeky ofc

[@davidporter7051]

This comment should be moved to the bottom of list for simply not spelling probably.

[@Astro201281]

@@davidporter7051 Strongly agree with you

[@denisonunglaub]

@@thorthewolf8801 couldnt agree more

[@CaptRobertApril]

One aspect that wasn't mentioned: When the Bond theme plays at the end, it's just a tad slower than normal, making it sound just a bit more sinister and foreboding.

[@RedRangerGLB]

This movie is possibly my favorite movie of all time! I remember being skeptic about Craig’s casting when I noticed an advertisement at my local theater. Unfortunately, I waited for this to come out on home video and didn’t experience it on the big screen. I’m still kicking myself for that! The drastic difference between this movie and Die Another Day is crazy but it was desperately needed. Great job on another video, I appreciate all the entertainment!

[@Redmist-se7ld]

This is my favorite James Bond movie ever and had a memorable Bond villain

[@johnv3623]

The ending where he says his name and the music cue kick in made the theatre cheer when i saw it - amazing moviegoing experience.

[@jiggygrand]

I had the same experience!!!

[@titusmccarthy]

JB is a sexist racist piece of trash

[@SamnissArandeen]

The theater turned into Arrowhead Stadium, it was that loud in there

Unforgettable !!!! This film has aged to perfection.

[@titusmccarthy]

Terrible.

[@RheemQ]

@@titusmccarthy Then why are you here? To troll?

[@ramencurry6672]

The ending is great. Really great. But the rest of the movie feels like a generic action film. It’s basically an average action film with a great opera like ending.

[@skatee99]

You are FULLY spot-on with this review, every aspect of it. It's the Bond movie I show family & friends who say their not "into" James Bond movies. They then always become a convert. I usually don't like film reviews, (I'm a film grad from Columbia College, Chicago), but you did a great job giving this film it's deserving due.

[@seanloughran6714]

Just re-watched this on Netflix and man, it's so damn good. I totally agree with your gushing over it. I did the same!

[@nicktalksbond]

I saw Casino Royale with the soundtrack performed live at the Royal Albert Hall. Both score and theme are amazing performed live, really good stuff.

[@landscapedetective4064]

Damn! That must have been one hell of an evening. No, I'm not jealous....grrr!

[@artboymoy]

Watching this makes me want to watch it again! Great job. I remember the uproar about the "Blonde Bond" and I didn't care. If he can do the role, he can do the role, because he's an actor. That opening scene convinced me. I thought Mathias was in this one, but I don't think you mentioned him and I think what happens to him in the next film would want you to mention him here. Felix Lieter as well. I loved the parkour stuff and the bond theme playing as Bond walks up the steps in the 3 piece suit and saying the line, had me cheering!

[@RetroGamerBB]

I didn't care if he was blond either.

[@mamboking0134]

The eyes. It was the eyes that did it for me. Dude has ice-cold eyes.

[@Jose-se9pu]

I dont like Craig as Bond, but I'll give him credit for being the best as playing the cold assassin aspect of the character.

[@Hal_Evergreen]

His eyes are incredible. They have his half-feral intensity to them, and depending on the lighting, they can take on this almost eerie glow.

[@warreng675]

@@Jose-se9pu One of the worst Bonds, yeah

[@jbo4547]

@@warreng675 lol you are in the minority

[@warreng675]

@@jbo4547 Its not a minority

[@DeanTaylor38]

The best James Bond film, for me. I love it. For my 50th birthday, I went a Secret Cinema screening of it and it was simply my best ever birthday present. You didn't even mention the absolute dream of a Bond car (criminally underused and even more criminally totalled)!

[@NeverSaySandwich1]

The best Bond movie. The best villain, theme song, and Bond girl. The poker scenes are so well done, the best parts of the movie. It's a shame no other Craig movie has come no where near as close as this one.

[@randomhuman97]

True. Not a Craig fan but can't deny casino is the best movie by most bond rankings. Though skyfall Craig excels casino by his performance but the movie hasn't aged as well

[@LordMalice6d9]

@@randomhuman97 Skybore wasn't as interesting to me, besides Javier Bardem's appealing villain.

[@YoungPadawan85]

i loved Skyfall, its my favorite of the daniel craig bond films, but casino royale was still excellent and made complete courtesy of Mads Mikkelsen, i even actually liked quantum of solace because everyone is quick to write off the plot when they don't realize how actually true to life it portrays corporate business interests and how they conduct their business, and this coupled with the fact that this film was produced at the time of the writer's strike i believe is commendable and reflects the tenacity of its producers to still try and come up with an excellent film despite the writer's strike, and then there was that other craig bond film i dont even remember the name of it now for how forgettable it was, nothing against Christoph Waltz or anything because he's a great actor but he needs a great script to truly shine and whoever wrote that screenplay kind of dropped the ball on that one sadly

[@wstine79]

I really like this movie. The action was awesome, the theme song from Chris Cornell was sweet, and Eva Green was stunning.

[@Nantawat_Kittiwarakul]

I had read the novel version long before watching this Bond. And this Bond is almost a page-by-page replica of the novel, plus TONS of 2000's action poured in. Also some additional detail to top up. The result? The BEST Ian Fleming's Bond adaptation ever, period.

[@cooperwolfe5478]

I agree. What I find amazing is that once you read the novel you know what scenes were added specifically for the movie, but the amazing part is how perfectly it all blends together. None of the action sequences they added in feel out of place, and is complimented perfectly with the scenes that were adapted from the novel. I don’t know how the Academy didn’t give this film an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

[@heeeeeresrossy]

They're gonna have to go some to beat Casino Royale. Heck, I watch it at least 4 times a year! Absolutely perfect Bond & action movie.

[@MickeyKnox]

I was blown away back in the day when I saw it in the theatre ... especially after this huge disappointment that was "Die Another Day"

[@mr.pudding51]

"Happy Feet" isn't a fair comparison. At that time kids movies weren't released 1 a week so when a new one opened they tended to do well. Also, Mom and the kids went to see "Happy Feet". Dad went to see Eva Green, I mean, "Casino Royale".

[@jordel2010]

Daniel Craig's best outing as Bond so far and among my top five 007 movies.

[@wstine79]

It's a good thing Le Chiffre didn't try to eat Bond's liver with farva beans with a nice chianti.

[@TheSkizz89]

I undestood that reference.

[@BlessTheAlfredo]

*slurp*

[@carlolovesgaga]

haha

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

He was going to feed to him what he seemed not to value

[@isaackmojica8302]

Chi Chi Chi 🤪

[@AskAScreenwriter]

I also love how Casino Royale respected many of the previous Bond themes, but used them in newer ways, giving them different shades of meaning. The big example that stands out to me is the final line in the movie: "The name's Bond. James Bond." In just about every other bond movie going back to Dr. No, some version of this statement is usually one of the first things Bond says on-screen, or at least very early on. In Casino Royale, though, it's the final line, as if he couldn't properly say it until he had EARNED it, and had actually become the 'James Bond' we all know and love from other films.

[@Ugly_German_Truths]

he was nowhere NEAR to "the bond we love"; FFS... HIs apprenticeship was long from over, getting the "License to kill" only ONE step on a journey. Maybe you grew up without movies, only reading the books where the character might be said to be similar, but Movie Bond has always been supposed to be Suave, not cold as ice, mimically almost paralyzed and too miserly with words to be witty. The Flirting can be left out, but Bond having swallowed his own tongue and taking murdering goons more important than his "cover"? Never!

[@christianemden7637]

I remember being very skeptical about Craig being a blond Bond, but about 5 seconds into the Parcours chase i couldn’t care less what his hair color was. Nowadays Craig is for me on the same level as Sean Connery when it comes to the best Bonds.

[@cooperwolfe5478]

I agree. As of now Craig is my second favorite Bond only behind Timothy Dalton.

[@ggR3fleXx]

this , goldeneye and skyfall are for me the 3 stand outs of the franchise in the last decades

[@RGK93]

Totally agree, the 3 bond films that are more than "just a fun spy/action film". They are actually great films.

[@Zerofightervi]

Layer Cake, absolutely brilliant film.

[@peterhaslund]

The original Ian Fleming stories are nothing like this Casino Royale. They are, in fact, rudimentary and one-dimensional. All their villains are stereotypes with ludicrous names. The 2006 reboot was (surprisingly) suave, stylish, gritty, compelling, emotional and sexy. And it had two Danes in leading roles, Mikkelsen and Christensen who are both serious actors. Green was as real as Craig, this Bond rocks!

[@PhilWare1]

I would rate Diana Rigg/Tracy di Vicenzo higher than Eva Green/Vesper Lynd. Tracey more than held her own in On Her Majesties Secret Service, and that was back in late 60's when woman weren't expected to be equals.

[@garrick3727]

Diana Rigg was Tracy and Tracy was Diana Rigg. They built that character around DIana Rigg and the popularity of her kick ass antics in The Avengers. In fact, if it were not for The Avengers tv series, '60s Bond, particularly Bond girls, may have been very different. First Honor Blackman showed that people liked women who could kick ass, and that got her into Goldfinger. Later, Diana Rigg carried on the tradition, which clearly influenced OHMSS. I agree that Diana Rigg deserves more credit because she was so far ahead of what was considered appropriate. Tracy also just seems more like Bond's type, in terms of character.

[@TheRealAdaWong]

@@garrick3727 I feel Tracy and Vesper are two faces on the same coin. Both were already heavily involved in the criminal underworld, Tracy who was born into it and Vesper who was deep in it. However the way the character's introduced Bond to severe tragedy is where the character's differ, Tracy's in the more adventurous and traditional approach where we're seeing the duo fight their way out of evil yet to be completely enveloped by it again surprisingly. With Bond's love for Vesper, the two only dive deeper into dark waters the further they develop their feelings in the mission, from the poison, the contract killer, and their kidnapping, their love is ill fated from the start with a shadowed feeling it's not meant to last. Both in their approach and climax have allowed Bond to achieve higher realms of emotion and surrealism. Similarly with Skyfall and Spectre. The Craig series is achieving in pop culture what Royale, MSS, Goldeneye, Goldfinger, and Eyes Only achieved in their Bond Girls. Vesper's love is incredibly parallel to the modern contemporary of surreal the youth seeks today. As it's no longer found in intimate places or ideas and must be sought through unfamiliar conditions like new social scapes and networks. As the typical romanticized woman today is not seen as whole woman, but as the shadow of a fleeting dream. Eva Green perfectly encaptured the contemporary woman by her intimate and emotional moments with Bond, as a woman desperately seeking to establish her own life out of the hand society has dealt her. Bond was not only a sensational and realistic love, but a tangible escape from the materialistic hellscape society has become to them. Which is why Bond is still chasing that fleeting dream to this day in his alcoholism, recklessness, and shadows of a woman he once knew. Sciarra who was married into Spectre Swan who was born into Spectre Severine sold into Spectre Camille sold out of Spectre All characteristics of Tracy and Vesper. Vesper who is captured variously by each actress rather in Camille's vengeful soiree, Swan's web of suspense, or Severine and Sciarra's grave depths. They're all cinema amalgamation of Bond's lost love, or else all these women would've simply been killed by Bond's recklessness if it were not the emotional capacity of Vesper he projects upon these women. He was chasing a dead woman, and still is.

[@randomhuman97]

I like vesper but she isn't in my top 2. My top 3 has Pam bouvier, wai lin vesper lynd

[@TheRealAdaWong]

@@randomhuman97 I briefly remember Pam only because I've seen that film in passing. Will be Next on my list. Wai Lin is a league of her own, if only the Brosnan franchise received the narrative of the Craig series. She would've been the proper reoccurring co-star to aid Bond in his endeavors. She is certainly cut from the chemistry of Triple XXX, Galore, and Ryder. Pam, Melina Havelock, Wai Lin, along with; Swan and the new 00 are restoring the image of the femme fatale to the silver screen. Not only as Bond Girls, but modern contemporary women that are absolutely achievable in society, rather it's capturing a smokey distraught figure like Severine in sex trade, or an accomplished operative like Wai Lin, XXX, or Pam Bouvier, that mirror espionage tactics of today like the Russian Spy of Wallstreet Anna Chapman or World War 2's Nancy Wake. However most villainous characters like Elektra King even exist to this decade and even within the Bond installment. Ghislaine Maxwell, British socialite, heiress to the Maxwell legacy of Sir Robert Maxwell, a notorious triple agent. Maxwell, an accomplished entrepreneur, socialite, this woman even obtained a helicopter license to pilot for private escorts and a submarine for her aquatic investments. Is now iconicly known for her nefarious child grooming in association with the Jeffrey Epstein trafficking ring. Imagine the financial exploits Elektra King pursued for her own gain. Yet instead of oil, it's solely for the purpose of raising an empire to fund child trafficking. How sexy would Sophie Marceu look now?

[@garrick3727]

@@TheRealAdaWong I can see their similarity, but also their differences. Taking the unflattering view, Tracy is a spoiled rich kid who is bored because her life has no meaning. Vesper has been duped by some guy who she believes loves her but is actually a spy using her. Clearly Vesper is the tragic figure, and certainly the more nuanced character. With Casino Royale being the earlier book (and movie, in prequel sense) then Vesper came first. She basically created or reinforced Bond's distrust of women, or you could say she made him realize that having a serious relationship in his line of work was dangerous. Vesper shut Bond down. Tracy opened him up, fleetingly, but he ultimately realized that he was right first time. Vesper was the tragic figure first, and then Bond was the tragic figure with Tracy. On her own merits, Eva Green is the better Bond girl in my opinion. However, I admire people like Honor Blackman and Diana Rigg for being relatively groundbreaking, not just in terms of their Bond girl characters but in terms of how the actors themselves were in a time where "the establishment" really didn't approve of that kind of thing even if young women of the time (such as my mother) hugely approved.

[@barbarian92]

Casino Royale, bar none, is my favorite Bond movie. Daniel Craig radiates that suave confidence, and having Eva Green as the Bond girl is *chef's kiss*. Everything about the movie holds up oh so well, and for me, the only other movie in the franchise that can match it is FRWL.

[@peterhaslund]

My sentiments exactly

[@ConnorMcavoy-8672]

This is, hands down, not only the best James Bond film, but it's my favourite James bond film. This Film is frickin pheonominal & brilliant!

[@mattyt1961]

This is a prime example of a writer/director who know what they are doing, who know the character and a truly amazing cast. Ignoring Eva Green's beauty (I know it is difficult but try for a minute) she is an amazingly talented actress, and is terrific in this, she is every bit Bond's emotional equal, they both fall, they both break, they both do what needs to be done despite the cost. And you see what happens again in Skyfall when you have great talent in front and behind the camera it works better.

[@WAProdthejohman]

My favorite Bond movie, it has a little bit of everything of what makes Bond a great character done to perfection, after being disenchanted with one of my favorite characters of all time in "Die another day" this movie was like a gift to the fans, although i also was hesitant of Craig now i think he's up there on top 3 of favorite "Bonds" for me

[@randomhuman97]

Same not a Craig's fan but can't deny the movie will fulfil you . . . Singing that in tune 😉 Caterina mourinho was equally stunning and I HATED BOND FOR HAVING HER KILLED for no reason. He hid his identity but signs as bond again in the hotel anyways 😑😑 Few loopholes are there though- the Mathis question wasn't solved and pushed over to Qos. Lechiffre arrest was explained well in the book with cold war setting, but wouldn't apply for a post cold war setting.

[@WAProdthejohman]

@@randomhuman97 i understand what you mean, what i meant mostly was the tone of the movie and the characters i think this grittier and "grounded" tone suits very well Bond movies and Campbell did it to perfection on this one, as much as the set pieces are crazy you still feel like Bond is human and could definetly exist in real life, it's a nice balance between vulnerability and stylish badassery that makes me love this movie

[@Gabthar]

This is not only my favorite bond movies ever made, it is probably one of my favorite movies period

[@jules-yi8rn]

I remember Clive Owen being a favorite with my friends on the casting of a new Bond and when they announced Craig for the role, they were like "Daniel who???" having not seen Layer Cake... Needless to say, I can't believe I was friends with those guys🙂. Casino Royale was exactly what the franchise needed at the time - a solid nut-flogging. Eva Green is one of the greatest Bond girls of all time and Mads was an equally excellent villain. The sets, storyline and pacing are perfect as well. My wife love's Skyfall and it was a great movie, but when I think of the movie that reinvigorated my love for the franchise, Casino will always come in first.

[@RetroGamerBB]

Everything or Nothing should have been a bond film, not just a game

[@SamnissArandeen]

Everything Or Nothing would have been Die Another Day Part 2 if it were a movie. That brand of early-2000s camp works better on your PlayStation

[@ginadow3375]

the train scene in this film is one of my favorite movie scenes ever. And as an action movie lover, I just adore this film.

[@blaze556922]

This movie made me aware of Eva Green. What a fine actress. I wish she worked more.

[@solomongibsoniii4865]

Wha...? You're kidding, right? Have you checked out her IMDB page? : )

[@IngoFilmfreak]

Funny - Martin Campbell revitalizes the series with GOLDEN EYE, then does it again with CASINO ROYALE.... why were the Craig sequels not made by him as well??

[@Jose-se9pu]

I wonder if they will bring him back for the next movie, considering that, unless No Time To Die is A LOT better than Spectre, the next movie will have to bring some much needed new air to the franchise.

[@randomhuman97]

He's done some duds like green lantern. Even the foreigner was saved by brosnan and Jackie Chan

[@yudhabagaskara98]

Scheduling conflicts. Only sam mendes who can do it

[@nahladel]

Skyfall was beautifully done by Sam Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins. The night scenes especially. It probably also had the best opening scene merging into the intro song of any Bond film. Its a little slow here and there but still one of the best Bond films imo. Spectre was surprisingly dull by comparison, but it may have been the screenwriting or script letting it down, who knows.

[@Gamingnstuff131]

He definitely should’ve at least done Quantum Of Solace. I understand he didn’t want to do 2 movies back to back but man his touch was missing. Especially considering it was the first direct sequel in the series. I initially hated it because it felt so different from Casino Royale and I couldn’t gel with the editing and I wasn’t entirely on board with the more serious direction they were taking the series but it’s grown on me. Knowing what’s happening has made it more enjoyable to rewatch. It still feels too short. They clearly cut a good deal of scenes from the movie as some scenes move too fast or certain plot details aren’t conveyed well because they’re rushed or are missing. Sam Mendes did good with Skyfall but certain narrative choices haven’t aged well. The worst of which is having 007 suddenly be portrayed as over the hill and his relevance being questioned. Seems they should’ve had a film between QOS and Skyfall to make this sudden jump more palatable. Still is an entertaining action movie with an emotional storyline and it’s beautifully shot and I love Javier Bardem as Raul Silva. I can look past it’s few flaws. It’s also paced pretty well and never feels too slow. Spectre sucked. Hard to believe he directed that movie. It had a lot of the same issues i had with The World Is Not Enough, including pointless action scenes that served as filler rather than as a means to advance the plot, a shallow storyline , dull direction, too many nonsensical plot developments despite how serious it’s trying to be, a bloted runtime, uneven performances and an extremely contrived storyline. Purvis and Wade’s worst tendencies as writers resurfaced. Much like that film, Spectre deteriorates with every repeat viewing rather than improve with more viewings. It’s safe to say I wouldn’t care if I never saw it again. I already know the important plot details that will make it to the next film. There’s practically nothing to make that excruciating 2 and a half hour run time worth sitting through again. It was sad to see Monica Belluci, Dave Bautista and Christoph Waltz be practically wasted. Daniel Craig gave his weakest performance in the role. I hope the trend of the odd number films continues and we get a good film with No Time To Die.

[@Anubis-hl6wh]

eva green deserves a 100, extremely beautiful and an amazing actress

[@thiagots85]

I remember watching this and going crazy about how good it was. And then some friends just went "meh... there were no gadgets". I would just reply "yeah... 'Die Another Day' had a lot of them. So... fuck the gadgets". About the opening not having the girls, it didn't bother me, because there was action and good music xD

[@dreamawake2670]

So not really a Bond movie.

[@dnorth98]

Phenomenal review - I think it's one of if not your best. I'm going to re-watch this this weekend. I do recall Vespa was a brilliant character in "every way" as well!

[@lloydpassafume5357]

Just finished watching it for the first time. Truly a masterpiece. Can't wait to read the novel.

[@williamholland4818]

Loved the Bronsan years

[@zonesproductions]

When I saw this the cinema was so jam packed I had to sit front row, far left. I had to crane my neck at a horrible angle for the whole time. Totally worth it, though. Next to Goldeneye this is my favourite bond film. None of the sequels are nearly as good.

[@StevenAbney]

Playing cards bores the hell out of me and I had no real urge to see this, and it turned out to be one of my favorite Bond films. Great retrospective, as always!

[@suedenim]

Everybody talks about Eva Green, but don't forget the beautiful Aston Martin DBS V12 who gave her life for this picture.

[@akyhne]

Actually, they used five Asons for that crash shot.

[@kevincooper1982]

After years of putting off watching any of the Craig era Bond movies, I finally watched all four eventually after buying the James Bond blu ray box set. I quite enjoyed Casino Royale but for me the Craig Bond era as a whole is just too influenced by other successful franchises of the last 15 or so years ie Bourne, Dark Knight and Mission Impossible series. One scene in Skyfall was taken right out of Nolan's Dark Knight and transplanted into a Bond movie

[@anonvideo738]

later james bond always had this. Like live or let die being influenced by blaxploitation movies, or man with the goolden gun having martial arts. or moonraker being completely rewritten to be a space story to go against starwars.

[@deedsyosu071]

Yep, casino royale was excellent but the rest of the Craig movies were mediocre generic action movies to me.

[@RoverIAC]

I have enjoyed all the bond films, including Craig, but the Craig ones just aren't as much fun.

[@Jose-se9pu]

Pretty much. Casino Royale = Batman Begins Quantum = any Jason Bourne movie Skyfall = The Dark Knight Spectre = The Winter Soldier I wonder which movie is No Time To Die ripping off, lol.

[@JoJoJoker]

Bond films tend to reflect the pop film culture of the day.

[@AgentCodyBankz]

Bummed we didn't get more PB Bond. It woulda been cool watching him aging into the role like Roger Moore, well at least to a point lol

[@Thatguy55595]

He was 49 in die another day but yeah moore went to age 57

[@danielschaeffer1294]

Well, yeah, but “Casino Royale” is the FIRST Bond novel, and it wouldn’t do to have PB volunteering for his first job with Mitt Romney-style grey temples.

[@CRITTERBUSTERS]

Casino Royale was awesome, I remember seeing it twice in theatres. Daniel Craig was fantastic as bond, although I can’t give him all the credit for being the first gritty bond that honour goes to the highly underrated Timothy Dalton. However Daniel Craig arrived at the right time and thanks to a great script he nailed every mark in his performance.

[@peterhaslund]

Exactly right about Dalton, who was a great 80s Bond, gritty and tough

[@markusvesa2763]

This is still my favourite Bond. Eva Green is great Vesper and her chemistry with Graig works. The action, tension, acting. Great movie!

[@arturkarpinski164]

Awesome Bond movie!!! The 50's Casino Royale is a product of it's time and is good in it's own right. The 67 version is a bad acid trip and should be erased along with the Star Wars holiday special.

[@atwunz]

That 67 film was a spoof.

[@bonghunezhou5051]

@@atwunz ...along with the 1983 non-EON film, as well as the 1970s entries~

[@sergiomoreno6861]

I'm watching it right now after the first time in the theater like 16 years ago and boy, it's better than I remember.

[@Dirty_mike_and_dem_boys]

You noticed 😭😭perfect timing editor kills it!! Great job 👏

[@daytona1965]

The Bourne Identity. This is what made the producers realise Bond films had to change. Pierce, a great actor who got silly scripts. Invisible cars ? After that I thought I'd never bother watching a bond film again. But they turned it around, Craig was the actor for the job and I'll always think of him as my ideal James Bond.

[@speedracer1945]

Martin Campbell made one of the best Bond films ever . It had all the elements of what fans wanted , Bonds sly humor in the parking lot , lots of action though it wasn't a baccarat it was poker and the staircase fight was great . This is my favorite Craig film .

[@scottdodge6979]

Having watched Layer Cake which was an excellent film, it becomes painfully obvious what Barbara saw in him and almost laughable that people thought he wouldn't be able to play Bond.

[@griffithadams9232]

It’s so funny Ben Whishaw is in that movie too. Bond and Q origin story(and under appreciated film)

[@obviouslyPSM]

The comparison to rounders is spot on. First thing I remember thinking when I saw this movie

[@flooshar]

Here's a shocker for you, my wife actually HATES Daniel Craig as bond, she claims he looks too old for the part. Personally I see him as hit and miss. Casino Royale was the reset I think was overdue for the series, and he perfectly balanced both action with cunning and wit. The next one though, well, was the shortest of the series, and seemed rushed, and was trying to cash in on the hype train from Royale, and failed.

[@randomhuman97]

Same. I'm not a Craig fan, but can't deny casino is a masterpiece. The Craig 2nd digital age reboot with an origin story was needed after the post cold war reboot. Guess the new bond will be a post BRexit reboot

[@lc12591]

Wife is a keeper! Smart lady!

[@TheMrCHELL]

Tell your wife that Daniel was only 38 when he made Casino and it's a compatible age with the age of Bond in the book. Younger than Brosnan in Goldeneye too.

[@flooshar]

@@TheMrCHELL You misread. I said LOOKS too old, not is.

[@jonathanm6823]

Clive Owen’s would’ve been a good Bond too

[@DeanTaylor38]

Surprised he wasn't mentioned in the review, he was certainly seen as a front runner in the UK.

[@strangejones]

Definitely a missed opportunity for something awesome. Hopefully we can get him as a vilan one day.

[@jessemockler616]

Eric bana

[@ronaldremington5148]

Nah

[@andrejtadic3088]

This movie just kept on getting better and better as time went.I remember watching it in theatres not knowing what to expect.A+ in my books.

[@CornishCreamtea07]

I still believe this was the best of the Craig films, no idea how No Time to Die will compare, with everything else being a mixed bag. yet I still would have liked to have seen that film that Quentin Tarantino had wanted to make. We could have seen the usually rather good dialogue of the novels, which is usually cut out, delivered in Tarantino's sharp style.

[@Oravankarva]

This movie has such a good scrip it almost hurts, is that good. One could remeber all lines and use them because they are so iconic and meaningful. This movie is such a rarity.

[@muntmunt3155]

My favourite bond to date. HANDS DOWN

[@thomasley4006]

Barbara Broccoli deserved an Oscar just for this casting decision.

[@DaveReturnsagain1]

For me this is easily in my top 3 favorite Bond films. As someone who read the books, I find the grittier style more fitting for Bond. As that was the way Fleming wrote the character. I get why people like actors like Connery and Moore, they brought their charm to it. Though granted with Roger Moore it was very much the Simon Templar approach, as he was obviously well known for the Saint. Connery of course is backed up for being the first Bond, and he is fine in the role, but when I get to see Bond as a whole I always felt that Daniel Craig and Timothy Dalton were the closest to the books. In fact I would be so bold as to say, people have warmed up to the Dalton films a lot more in recent times, due to Daniel Craig as Bond. Back when Dalton took over as Bond, people were thrown off by the change of direction. Moore was very tongue and cheek, very light hearted, so the fact Dalton came in as the more fed up experienced spy probably took people by surprise. Where as with Brosnan, he kind of kept it more neutral, having some really dark moments like Dalton, but having a more light hearted approach at times like Moore. The stylistic change in this film, really captures the essence of Fleming's work, whilst keeping it very much grounded to the time. There are no over the top gadgets, or silly chase scenes. It is just a very well crafted story, with a lot of thought and emotion put into it's main cast, as was expressed in this video. Every actor has this amazing dynamic that just makes everything click so well into place. As an older teen when this film came out, it really worked on that level for me, and watching it back. This film is still a real standout for me, alongside Goldeneye and probably odd for most people License to Kill.

[@philippkemmesies8168]

I remeber watching this in the theatre with a friend and right after the end he said: "Well, the best part were the opening credits". I heartily agreed with him back then and still do today. I have absolutely no idea, why people like this movie, or any of the Craig Bonds.

[@MrPoeGhost]

'Cause they're good movies. Usually. :P

[@pdzombie1906]

My hat's off to Broccoli and Wilson... After having their biggest box office success, recognizing the franchise needed to change and turning the best Bond film ever. If Hollywood actually produced 007, they would've ruined it to the ground a long time ago. Eva's best "non-nude" performance ever. You forgot to mention she was supposed to be naked in the crying shower scene, but Craig told producers Vesper wouldn't take her clothes of while being in such mind state... The guy's a gentelman on and off screen!!! Great as usual!!! Thanx!!!

[@Locadel2003]

Man when he wants Martin Campbell is amazing

[@SdThix]

Casino Royale is one of my all time favourite movies in general,not just a good James Bond movie. Always a fun time watching it.

[@Bluboy30]

This film and Skyfall are the two Craig's Bond films that I watch regularly. I still remember how people hated Craig when he was cast as Bond, they called him ugly, too short, doesn't know how to drive stick gear, blah blah. Glad he proved them all wrong!

[@Mako2401]

I love all James Bond movies for different reasons . Thank you for these videos.

[@sherryc7672]

I totally agree! Eva Green and Daniel Craig made it so convincing that it ruined every other future romantic relationship Bond has. And Casino Royale is the best Craig era bond movie (No Time to Die isn't out yet, but I don't expect it to top this), best plot, best bond girl, best music (both "You Know My Name" and all the Vesper tracks). Looking back at it, not flawless but very polished

[@Curarkaig]

I like that Barbara Broccoli chose Daniel Craig because she saw Layer Cake. When he was announced and everyone was saying he would suck, I was the guy saying “But have you seen Layer Cake?! He’s going to be an awesome James Bond!”

[@FatNorthernBigot]

I dunno, I preferred the old Bond movies, with a wink at camera and a cheeky grin.

[@randomhuman97]

All bond movies are derivative of the times. Kung fu, blaxploitation, Star Wars, India, drug trafficking. Craig has batman begins origin story, Jason Bourne editing and shaky cam, skyfall - China. Spectre- sepia filter and explosions

[@westhomas5870]

Daniel Craig said due to the Austin Powers comedies, they agreed to take a more serious tone

[@j.st.jamesesq.9599]

One quibble: I watched an interview with Pierce Brosnan where he discussed finding out that he was no longer going to portray 007. He said the phone call came from his agent, not Barbara Broccoli or Michael G. Wilson. Even though I'm not totally sold on his performance as James Bond, I have to say that he breathed new life into the series; especially after the 6 year hiatus the Bond series was forced into due to legal wranglings. Mr. Brosnan saved the franchise from total collapse; thus one can understand any bitterness he may have initially harbored.

[@PeterStawicki]

Absolutely agree with everything said. I like Barbara broccoli absolutely knew that Daniel Craig could do this after watching layer cake. The scene in layer-cake where he takes the pistol in his hand holds it up and makes the quarter turn absolutely was so bond that I just got up and screamed. That was when I knew that he would be the ultimate Bond.

[@edwarddejong8025]

You are so right about Martin Campbell. He made both Goldeneye and Casino the 2 best of the recent era. And always nice when they honor the source material.

[@FernandoLobo]

After Casino Royale, they were alll regular, mediocre films, not bad but not nearly as good as casino royale.

[@makatron]

Skyfall was the only worthy sequel of the Daniel Craig series, let's hope he goes out with a bang with No Time To Die.

[@FernandoLobo]

@@makatron we hope. But dont know, my expectations are very vert low after the las two

[@makatron]

@@FernandoLobo smart move, I tend to go with the lowest hope. That way you're either surprised by a good movie or you were right about it being a dud.

[@FernandoLobo]

@@makatron yeah, you gotta watch movies not expecting anything these days. The internet over hypes people and then they say the movie is shit, but remember it is just entertainment, very few movies are art and entertainment. Netflix overhyped army of the dead and people trashed the movie without even watching it .. people need to calm the fuck down and be greatful we still got entertainment and we are not going back to a dark era ...

[@weavehole]

Looking forward to your views on the Adam and Joe theme songs for QoS.

[@measl]

*I'm no Bond fan, and went to see it (opening weekend) under duress (wife and kids): CR was **_really_** good! Without question the best of all the Bond films.*

[@War624]

My favorite Bond film of all time. I love the darker tone. The acting. The action. Impeccable.

[@IXXIMASONIXXI]

That opening scene was epic. After that scene I knew they picked the right actor for James Bond and got me really excited seeing Daniel Craig as James Bond.

[@Jabberstax]

This has to be my favourite Bond film with Goldeneye second. Eva Green is stunning as well.

[@Dohsoda]

At the time I did not care for Casino Royale. It was too much of a departure from what I knew. Then over repeat viewings I grew to love it and think its one of the best. And now Craig is my second favorite Bond and he makes a fantastic debut in this movie.

[@struckfire3337]

The best part of that movie is when he gets poisoned and he goes out and has to restart his own heart and all that amazing sequence amazing I've never seen anything like that that was awesome

[@tomkolos170]

This movie changed my career and my career goals. I saw a similar style of actor in Mr. Craig, and his chemistry with Ms. Green set the standard for what a romance is.

[@InvntdXNEWROMAN]

Casino Royale and Daniel Craig are my favorite Bonds for sure. This movie was definitely in my rewatch often rotation growing up.

[@sjmaguirepdx]

Great analysis... One mistake. The intent of wiping out Le Ciffre was not to have him assassinated. The goal was to force him to turn to MI6 for protection at which point he would turn over his higher ups...

[@crodo123]

DUDE! when people are considered to play bond and are too young, historically, they have a massive chance to end up playing him. I'm really hyped now for henry cavil.

[@dan_swann]

Completely agree with your view of this film. Craig incredible as Bond, every element on point, every artistic choice right. Crucially, this is the first time since Dalton or Connery where you felt the actor really could handle himself (fist fights, weapon handling, pursuit driving). For me this is up with Goldfinger, From Russia With Love and Goldeneye...and might be the series best.

[@tomhahnl1927]

Yes 'Casino Royale' is a great Movie, loved it too! The question is just will it beat my nostalgic love for the older Bond movies, I can not put it at number one ;-) 1. Moonraker 2. For Your Eyes Only 3. Octopussy 4. From Russia with Love 5. Casino Royale 6. On Her Majesty's Secret Service 7. Thunderball 8. The Spy Who Loved Me 9. Live and Let Die 10. Goldfinger 11. Dr. No 12. Goldeneye 13. Licence to Kill 14. The Living Daylights 15. A View to a Kill 16. Diamonds are Forever 17. Never Say Never Again 18. You only Live Twice 19. The Man with the Golden Gun 20. Tomorrow Never Dies 21. The World is not Enough 22. Die Another Day

[@professorkatze1123]

"Die another day" was the last of the fun over the top James Bond movies with crazy villains and super weapons. i like these better than the gritty ones with Craig.

[@seanfroelich4528]

I love this film and it's a top 3 bond film for me. HOWEVER, the movie struggles to find it's footing in the final act after the bad guy is put away

[@jenniferschillig3768]

Brosnan might have been able to pull off a fifth film...if it had been a remake of OHMSS rather than an adaptation of Casino Royale. Vesper was more of a first love, a starting point. But I'd wanted to see Brosnan in an OHMSS remake from the get-go. His love scenes as Bond, his onscreen chemistry with his female co-stars, made me wonder what he could do with a full-on romance, and if he'd brought his own experiences with loss into his performance, the ending could have been DEVASTATING...could have made Titanic look like an Adam Sandler movie.