Director: Martin Campbell; Stars: Daniel Craig, Eva Green; Release Date: October 21, 2008
After a great deal of discussion--on the part of fans and producers alike--over Daniel Craig's (THE MOTHER, MUNICH) suitability for the role of James Bond, he more than proves himself in this explosive revamping of the franchise. Under the direction of Martin Campbell (THE MASK OF ZORRO) and with Paul Haggis (CRASH) helping with the re-writes, this addition to the Bond canon manages to hold true to the essence of the stories--the villainous villains, the fabulous sets, the beautiful women, the fast-paced action--while updating the formula with subtlety and humanity. Trading in the Cold War era for a new, post-9-11 landscape, the tale unfolds in locations that span the globe, including the Bahamas, Venice, and the Czech Republic. It opens in Madagascar, where Bond pursues a guerilla bomb-maker in one of the most breathtaking chase scenes ever--and it all takes place on foot. Botching that assignment, Bond goes to Montenegro to square off against terrorist baddie Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelson), an...
Price Range: $8 - $20
Amazon Rating: 
(1049 Reviews)
Epinions Rating:
(41 Reviews)
Casino Royale introduces James Bond before he holds his license to kill. But Bond is no less dangerous and with two professional assassinations in quick succession he is elevated to "00" status. "M" (Judi Dench) head of the British Secret Service sends the newly-promoted 007 on his first mission that takes him to Madagascar the Bahamas and eventually leads him to Montenegro to face Le Chiffre a ruthless financier under threat from his terrorist clientele who is attempting to restore his funds in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale.
"M" places Bond under the watchful eye of the Treasury official Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide Bond's interest in her deepens as they brave danger together. Le Chiffre's cunning and cruelty come to bear on them both in a way Bond could never imagine and he learns his most important lesson: Trust no one.System Requirements:Runtime: 144 minsFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE Rating: PG - 13 UPC: 043396148598 Manufacturer No: 14859.
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. 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) Beyond Casino Royale on Amazon.com On Blu-ray CD Soundtrack Why We Love Daniel Craig The Amazon.com James Bond Store Where Have I Seen Daniel Craig? Bond on Set: Filming Casino Royale Book .
Directors: Martin Campbell
Stars: Eva Green
Actors: Simon Abkarian
Genre: Dramas
Subgenre: Terrorism, Terrorists, Gambling
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Available Formats: Theatrical Release
UPC: 043396151901
Release Date: 2006
Running Time: 2hr 24min
Original Language: English
DVD Editions: DVD: Collector's Edition 3-Disc Set2hr 24minSony Pictures Home EntertainmentOctober 21, 2008PG-13 (MPAA)043396249240
Professional Reviews: (11/17/2006, p.E1-E19, Manohla Dargis):"Mr. Craig's Bond looks as if he has renewed his license to kill....Ms. Green brings conviction to the film, as do Jeffrey Wright and Isaach de Bankole."
thought it was gonna be bad but really like it
Author's Rating:
one of my favorite james bond movies of all time could be cause im younger but i think the best of all times
Oct 05, 2008
How To Make A Spy
Author's Rating:
Introducing a new James Bond: Daniel Craig. The story line is old and has even been spoofed by Woody Allen in a film of the same name. The
question remains, How do you train a person to be a sanctioned assain?
Watch this film and you will be surprised at what it takes to gain the
double O designation. Judi Dench plays Bond's boss and portrays this
position with her usual panacity to give a true performance.
Oct 01, 2008
A welcome departure from the past
Author's Rating:
I was skeptical that anyone could surpass Sean Connery or Pierce Brosnan as 007, but with the right script, Daniel Craig has brought depth to the character who had previously been seen as a miraculously lucky, womanizing, defender of the free world. He is still lucky, dodging machine gun fire, playing cards (Hold 'em instead of baccarat), etc., but not so over the top that it becomes ridiculous. The torture scene, while unique and interesting, did lack some credibility. Overall, though, this an excellent Bond who brings new legs (as well as a fresh face, body, and mind) to the long-running franchise.
Sep 29, 2008
Reboot is remarkable!
Author's Rating:
I loved the first Blu-Ray edition. I have not seen the Collector's Edition yet, but they have added so much more to this. I got this from the BluRay.com website....
*Bonus View Picture-in-Picture visual commentary with Director Martin Campbell and Producer Michael G. Wilson (BD Exclusive)
*"Know Your Double-O" - the Ultimate James Bond Trivia Quiz, a BD-Live enabled multi-skill level, multi-player trivia game (BD Exclusive)
Documentaries
*Ian Fleming's Incredible Creation - A remarkable look at the birth and continued success of James Bond, including never-before-revealed information about Bond's creator and the origins of 007.
*The Road to Casino Royale - The story of why it took over 50 years for the Bond filmmakers to bring Ian Fleming's first 007 novel to the big screen, featuring the amazing behind-the-scenes stories of the many attempts to make the film.
*James Bond in the Bahamas - A fascinating examination of the links between the the cinematic Bond and the Bahamas, with never-before-told behind-the-scenes stories from Casino Royale, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, For Your Eyes Only and The World Is Not Enough.
*Ian Fleming: The Secret Road to Paradise - A revealing exploration of the world of James Bond's creator. In this documentary, discover why Ian Fleming was drawn to the Bahamas, and learn the cinematic Casino Royale's unique link to an important chapter in 007's secret history.
*Death in Venice - A break down of one of the key scenes in the film.
*Becoming Bond - An intimate look at how Daniel Craig stepped into the role of James Bond.
*James Bond: For Real - A behind-the-scenes look at the ground-breaking action and the stunts in Casino Royale.
*Bond Girls Are Forever - An extended version of the 2002 AMC television special, with new footage and interviews of the new Bond Girls.
---Featurettes---
*The Art of Freerunning - An in-depth look at the freerunning chase and the freerunning technique with the sport's founder, Sebastien Foucan.
---Filmmaker Profiles: in-depth conversations with key creative forces behind Casino Royale, including never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage:
*Martin Campbell, Director
*Chris Corbould, Special Effects
*Phil Meheux, Director of Photography
*Gary Powell, Stunt Coordinator
*Alexander Witt, Second Unit Director
*David Arnold, Composer
---Deleted/Extended Scenes---
"Rescue & Recovery"
"Squandering Government Funds"
"Cricket Pavilion"
"Gettler Raises Bond's Suspicions"
---Storyboard Sequence---
Freerunning Chase -- Watch the storyboards presented in animatic form, or view them in comparison to the finished film sequence.
---Scene Deconstruction---
Catching a Plane: From Storyboard to Screen, featuring outtakes and never-before-seen footage.
---Music Video: Chris Cornell "You Know My Name"
---Crew Commentary: Audio Commentary with scene-specific comments and observations from many of Casino Royale's creative team.
Sep 23, 2008
Reboot is remarkable!
Author's Rating:
I loved the first Blu-Ray edition. I have not seen the Collector's Edition yet, but they have added so much more to this. I got this from the BluRay.com website....
*Bonus View Picture-in-Picture visual commentary with Director Martin Campbell and Producer Michael G. Wilson (BD Exclusive)
*"Know Your Double-O" - the Ultimate James Bond Trivia Quiz, a BD-Live enabled multi-skill level, multi-player trivia game (BD Exclusive)
Documentaries
*Ian Fleming's Incredible Creation - A remarkable look at the birth and continued success of James Bond, including never-before-revealed information about Bond's creator and the origins of 007.
*The Road to Casino Royale - The story of why it took over 50 years for the Bond filmmakers to bring Ian Fleming's first 007 novel to the big screen, featuring the amazing behind-the-scenes stories of the many attempts to make the film.
*James Bond in the Bahamas - A fascinating examination of the links between the the cinematic Bond and the Bahamas, with never-before-told behind-the-scenes stories from Casino Royale, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, For Your Eyes Only and The World Is Not Enough.
*Ian Fleming: The Secret Road to Paradise - A revealing exploration of the world of James Bond's creator. In this documentary, discover why Ian Fleming was drawn to the Bahamas, and learn the cinematic Casino Royale's unique link to an important chapter in 007's secret history.
*Death in Venice - A break down of one of the key scenes in the film.
*Becoming Bond - An intimate look at how Daniel Craig stepped into the role of James Bond.
*James Bond: For Real - A behind-the-scenes look at the ground-breaking action and the stunts in Casino Royale.
*Bond Girls Are Forever - An extended version of the 2002 AMC television special, with new footage and interviews of the new Bond Girls.
More …
Finally, a Bond movie that doesn't suck
Author's Rating:
There's a dirty secret when it comes to James Bond movies: they all suck. Every single one of them, and we're including the ones starring Sean Connery, who's made more out of less (his accent and bristly but cultured masculinity) than any actor I can think of.
They all stank, like rot. Until this one.
To begin with, it's not poorly lit, poorly shot, with lethargic "action" sequences involving cheap explosions and poorly choreographed fight scenes. The lovable institution of "Q" (always beware of "lovable institutions") has been dispatched entirely, as have cartoonish demonstrations of "cultured living" that would appeal only to those with no conception of what "cultured" and "high class" actually consist of. (Hint: it has nothing to do with ordering drinks shaken and not stirred, or enjoying Peruvian Blonde coffee from the first beans of the season.)
James Bond movies have always appealed to a certain demographic. At least in the US, that was predominantly young, male, and incredibly dumb. Female characters--even the allegedly "strong" ones--were always soft in the head and punished for any semblance of mental fortitude with unapologetically mysogynistic names like Pussy Galore. (So much for "strong female characters", it's no wonder that being a "Bond Girl" is an insult to any serious working actor.)
Daniel Craig is a wonder--physically compact and powerful, he's like watching a coiled spring move about the stage. Eva Green, however, is the real standout. Her Vesper Lynd falls for none of Bond's pat lines and surface charms, and is just as bright and quick as he is: his initial attempt to establish the alpha-male position in their relationship is quickly upended entirely, with a sharp riposte that set the tone for the rest of the movie.
Given this latest turn in the franchise, and its rightful place as The Only Good Bond Movie Ever Made, I wait with no small anticipation for the latest release, Quantum Solace.
Sep 19, 2008
Finally, a Bond movie that doesn't suck
Author's Rating:
There's a dirty secret when it comes to James Bond movies: they all suck. Every single one of them, and we're including the ones starring Sean Connery, who's made more out of less (his accent and bristly but cultured masculinity) than any actor I can think of.
They all stank, like rot. Until this one.
To begin with, it's not poorly lit, poorly shot, with lethargic "action" sequences involving cheap explosions and poorly choreographed fight scenes. The lovable institution of "Q" (always beware of "lovable institutions") has been dispatched entirely, as have cartoonish demonstrations of "cultured living" that would appeal only to those with no conception of what "cultured" and "high class" actually consist of. (Hint: it has nothing to do with ordering drinks shaken and not stirred, or enjoying Peruvian Blonde coffee from the first beans of the season.)
James Bond movies have always appealed to a certain demographic. At least in the US, that was predominantly young, male, and incredibly dumb. Female characters--even the allegedly "strong" ones--were always soft in the head and punished for any semblance of mental fortitude with unapologetically mysogynistic names like Pussy Galore. (So much for "strong female characters", it's no wonder that being a "Bond Girl" is an insult to any serious working actor.)
More …
Spectacular special effects + Gripping foot-chasing scenes + Not so touching love story = Worth watching once.
Author's Rating:
Its special effects are spectacular. The foot-chasing scenes are gripping. The thing that lets me down most is the love story. It's not touching at all. I can SEE the two leading characters love each other but I DON'T FEEL their love. I don't know it's because of the acting or directing.
It's worth watching once.
Sep 10, 2008
Dreadful, boring and disgusting
Author's Rating:
Thank God! I didn't buy the DVD. The most "un-Bond" of all Times! The story is long and boring. Craig mumbles along in the fashion of American Actors - one needs sub-titles to understand the lingo spouting out of his slack mouth. The girl is just about OK. The casino scene must be THE most boring scene in the history of all-time great boring movies. The much-touted bikini scene where Craig does a male Bo Derek looks ridiculous cause his face is much smaller than it should be compared to his buffed-up body - looks like a cartoon, actually!
This movie mustn't be allowed to remain in 007 series. Oh God! Gimme Sean Connery. I mean, really, watching those golden oldies is better time-spent than watching this ridiculous subterfuge. Even the action-scenes (were they any?) are of VERY poor Quality! Craig looked like he walked from his "Munich" set - same stupid brooding expression, shining blue eyes of an idiot, and that slack mouth with lower lip jutting out - MY GAWD.... what an ugly man...Yucksssss. He really looked sexy when he played Jolie's something in that computer-game inspired movie or whatever!! PLEASE DON'T WATCH THIS MOVIE - do yourself a favour!
Sep 07, 2008
Dreadful, boring and disgusting
Author's Rating:
Thank God! I didn't buy the DVD. The most "un-Bond" of all Times! The story is long and boring. Craig mumbles along in the fashion of American Actors - one needs sub-titles to understand the lingo spouting out of his slack mouth. The girl is just about OK. The casino scene must be THE most boring scene in the history of all-time great boring movies. The much-touted bikini scene where Craig does a male Bo Derek looks ridiculous cause his face is much smaller than it should be compared to his buffed-up body - looks like a cartoon, actually!
This movie mustn't be allowed to remain in 007 series. Oh God! Gimme Sean Connery. I mean, really, watching those golden oldies is better time-spent than watching this ridiculous subterfuge. Even the action-scenes (were they any?) are of VERY poor Quality! Craig looked like he walked from his "Munich" set - same stupid brooding expression, shining blue eyes of an idiot, and that slack mouth with lower lip jutting out - MY GAWD.... what an ugly man...Yucksssss. He really looked sexy when he played Jolie's something in that computer-game inspired movie or whatever!! PLEASE DON'T WATCH THIS MOVIE - do yourself a favour!
More …
Rough and Ready
Author's Rating:
The new Bond is rough and ready with plenty of action. There are no silly graphics or cartoonish stunts. Bond has a raw attitude and gets the job done without checking his image in the mirror. Bravo to the new style.
Sep 05, 2008
BOND BEGINS
Author's Rating:
I haven't read the book or seen all the other Bond movies, but for me, CASINO ROYALE does an excellent job of showing the roots of James Bond.
From the very beginning, we see how green Bond is as he messily kills a man.
We also see how naive he is and his "I'm invincible" mindset as he chases a suspect in a breathtaking scene involving lots of jumps and crazy stuntwork.
We see how this attitude is able to get him any woman he desires underneath the sheets.
We see Bond laugh in the face of death (the torture scene is very amusing!).
Finally and most rewarding of all, we get to see James Bond transform from the aforementioned naive agent into one that trusts nobody.
He's Bond.
James Bond.
Sep 05, 2008
James Bond Film
Author's Rating:
Daniel Craig's blue eyes and body beautiful (and Eva Green's) are a draw...as well as the Bond storyline filled with action and romance. If you love British films, you should enjoy this one.
Sep 01, 2008
