Plot
Newly appointed ’00’ agent James Bond goes undercover in the high stakes world of Texas Hold Em – to bring down a known banker to terrorists – La Chiffre.
With hundreds of millions of dollars on the line, as well as the lives of those close to him – will Bond succeed?
Direction
Martin Campbell who directed Goldeneye – a solid reboot of the franchise last time, returns to direct.
This time, the more gritty, realistic approach to Bond is appreciated. It is dark, ultra realistic – with some of the most incredible stunt work so far in the franchise (especially that opening chase sequence.
Cast
Daniel Craig takes over the role of Bond. His youthful take on the role is refreshing, as he is able to pull of some pretty incredible action work throughout (including that post credits chase sequence!)
Eva Green plays Vesper Lynd, who works for the Treasury Dept, and is tasked with giving Bond $10m in order to buy in to the Texas Hold Em tournament held by La Chiffre.
Mads Mikkelsen plays La Chiffre, the scar eyed antagonist of the film. He is a solid bond villain, who feels rooted in realism as he too has his own bosses (some who even come for him at times throughout).
Judi Dench continues her arc as M. As this is a “soft reboot” – this could potentially mean she is the ‘same M’ but in a different universe, or different M in a different universe… or…
Jeffrey Wright makes his first appearance as Felix Leiter, another character from the earlier Bond universe.
Other cast include Giancarlo Giannini as Mathis (Bond and Lynd’s European contact), Tobias Menzies as M’s secretary.
Breakdown
In the new ‘soft’ reboot- we are first introduced (in the cold open) to James Bond, and how he earned his ’00’ stripes (by taking out a corrupt MI6 boss.
Daniel Craig takes over the role of Bond, in this the 21st film in the franchise. He adds a more ‘modern’ and realistic approach to the role, in a more gritty look and feel to Bond from franchise vet Martin Campbell (who ironically directed the last ‘soft reboot’ of Goldeneye.
Considering most of the movie consists of Bond in the high stakes game of Texas Hold Em – the action is quite aplenty. The post credits chase sequence (which then in turn dissolves into Bond blowing up an embassy) gets its own special mention within the credits sequence – and deservedly so, the airport sequence is solid too when Bond is trying to stop a bombing.
The main narrative is MI6 trying to get to La Chiffre – who is a banker for terrorists. There is the traditional “investigations” in which he crosses paths with another terrorist, and thwarts an attempt to bomb a stock trade (which angers some of La Chiffre’s bosses).
Bond is more brutal in this film as well, such as the pre credits sequence as well as how he dispatches some secondary cast. The villain La Chiffre is super brutal to Bond… especially in “that” scene, and this is after they almost drug him to death!!!
Bond and his ladies is a little more subdued this time, with him really only having one ‘true’ bedmate (terrorist Dmitrios’ wife – who is later murdered herself by an orgainisation known as Quatum – something that will come into play in the future sequels).
He develops a close relationship with a member of the treasury department (who loan him $10million in order to buy in to the Texas Hold Em tournament), and the pair become almost sparring partners – battling wits. They share a delicate and sweet moment during the film when Bond is forced to kill two terrorists. Her (** spoiler but its been TWENTY years **) death at the end of the film, just as he found out that she was double crossing him is heartbreaking for him).
His relationship with M feels on par with that of the “prior” M – as she would easily send him to his death for the greater good – but underneath you still have an almost “mother and son” type relationship.
The pacing is great, as every time you think it is slowing down, it amps up!
The open ending, which big bad La Chiffre exits somewhat early – gives us more of the mysterious Mr White – who will go on to continue through the next couple of films. Other characters like Felix Leiter are also introduced as well.
Overall
A great introduction into the Craig era, with its gritty realism, it is a step up from the previous eras and entry into the 21st Century.
Great action, well written, fast paced and the right amount of heart and brutality.
A strong recommend.
4/5
Please also check out my Podcast on Youtube, where we review a new movie every week! Please subscribe!
