Review: Casino Royale

Off-season - time to talk movies! I say the newest James Bond film today, "Casino Royale." When I first saw the photos of the new Bond, Daniel Craig, I wasn't impressed or enthused. Well, still photography does NOT do him justice. I think he might be my favorite Bond - he's athletic, macho, cool, beautiful blue eyes...He also is probably the sweatiest Bond so far. But he brings a totally new, raw edge to the character - you can really believe he could cold-heartedly kill for the Queen. And did I mention that he is the hottest Bond? I loved that Pierce Brosnan from his Remington Steele days, but Craig is way hotter....

It is also one of the strongest Bond flicks in ages. The most recent ones relied on a lot of special effects and chases to create excitement - and the lates provides plenty of both. But it also has heart - something definitely missing from any of the previous installments. When the female lead, Vesper, pegs him as someone who sees women as disposable, interchangeable, - you say, yeah! You just know she will get to him. And the story is exciting. I was on the edge of my seat at some points. And I don't think the card playing was boring - it was exciting in a more subdued way. A male friend who saw it warned me about the "horrible" torture scene - but I didn't find in nearly as upsetting. Of course, if you've seen it, you'll understand why a GUY would be much more undone by it!

Special props to the SFX department. The scene of the villa in Venice imploding was incredible! Having just visited Venice, I'm assuming it was all FX - didn't see any empty lots on the Grand Canale!

So, a huge thumbs up! If you love action and a hot guy - and who doesn't?? - go see "Casino Royale."!