Though the start seems very unlike Bond from the 80's and 90's, our hero soon travels to Madagascar for some fairly straightforward action to make up for the surprisingly clever start. It does add to the image of Craig as a particularly brutish and pragmatic 007, though. And they really make a point of separating him from Brosnan having him mistaken for a valet. Certainly the only Bond where that would be a realistic possibility.
Craig is a most different kind of MI6 and displays a lot more emotions than his predecessors. And must stronger such. Whether he is tortured or flirting, his expressions are stronger, his language borderline vulgar towards Le Chiffre. There are several lines the former actors simply couldn't get away with. Judi Dench is still perfect as M, whether manipulative, friendly, or straight out angry (a most enjoyable rant) you immediately accept her as someone who can take on the Prime Minister and Bond before lunch and still feel up for a dictator's head for supper. And it's most fitting that Craig's warmest smiles are always aimed at her. Green a perfect fit for our hero, and their tête-à-tête on their first meeting is fantastically written, and well acted, though best by Craig. Generally Green is better after she's shaken like Bond's Martini by the most gruelling fight ever depicted in this franchise, superbly directed and edited. Otherwise there is special mention for Giancarlo Giannini for a perfect supporting role, as is his habit.
Considering how different an instalment in the franchise this is, they stay surprisingly loyal to the concept. Bond seduces and shags the bad guy's woman (while extracting information), thus getting her killed. He is recklessly arrogant (taking great pride in it along the way), he makes women who loathe him turn. He drinks. And he gambles. By far the best sequence in the franchise as a game of Texas hold 'em keeps us at the edge of our seats over middle-aged men (mostly) playing cards for over half an our of running time.
If there is a weakness here (apart from some very cheese lines when Bond and Vesper finally connect), it's in the plot, as Bond seems to stumble over more key pieces than Inspector Gadget the first hour.
The pace is frenetic, but director Campbell seems to find a perfect blend of action, suspense, drama and dialogue to keep it flowing seamlessly. Not to mention that he dares to keep significant parts subtle, giving the film some much-needed smartness. The set-pieces are still huge, but never cartoonish and daft as they keep in mind that this is not a Marvel-flick. The action (and torture for that matter) has no nifty little spins or gadgets. Just knuckles meeting flesh (Bond has the scars to show it) and some gruelling close-ups make it difficult to watch at times, adding to the bleakness. Even the car crashes are just metal contorted and smashed. No fire-bombs anywhere. Add to that a scene of perfect suspense as Bond kills Dimitrios in stealth surrounded by hundreds of people, not to mention the brilliant scene in which he tries to counteract a poisoning, and this is a classic spy-film, regardless of franchise. The added beauty of Vesper's death and Bond's heartbreaking attempts to resuscitate just nails it, perfectly scored by David Arnold's solemn 4-note theme. And then he's back to where he started; failing to get where he wanted to be, assassinating
9/10
Best car used: 1964 Aston Martin DB5
Most memorable drink served: Dry Martini (three measures of Gordon, one of Vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet, shake until it's ice cold then add a large, thin slice of lemon peel).
Henchmen: Alex Dimitrios. Apart from his death, a very dull character
Villain: Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chifre. Understated and calmly evil is always better.
Best one-liner: "Now the whole world is gonna know you died scratching my balls"
Song: "You know my Name" by Chris Cornell. Not bad, but unable to match the brilliant intro.
Bond-girl: Eva Green as Vesper Lynd. Wonderful character, fitting to break Bond's heart twice
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