Okay, I was one of the outraged when I heard that they’d replaced Pierce Brosnan with Daniel Craig. Not because DC has blonde hair (although that was part of it), but because I could never picture him in the role of leading man. I knew he was a helluva an actor. I’d seen his work enough to realize that. I just couldn’t mentally elevate him to leading man status. Well, I’m here to say that I was WRONG.
We went to see the new Bond today (and will go again). Daniel Craig rocked as James Bond. He played the part very different, using some of his ‘bad guy’ casting to bring a grittier side to Bond. And it worked beautifully. He humanized the character. The man may not have a pin-up type face, but there is something about him that screams–sex. And I’m not just talking about his pretty blue eyes. He practically sizzles in every shot. Speaking of shots, the ones coming out of the water aren’t the only ones of Craig’s body we see. He’s actually ‘naked’ in one scene. Craig is the first Bond (since Connery) that looks like he can kick some ass.
Actually, what struck me most about this particular Bond was the writing. Whoever wrote this moved away from the ’silly’ Bond-isms and made the flirty dialogue smart. It made the sexual tension between him and the ‘Bond girls’ enjoyable. It helped that the ‘girls’ weren’t stupid. In fact, they were both very smart and completely onto him. They ‘chose’ to play along. Another nice change from the other movies.
I honestly cannot say enough good things about this movie. If you’re a James Bond fan, then you must go see Casino Royale. Period. You will not be sorry. I can’t wait to see it again.
November 17th, 2006
Oh, man, and I have to wait for it to come out on DVD. : (
by Charlene Teglia November 17th, 2006 at 9:33 pmA-Frickin-Greed! Fantastic movie. And it was *smart*, like you said. And the ‘characters’ were humanized, and not *types* (like you said, also. *gg*)
And yes to Daniel Craig as James Bond truly sizzling with sexual appeal. It wasn’t the good looks/playboy stance, it was *him*.
by jaq November 17th, 2006 at 9:45 pmIt’s on my to-watch list, since catching the trailer when I went to watch The Prestige.
by May November 18th, 2006 at 6:15 amI’m going tomorrow, Jordan. And I CANNOT WAIT! Funny, I’m the opposite of you in that when they announced Craig as the new Bond, I was thrilled. I saw him in Layer Cake and even though he played a shady character, the man oozed sex. I figured that quality and his top notch acting would bring us an inspired Bond. I’m so glad he rocked your world. Did I say I CANNOT WAIT to see this?
by Beth Ciotta November 18th, 2006 at 6:17 amJordan - I felt the same way you did when they announced Craig was replacing my favorite Bond - Brosnan. But after reading your comments - I may actually break down and go see it. It will be nice to be pleasantly surprised for once instead of the other way around
Thanks for the tip!
by Tina Gerow November 18th, 2006 at 9:08 amOh Charli, I wish you could see it on the big screen. (((Hugs)))
by Jordan November 18th, 2006 at 10:37 amJaq, YAH!!! You saw it, too. The humanizing of Bond made all the difference in the world. You felt this guy actually worked his ass off to get to that level. He couldn’t turn his emotions on and off, even though he tried. It was brilliant.
And Craig in that little swimsuit was…inspiring. Yum!
by Jordan November 18th, 2006 at 10:38 amMay, How did you like the Prestige? I’d intended to go, but didn’t make it.
You’ll dig Bond.
by Jordan November 18th, 2006 at 10:39 amBeth, I didn’t see Layer Cake, but I’ve seen him in various roles from Tomb Raider to British gangster movies. He always played the bad guy, so my mind was pretty much stuck there. This movie turned that around. You really felt for him. He made the part his own. Did I mention he was naked? *ggg*
by Jordan November 18th, 2006 at 10:41 amTina, You HAVE to go see the movie. Seriously. I was a doubting Thomas, too. He changed my mind by creating a Bond that was so utterly sexual and human that you couldn’t take your eyes off him.
by Jordan November 18th, 2006 at 10:42 amThe “blonde” didn’t bother me. Sean Connery had light hair too.
by Diana November 18th, 2006 at 12:48 pmDiana, Do you mean Roger Moore? Sean has always had dark hair to my knowledge, which is what originally sold me on a dark-haired Bond.
by Jordan November 18th, 2006 at 3:40 pmJordan, rent Layer Cake. You’ll really like it. Brit film, and Craig doesn’t play a hero by any means, but he stars, and it’s a great flick. As for Craig naked… um, did I say I cannot wait to see this film! Heh.
by Anonymous November 18th, 2006 at 3:43 pmJordan, ditto the suggestion to see Layer Cake. He’s great in it, and was the first thing I ever saw him in. We own that movie too.
by Jaq November 18th, 2006 at 4:44 pmBeth, KO, I’ll pick it up. You might have mentioned it a time or two.
by Jordan November 18th, 2006 at 6:56 pmJaq, I saw him in some British flick, but I know it wasn’t Layer Cake. I can’t remember what it was. I will definitely rent it, since you’re both recommending the movie.
by Jordan November 18th, 2006 at 6:57 pmOooh! I soooo want to see this movie. I wasn’t this new actor for the part. But he has grown on me. And like you said, he has that raw sensual thing going on. Makes you wish he would push against the wall and has his way with you… *le sighs*
by Tempest Knight November 18th, 2006 at 7:20 pmI will definitely be going to see this. I was going to see it with hubby but he already saw it without me. *drums fingers on desk* Yup, he was at the first showing on the first day….grr. I am sure that I can get him to go again but maybe I better go without him so I can freely drool. *wg*
by Shannon November 19th, 2006 at 12:33 amTempest, I’m not saying anything about any walls. *ggg*
by Jordan November 19th, 2006 at 2:15 amShannon, You may want to go alone. *ggg* There’s a lot to drool over.
by Jordan November 19th, 2006 at 2:20 amThe Prestige was really good. So good that I plan to get the book it was based on–Christopher Priest’s The Prestige–too. You should go watch it. I think it’s good writer fodder too.
by May November 20th, 2006 at 7:32 amThanks May! It looked good.
by Jordan November 20th, 2006 at 10:31 amOooh I haven’t seen it yet but I can’t WAIT!
by Catherine Morris November 21st, 2006 at 6:58 amCatherine, It’s terrific! I plan to see it again just not sure I’ll make it this weekend. I think it’ll be super busy.
by Jordan November 21st, 2006 at 12:34 pmThanks for the review. I heard this was a throw back to Sean C. Bond, both with actor and writing, but I was hesitant to believe it (too good to be true, you know). I’m psyched to get the independent confirmation! I can’t wait to see it. You’re right, he screams sex and also danger. He has that ‘look’: masculine, alpha, the world is mine to take or discard as I choose.
by Ursula November 21st, 2006 at 12:45 pmUrsula, What’s even better is to watch him try to rein in his emotions. It works on so many levels. Shiver. *g*
by Jordan November 21st, 2006 at 3:40 pm