Royale With Cheese

Being a film buff, I have an extensive collection of movies in my Fortress of Solitude (read: my basement). Unfortunately, when you have crumb crunchers running around all day and night, it's difficult to partake in a screening. Thus, I still have a few DVDs that I purchased sight unseen, because a friend recommended it. One of these is Casino Royale: the latest installment in the James Bond franchise.

The film stars Daniel Craig in the title role, and the luscious Eva Green (left). British accent = extra yummy! The film is a much needed remake of the original, which sucked arse even by 1960's standards.

Don't worry, this film did not follow its predecessor's footsteps.

Casino Royale follows Bond on his first mission, tracking a key bankroller for known terrorists. The adversaries meet in a high stakes poker match at, go figure, Casino Royale. Interspersed between rounds are several terrific action scenes, and (even better) several wardrobe changes for Ms. Green. Just when you think the film is at an end, it isn't, and when you think it cannot be, it is. In some ways, it gives off the essence of a Quentin Tarantino masterpiece.

What you will not find in Casino Royale is the usual bad puns and wacky government lackey. This is a serious (and sometimes violent) film that is not for everyone, and that is exactly what this tired series has needed for a while. Perhaps that is why it did so well at the box office.

Overall, I would say Casino Royale makes my top three Bond films ever, the other two being Goldfinger (The gold standard. Pun intended.) and Goldeneye.

Oh, and since I usually disappoint my female readers in the photo department, here's a picture of the film's hero. Enjoy!