Casino Royale

[saurabh]

Saw it and all I can say is that its different. We are familiar with a JB movie as lots of stunts, gunfire, blats, Fancy cars, gadgets and women but I was surprised to find CR to be a totally different movie than the previous ones.

But I liked it very much, it was a mix of everything and unlike the JB movie did not contain extensive stunts. An appropriate mix of story, stunts, beauty and the beasts.The locales were picturesque and the overall the PQ and SQ (5.1) was extremely good, couldnt have been better.

And just when you think its ended, it starts off again

[Race Car Driver]

Sweet, im planning on picking it up tues when it comes out

[riceaterslc]

watched a divx copy last night, and even that quality was pretty good.
i agree with saurabh's assessment. it was a lot different than the past few bond's i have seen, and that is probably why i liked it so much. seemed more realistic in terms of stunts and action than the previous bonds.

[George Bellefontaine]

Sort of sounds like the two Timothy Dalton Bond films, which were a little darker and less comic-bookish. Anyway, I will be picking up my copy tomorrow for sure in good ol' standard dvd.

[David Meek]

Here's a little thread we had going in At The Movies on Casino Royale.

Glad to hear the PQ and SQ are top notch. :T

[DSGCobra]

picking upt the Blu-Ray tomorrow.

[dyazdani]

Watched this DVD last night and really enjoyed it. It actually had some thought put into the story and not just a bunch of hard to believe stunts and fancy toys.

[Pez]

Casino Royale is everything the Bond films have been missing for many years. I love Bond as much as anyone but its nice to see the story get a lot attention instead of one-lines and fancy gagets, reminded of me of Dr. No and From Russia With Love. I need to see Craig do one more to back this up but I think I like him more than Connery (yes - a bold statement). The blu-ray version is awesome, looked much better than the theater I saw it at. If only my pre/pro would accept uncompressed audio...

[saurabh]

. I need to see Craig do one more to back this up but I think I like him more than Connery (yes - a bold statement).

The way it ended, I think it hasnt ended yet, there's a sequel coming up!!!

[George Bellefontaine]

It actually had some thought put into the story and not just a bunch of hard to believe stunts and fancy toys.

That's because it was based on an Ian Fleming Bond novel of the same name rather than something conjured by Hollywood scriptwriters. A lot of the Bond movies would have been better had they stuck to Fleming's books.

I started reading Ian Fleming after I saw that President J.F. Kennedy was an avid fan of his books and ended up reading them all, only to find myself disappointed in some of the film scripts based on the books. I haven't watched Casino Royale as yet but I do hope it sticks to the novel. From the comments here, it certainly sounds that way.

[Pez]

That's because it was based on an Ian Fleming Bond novel of the same name rather than something conjured by Hollywood scriptwriters. A lot of the Bond movies would have been better had they stuck to Fleming's books.

I started reading Ian Fleming after I saw that President J.F. Kennedy was an avid fan of his books and ended up reading them all, only to find myself disappointed in some of the film scripts based on the books. I haven't watched Casino Royale as yet but I do hope it sticks to the novel. From the comments here, it certainly sounds that way.

Casion Royale was the only Bond book I read and the movie doesnt follow it to a tee. It was a long time that I read the book but from what I remember the movie only took bits and pieces. Regardless the movie is excellent and a must see for any Bond fan. And the blu-ray version is awesome!

[George Bellefontaine]

Casion Royale was the only Bond book I read and the movie doesnt follow it to a tee. It was a long time that I read the book but from what I remember the movie only took bits and pieces.

Why am I not surprised. This is what they did with most of the Fleming novels. Well, it sounds better than some of the more recent stuff. I'll be giving it a watch tonight.

[John Holmes]

I just watched the SD DVD last night. I was very impressed with the pq & sq. Since I did see this when it was at the theater, the standard definition DVD is a very good transfer. :T

[Chris D]

George - Way off topic, but I gotta tell you--every time my 3 year old daughter walks by and sees your avatar onscreen, she points and shouts, "Grandpa!"

Something I should know about?

[Burke Strickland]

Something I should know about?

Yeah. Just what your daughter has been trying to tell you -- George looks like somebody's grandpa. Now if your WIFE were to shout out "dad" when she sees George's photo, then you might have reason to start asking more questions. :>)

Burke

[David Meek]

Or Chris, if your wife were to shout out "Oooh, Georgie!" then you might have reason to take a trip to Nova Scotia. :B

Sorry, back OT. . . .

[Chris D]

Heheheee... you guys are the worst. (or best?)

[Race Car Driver]

Just watched it, and enjoyed it much more than previous Bond films, exactly what the 007 series needed

[DSGCobra]

Definitely a good movie. The Blu-ray was second to none. That torture scene was awful though.

[George Bellefontaine]

George - Way off topic, but I gotta tell you--every time my 3 year old daughter walks by and sees your avatar onscreen, she points and shouts, "Grandpa!"

Something I should know about?

Well I don't get around much anymore, but in my younger days.....

Back OT:

I watched this last night and I was more than pleased with what I saw. The core of the story, and even some dialogue came right from Ian Fleming's first novel ( Casino Royale). Now Craig is not your truly handsome debonaire Bond, though he can be if he works at it, but he is what I would expect Bond to be if he were a real person. He is a gritty, licensed to kill agent with an attitude. Probably the best portrayal of Bond since Connery. But can Craig maintain this in future Bond films. Thing is, there was a terrific script here ( thanks I'm sure to the participation of Paul Haggis as the screenplay fixer). Haggis ( he directed Crash and wrote many screenplays including Flags Of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima ) knows how to make a script work for an actor and Craig is a good actor. The first couple of Bond flicks starring Pierce Brosnan were good, too, but look what happened after that. So I'll wait and see. But right now it looks like Craig will be taking second place to Connery in my favorite Bonds. Third and fourth go to Brosnan and Timothy Dalton respectively .

Couple of things I liked. Scene where he orders a martini and the bartender asks if he wants it shaken or stirred. His reply: " Do I look like I give a damn. "
The other thing I liked, Craig doesn't introduce himself as " Bond, James Bond:" until the very last scene of the film. I thought that was great.

There will definitely be more Bond films starring Craig. I just hope they are written as well as Casino Royale.

Now, about the audio. Did anyone else find it loud. I usually have my Denon volume set at -12 below reference but had to turn it down to -19 on this film in order to save my hearing. And subwoofer lovers will be excited with this this soundtrack. My Energy subwoofers were working overtime and my pantlegs were flapping like hell.

Overall I give Casino Royale :4: and a big :T

[Nick M]

Ok, it was much better than I had predicted.

For one, I was very much impressed by the slaking off of the stupid action sequences.

I still can't see the lead guy as Bond though. He just doesn't have that finesse that someone like Connery or Brosnan had. He seems to lack self confidence. I feel like I'm watching an actor rather than Bond.

I thought the poker sequence was drawn out a bit too much as well.

Very nice taste in bond vehicles this time around too with the double AM's. I would have liked to have seen a bit more driving though. Cars like that deserve much more screen action than profile pans and light driving.

The initial B&W shots were a bit tacky as well.

:3: out of :5:

An enjoyable flick, but I'm hella'-harsh when it comes to a series with a legacy like Bond. Takes a bit more to earn four or five stars than this offered.

Definetly worth a rent though!

[George Bellefontaine]

It's how it was written, Nick. That's what makes Craig's portrayal so much different than others, though the early Connery films showed us a similar Bond. Like you, I am a hardcore Bond franchise lover and wasn't pleased when they first announced Craig as Brosnan's replacement , but I have certainly changed my mind. I like the idea of a more realistic Bond because Ian Fleming's Bond ( especially in his first book, Casino Royale ) was realistic. Fleming knew what spying was all about first hand and according to interviews, he said Bond was a little bit of several real-life British spies that he knew or worked with. But I'm sure there are others like you who just won't like Craig and this particular Bond film. As for me, I'm glad I bought it and will watch it often.

Re: the b&W opening. At first I didn't like it either but on second thought I could see it as a way of showing Bond before he earned ( or how he earned) his double oh seven stripe.

[Race Car Driver]

I liked the B&W opening, I may give this a once over again tonight

[Pez]

I never understood why people gave Craig a hard time before the movie was even out. Basing it on things like hair color is nuts - has no bearing on the actors ability at all. Its nice that many of the nay-sayers are changing face now that they have seen the movie (by no means is this directed to anyone here - just a general comment based on early feedback when Craig was announced).

Compared to a good portion of the Bond movies to come out since Roger Moores latter flicks this pretty much blows them away (it should be notted I am not a fun of Dalton and glad he only did a couple of movies - regardless I love all the bond movies and watch them frequently). The comment "watching an actor and not bond" was interesting, I wonder if that will change at all now that he will have one movie under his belt. I thought he played the part spot on since he was just made a 00 agent, like any other job I am sure there is a "learning curve"

I was just so happy with this movie I get blinded by the fact everyone has different tastes. I for one want to see the Bond franchise carry on for many years so that one day I can take my kids to see a Bond movie. And it needed a movie like this to make sure the franchise carries on.

George - yes I did find it louder than other movies I have watched recently and I for one was happy about that. I have been unimpressed with audio on movies that have come out recently.

[George Bellefontaine]

I never understood why people gave Craig a hard time before the movie was even out. Basing it on things like hair color is nuts - has no bearing on the actors ability at all. Its nice that many of the nay-sayers are changing face now that they have seen the movie (by no means is this directed to anyone here - just a general comment based on early feedback when Craig was announced).

Hi, Pez. This is normal for most hardcore Bond fans. It really upset a lot of people when Connery left the franchise and a lot of us felt he just couldn't be replaced. It took awhile for things to cool down but then you start accepting the various Bond replacements for what they bring to the table. The color of Craig's hair didn't matter to me ( Roger Moore was light haired) I just didn't feel he looked the part. After you see him do his thing and discover just how good an actor he is, you change your mind. Craig may or may not be around for a long time, but sure as hell when he or the studios decide they no longer want him as Bond, there will no doubt be an outrage at whoever his replacement is.

[chasw98]

My copy came with the second bonus disc and one of the principal's (Barbara Broccolli I think) explains how back when they started making Bond films, that the rights to Casino Royale were sewn up by some studio. It took unitil the late ninetie's, I believe, for the Broccolli organization to acquire the rights to the book. They said that obviously an older Brosnan couldn't play a beginning Bond so they had to look elsewhere, and Daniel Craig was found after many years of looking. They did not take this change lightly.

I thought the movie was wonderful and a fresh start for the Bond movies after the years of driving tanks through Moscow and all that stuff. It was 'back to the roots' Bond. Plus it kind of completes the cycle to see Bond start off his 00 career and his misgivings at the beginning. I definitely think he will be back.

Chuck

[Pez]

George - I grew up in the Moore era. It was the TBS/TNT marathons during my college years where I "discovered" the early bond movies. Connery really had a knack for playing the role and I can only imagine what it must have been like for fans when Lazenby/Moore took over. The good thing is the new movie did not disappoint and the future looks bright.

[George Bellefontaine]

The good thing is the new movie did not disappoint and the future looks bright.

Absolutely. :T

[DelRay]

I watched this one last night. I thought it was a really good movie. The chase seen in the begining was a little over the top. :E But still good.

[DSGCobra]

Giving the Blu-ray another watch tonight. I finally got my new Anthem D2 some what dialed in, that along with the next gen dvd formats ;x( ;x(

[Chris D]

:T I just watched Moonraker last night again. I think it's hard not to like that one, but it certainly does go over the top, with Bond in outer space with lasers shooting all over the place.

[Alloroc]

It's been a long time coming but I finally got to watch the new Bond on Sunday. An interesting movie indeed and imo a proper reflection of how Fleming intended Bond to be. It's understood that they had to change certain elements of the story to more with the times so to speak but the heart of the story remains as does his Bond.

It also sets it up for a rejuvination of the modern Bond - as a hard and hardened killer - following his experience with Vesper and Le Chiffre. He's ruthless, intelligent, tenacious and finally human but flawed. Hopefully, gone are the camp and plain daft escapades of Bond in the 70s and 80s. Brosnan made a stalwart effort but having seeing Craig, Brosnan just lacked that extra something (perhaps too good looking) to be perceived as a hardened killer.

Finally, my favourite scenes - the card game was superb; balanced with the right amount of tension and sexiness that an event like that would garner. Also, the scene in the building site was spectacular. The stunt co-ordination was phenominal and the insurance costs extravagant!

V.

[Chris D]

Watched Diamonds are Forever last night--ugh. Didn't enjoy it, a lot of it was too stinky.

[Pez]

Didnt Moonraker win an oscar for special effects?

As for Diamonds are Forever - I kind of have to agree with Chris. I can still watch it at anytime but it would not be my first choice of bond movies.

V. - excellent summary of Bronsan. I liked him as Bond and was a little sad when it was announced he would no longer play the part. But your right, now that I think of it something did seem missing. He didnt have that cold blooded nature. Even when he killed the main chick in The World is Not Enough it didnt really fit with the "Bronsan Bond".

[Chris D]

Onatopp?

Onatopp.

[Lex]

There were few copies to be had in BD. I was out in search on intro day after work. BB was out, showed 3 in computer, but none were on shelf to be found. Circuit City (sold out). I was headed to the mall to a game store I knew sold a few BDs, and thought about Target. Wheeled in and snatched the next to the last copy. The last one flew off right behind me.

[Pez]

When I went to get my copy on release day I couldnt find any at Best Buy. I asked a salesperson if they had any and they were still in a cart to be put on the shelves - this was at 12:30 PM. Of course they had a huge display with tons of copies of the SD version.

Did any of you guys get a free toy car with yours? If so did you notice the retail price? $10!!! Seems like a lot to me for a hot wheels type toy car. At least I didnt pay for it.

[George Bellefontaine]

Walmart had plenty of BD versions but they weren't selling. No hi-def discs are selling in this area anyway.

[DSGCobra]

my wal-mart stopped carrying both blu-ray and HD-DVD

[Pez]

my wal-mart stopped carrying both blu-ray and HD-DVD

That doesnt suprise me at all. Considering what it costs to properly implement blu-ray/hd dvd audio and video is not only a big expense but also very confusing for the average consumer. The puzzled look on peoples faces when I try to explain what it takes to get the better pic and sound is priceless.

[Lex]

my WMart has not started carrying them yet. They were expecting to at some point, but not sure when, or if.

[Brandon B]

My wife snagged the last BD copy at our BB (good wife!).

Watched this on the FP Friday night. Liked it quite a bit. Definitely the most realistic Bond film yet. It was interesting at the end of the credits, they had the usual "James Bond will be bacK" comment, but not title, so I assume it will be a few years off.

BB

[Chris D]

Lots and lots of BD copies of CR at BB yesterday when I stopped. (did you get all those acronymns?) I still haven't bought it though--I'm saving up for an impending home purchase and have cut off purchases. I bought "Chicken Little" on BD instead, using some gift cards I had. It's currently the #1 rated BD for PQ, and I still needed to use my coupon from the PS3 for buying it.

[Burke Strickland]

Impending home purchase? Are you going to be building another HT in a new location?

FWIW, the standard DVD of "Casino Royale" looks and sounds great. Even projected to wall size, the image is very crisp and colorful. IMO, no need to search for a high def copy. The movie itself is also well worth your time and money, assuming you like a hard hitting action adventure with plenty of plot twists that keep you guessing until close to the end.

This movie has enough of the trademark elements (futuristic gadgetry, clever dialog references to previous installments, multiple exotic locales, etcetera) to know that it is a Bond movie but it is gritty (no slick "movie set" hideouts for the bad guys), realistic (punches actually hurt) and fast paced within each section (James and Vesper, the leading lady, hardly get a chance to Bond, and their off to the next adventure) in a way that no other film in the franchise ever has been before.

However, the surprise plot twists keep on coming, introducing additional chapters just at the point when you might think the ending credits were about to roll. (This happens more than once.) Nevertheless, I found the overarching story line to be engaging, and was glad that the movie actually depended more on the story and character development than on gee-whiz gadgets and over-the-top action set-pieces.

Any fear that the new guy wasn't up to the task can be put to rest. Daniel Craig is one heck of a Bond and this is one heck of a movie. Very well done and highly recommended.

Burke

[Brandon B]

I still haven't bought it though . . . I bought "Chicken Little" on BD instead . . .It's currently the #1 rated BD for PQ

Dude, thanks for helping pay my salary and all, but geez. Movies are at least partially for watching for the movie's sake, and you picked Chicken Little over Casino Royale!? 8O

My kid would have chosen the other way, and he's not even allowed to watch CR yet.

Hope you really like Chicken Little. I've got the BBC Planet Earth series pre-ordered on BD, now that should be some beautiful HD scenery.

BB