WHO MADE IT? | Director: Martin Campbell Cast: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright, Giancarlo Giannini and Caterina Murino | WHAT'S IT ABOUT? | Bond is at the beginning of his career. He has just been promoted to 007 status. His first mission is to stop Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), banker to the world's terrorists. In order to bring down the terrorist network, Bond (Daniel Craig) must beat Le Chiffre in a high stakes poker game at Casino Royale in Montenegro. Treasury official Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) is sent in to deliver Bond's stake for the game and keep a watchful eye on the government's money. As they both survive a number of attacks by Le Chiffre's men, a mutual attraction develops between them plunging them both into deeper danger. | WHAT'S IT LIKE? | Based on Ian Fleming's first 007 novel and directed by Martin Campbell, who launched Pierce Brosnan in GoldenEye, this is a back to basics Bond. Gone are the gadgets and gizmos, the over the top special effects and there's no Q or Miss Moneypenny. What you get is a gritty, more realistic but tougher Bond. There are still edge-of-your-seat action-packed sequences but they are more believable. When Bond chases his man in Madagascar you see him sweat and catch his breath as he smashes through walls. When he gets beaten up he bleeds and it shows. As for Daniel Craig's Bond? He is the sixth actor to play the role following a deluge of criticism at his selection. But the film makers huge gamble has paid off. He is a ruthless Bond, a rough diamond 007 and when they smooth out the edges for the next film (turning him into sexy and suave Bond) then he will be a close second to Sean Connery. He is as lethal as Connery was at his height but lacks his deadly charm, for the moment. But Craig has pulled it off making a very convincing 007 if not a very buffed up Bond. The Bond franchise has been given a new lease of life. The film makers can relax now as they have another hit on their hands and a 007 that will leave cinemagoers shaken and stirred. | Casino Royale opens on 17 November 2006
