What The Critics Say

"If the goal was to give Bond vivid new life, Casino Royale must be called a success. This Bond is not only licensed to kill but eager to get on with the job." Robert Denerstein DENVER ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS "After seeing this performance one can only be excited at the prospect of watching Craig’s Bond mature and change over the course of several films." Robert W. Butler KANSAS CITY STAR "This is the Bond movie Bond fans (and non-fans, too) are bound to love, giving us everything we want out of a Bond movie, and more... Among the very best movies of the year." David Cornelius eFILMCRITIC.COM "With Craig in the role, a Bond film suddenly seems like something to be taken seriously." Carla Meyer SACRAMENTO BEE "Die-hard fans may miss Q and Miss Moneypenny or the boys-and-their-toys gadgets or even the smirky tone. But in their stead is a riveting picture that, for all its globetrotting glamour and eyepopping action, demands we take this new Bond seriously." Eleanor Ringel Gillespie ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION

"The most believable Bond since the days of Connery and for the first time in decades, I left the theatre with the distinct reaction that I wanted to be James Bond." Erik Childress eFILMCRITIC.COM "[Craig is] arguably the best pure actor ever to play the part, and he is unquestionably the fittest." Wade Major BOXOFFICE MAGAZINE "Give Daniel Craig credit for this: he's created the first James Bond who scares you." Josh Larsen SUN PUBLICCATIONS CHICAGO "Meet the new Bond, not the same as the old Bond -- and thank God for that." Richard Roeper CHICAGO SUN-TIMES "I am overcome with glee after watching Casino Royale. I love this movie." Jeffrey Chen REELTALK MOVIE REVIEWS "Women will adore him. Men can only envy him. Shaken or stirred, Daniel Craig 'is' Bond. James Bond. 5 STARS" Richard Surfield THE MOVIE PAGES

The Inside Story The new James Bond is a lot darker than any 007 you have previously seen. "In this film James Bond is a darker character, which is how Ian Fleming originally wrote him," says the new Bond, Daniel Craig. "We start right at the beginning of Bond’s career, when he has a lot of rough edges. He’s a loner, and he doesn’t like to get involved with people. As the movie goes on, though, he becomes more refined." It sounds pretty straight forward, but getting the role of Bond, James Bond means you have to convince producing partners Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson you have what it takes. And how do they find a new Bond? "When we audition for the role of Bond, we ask actors to do the scene in From Russia with Love, where Bond meets Tatiana Romanova for the first time, says Wilson. "That scene has everything you want to know about a potential Bond; drama, romance and action." So how impressive was Daniel Craig? "As soon as we met him, Daniel was the obvious choice for James Bond. He is charismatic, versatile and sexy. The role is a big challenge, but he has proven to us that he is an incredible Bond." Craig got the news while working in Baltimore. "I was on my own, so I went out alone to have a drink and celebrate," he said. "Of course, I couldn’t very well start telling people in the bar "I'm James Bond!" They probably would have thrown me out, or called the hospital to collect me." In true Bond style, he summed up the situation and decided the first thing he needed to do was to get fit embarking on a rigorous fitness regime. And just in case you're wondering how fit he is, wait until the heart stopping chase comes on the screen at the start of "Casino Royale". You'll soon agree that he is awesome. In fact, the pulse-pounding chase sequence in which Bond pursues would-be bomber Mollaka through the Nambutu Embassy was the first scene he shot. "I wanted to do as much of the action work as I could, so that the audience can see it’s me and it’s real," says Craig. "I feel like I became a sportsman of sorts, and that meant acquiring injuries and carrying on, bashing through to the next level of pain. Although Gary Powell and his stunt team did fantastic work to make sure that everything was as safe as possible, if you don’t get bruised playing Bond, you’re not doing it properly." Director Martin Campbell noted of his fitness, "he’s in great physical shape and proved himself to be excellent in the action scenes. Of course it wouldn't be a Bond film unless there was a love interest. Playing the role of Vesper Lynd, the gorgeous woman who melts Bond's heart is French actress Eva Green. It's not the first time Eva has played a heart melter. Many will remember her as Sibylla in "Kingdom Of Heaven". In that film she melted the heart of Balian, played by Orlando Bloom. "There is no doubt that this is the best female role in all of Fleming’s books, so we tested extensively to ensure we cast the most suitable actress." says Campbell. "Eva has all the qualities we were after: she’s a terrific actress, she’s gorgeous and she has an air of mystery about her, which is essential for the role of Vesper. Eva worked incredibly hard to create this role and take it to places I hadn’t read into the script. It’s been a joy to see her work and expand the character." "Vesper is not the classic Bond girl, wearing a bikini and firing guns," says Green. "There is more to her than that. She is the first woman Ian Fleming wrote about and she has a great impact on Bond’s life. She is the root of all the Bond women who follow and explains why he behaves the way he does with those women." And what was it that attracted her to the role of Vesper? "It's one of the best scripts I’ve read in a long time. It’s deep, with lots of twists and turns, and the love story moved me. Vesper is a complex person," she said. And what did she think of her leading man Daniel '007' Craig? "Hypnotic and magnetic," Green says. "He’s a gentleman and he’s strong, and he’s not mannered. That ruggedness is attractive, and probably quite dangerous. He is sexy and not self-conscious, which is very important for a man, and he has a sense of humor; another plus. I definitely feel there’s chemistry between us on screen." Believe me there is! Vesper may be the love interest, but prior to their meeting, Bonds eye was on the gorgeous Solange (Le Chiffre's wife), played by Italian actress Caterina Murino. Murino was lucky to get the role. "The day before my appointment I fell from a horse while rehearsing and ended up in the hospital with a back injury. I went to the casting session filled with painkillers. I could hardly walk! And then they asked me if I could ride and I had to answer that I had just fallen off a horse!" As we all know only too well, it wouldn't be a Bond film unless they had a villian we could all despise. The man who got the nod for the role of Le Chiffre is Danish actor, Mads Mikkelsen, who played homage to another Bond baddie. "My favorite Bond villain was Christopher Walken (Max Zorin) in A View to a Kill. He’s got what it takes to be a good villain," Mikkelsen notes adding, "there is something good and bad about him at the same time." Then how would he describe his character? "He’s living in the contemporary world and trying to make as much money as possible, just like everybody else," says Mikkelsen. "He’s smart and clever and doesn’t boast about his successes. He rarely gets his own hand dirty, but he will if he has to. When we meet him he’s rich and successful, but Bond is on his tail. And when the chips are down he doesn’t show his emotions; he’s ice cold." Back for the fifth time as M is Oscar® winner Dame Judi Dench. "Judi is now so much a part of Bond, she is a national treasure," says Campbell. Campbell revealled, the audience will get to see inside M's home, "a modern penthouse on the river in London’s Canary Wharf." The acclaimed actress who has numerous awards and award nominations to her name gave Daniel Craig a huge wrap, but it includes a warning. "Daniel has a wonderful presence. He’s very handsome and strong, but at the same time, you wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of him. Those are all perfect traits to have as an actor. He seems to have relaxed into the role. I’m sure it gave him some anxiety, as it would any actor, but he doesn’t show it on set. He has a great sense of humor and I always find a shared sense of humor is the first clue to working well with an actor. He also has a kind of self-deprecation about him that is very attractive." Of course the most important person to get on with is the films director. Like everyone else, Martin Campbell is impressed. So having wrapped up shooting and with the film in release, what are his thoughts? "Daniel will be a revelation to the audience," predicts director Martin Campbell (who also directed Pierce Brosnan in his Bond debut, GoldenEye). "He combines toughness with charm and a sense of humor, and because this is a much more character driven story, his depth and gravitas are a perfect match for the role." And just in case you are wondering, yes there is a 'Bond' car, and naturally, it's something special. In fact its a yet to be released Aston Martin. Featured in the film is the new Aston Martin DBS in special paint finish of "Casino Ice". And just in case you're looking to buy one. It's not available for sale until 2007. Synopsis

"Casino Royale" traces the early career of James Bond. After completing his first two kills, a raw James Bond is now licensed to kill. Unfortunately he falls foul of M when he pursues a suspect into an embassy. His actions make headlines in the press when photos taken on security cameras are released. But the new "007" has a mind of his own and it leads him to Le Chiffre, banker to the world’s terrorists. M orders "007" to stop him, and bring down the terrorist network. The plan is Bond must beat Le Chiffre in a high stakes poker game at Casino Royale. Bond is initially annoyed when a beautiful Treasury official, Vesper Lynd, is assigned to deliver his stake for the game and watch over the government's money. But, as Bond and Vesper survive a series of lethal attacks by Le Chiffre and his henchmen, a mutual attraction develops leading them both into further danger and events that will shape Bond’s life forever. M then realizes Bond is fierce enough for the job but is worried his heart may have hardened too much.

The Verdict "I get the distinct feeling that if Cubby Broccoli and his producing partner Harry Saltzman were able to see "Casino Royale" and its star Daniel Craig, they would say: "Now that's our Bond." Having had the privilege of seeing all the 007's from the characters first outing in "Dr. No" through to this twenty first Bond adventure "Casino Royale", my personal opinion is that Daniel Craig is the best so far. He looks good; has a fiercer streak than any other Bond; he's ruthless; coldly calculating and, he enjoys killing. The opening segment is frenetic and will leave you gasping for breath as Bond pursues his quarry. It leads to another grand Bond adventure complete with the obligatory bad guy, beautiful women, a near death experience and, revenge. "Shaken or Stirred?" "Do I look like I give a damn!" It says it all. Bond is back and that's all that matters. The good news is he's very good and very bad. Me-thinks poor old M will really have her hands full with her new 007. Most highly recommended. 5 STARS." On Location with Casino Royale The Bahamas. Bond arrives at Paradise Island, Bahamas by seaplane, and later drives along a coastal road to the real life One & Only Ocean Club resort where he eventually meets Dimitrios and his beautiful wife Solange. The Albany Estate, on the West Coast of New Providence Island served as Dimitrios’ beachfront mansion, where Bond emerges from the sea to watch Solange leading her horse along the sand. An abandoned motel and its grounds at Coral Harbor on New Providence Island, stood in for the shanty town on the African island Madagascar where Bond watches Mollaka during the snake and mongoose fight. A derelict hotel in the same area was utilized as the construction site where Bond pursues Mollaka.
Prague - Czech Republic. Many of the interiors, including the Casino Royale Salon Privé, the compound of the Nambutu Embassy, the interior of Le Chiffre’s yacht and the interior of the sanatorium where Bond recuperates — were filmed in Prague studios at Barrandov and Modrany. The city itself is seen in the pre-title sequence when Dryden arrives at Danube House, a new office building on the banks of the Vltava, prior to his confrontation with Bond. Other Prague locations include the hilltop Vitkov Monument, a marble mausoleum, which was used as the interior of the Miami Body Worlds exhibition. Prague airport stood in for the Miami International Airport for the scenes in which Bond follows Carlos through the terminal and onto the tarmac. The 800-year-old library of the Strahov Monastery was used as the House of Commons interior, and the Neo-Renaissance National Museum in Wenceslas Square was transformed into the reception and stairways of the Grand Venetian Hotel, where Bond and Vesper enjoy a romantic break after their ordeal.
Karlovy Vary - Czech Republic. Spa town of Karlovy Vary, where visitors have taken to the restorative waters since the 14th century, was used as the Montenegrin town where the Casino Royale is situated. The world-famous Grand Hotel Pupp was transformed into the Hotel Splendide, where Bond and Vesper stay during the poker tournament. The Lazne, an imposing though disused, turn of the century spa, stood in for the entrance and public room of the Casino Royale. In the same area of the Czech Republic, the production shot Bond and Vesper arriving in the Aston Martin DBS to meet Mathis in the picturesque town square of Loket. A hospital interior in nearby Plana served as the scene of Bond’s emergency care following his torture by Le Chiffre.
Lake Como - Italy. Villa La Gaeta, a beautiful private residence on the banks of the Lake, was used for the scene in which Bond confronts Mr White at his home. The grounds of the spectacular Villa del Balbianello, on the Western Shore of Lake Como, became the sanatorium where Bond recuperates from his ordeal at the hands of Le Chiffre.
Venice - Italy. The production was able to shoot on many of the streets and alleyways of Venice, including the world famous St Marks Square. Special permission was granted to allow Bond and Vesper’s yacht (the Spirit 54) to sail along the Grand Canal between the Accademia and Rialto bridges, the first time a yacht has sailed the Grand Canal for many years. The collapsing house, where Bond pursues Vesper and her kidnapper, was situated opposite the vegetable market by the Rialto, and Bond moors the yacht outside the luxurious Cipriani Hotel on Guidecca.
In The UK. Dunsfold Aerodrome, near Guildford in Surrey, was the site of the majority of the exterior Miami International Airport runway scenes. This is the location where Alexander Witt and the second-unit filmed many of the spectacular action set pieces in which Bond thwarts the terrorist’s attempt to blow up a prototype passenger jet. Black Park was used to film the rebel camp in Uganda where Mr White introduces Le Chiffre to Steven Obanno (much to the bemusement of the many dog walkers who regularly frequent the National Park near Pinewood Studios.) A playing field at Eton College was transformed into a cricket ground seen for the pre-title sequence. Pinewood Studios’ 007 Stage was home to the spectacular engineering feat that was the interior of the sinking house in Venice, where the action climactic sequences, including the bloody confrontation between with Bond and Gettler and his henchmen, were filmed. In addition, a full scale Venetian piazza was built for the conclusion of the scene, when Bond tries to rescue Vesper. Other Pinewood stages were used for model units and green screen shots. Cast & Crew Bytes "CASINO ROYALE" stars .......
Daniel Craig ["The Power of One", "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider", "Road to Perdition" and "Layer Cake"]; Two time Zulu Award winner Mads Mikkelsen ["Open Hearts", "The Green Butchers", "King Arthur" and "Adam's Apples"]; Dame of the British Empire, Academy Award ®, BAFTA and Golden Globe winner Judi Dench ["GoldenEye", "Tomorrow Never Dies", "The World Is Not Enough", "Die Another Day" and "Mrs Henderson Presents"]; Tony, EMMY & Golden Globe Award winner Jeffrey Wright ["Basquiat", "Broken Flowers", "The Manchurian Candidate" and "Lady in the Water"]; 1999Los Angeles Italian Film Outstanding Achievement Award and 2002 Milan Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Giancarlo Giannini ["Joshua", "My House in Umbria", "Man On Fire" and "The Shadow Dancer"]; Caterina Murino ["Nowhere", "L' Enquête Corse", "L' Amour aux trousses" and "Friends Forever"]; Simon Abkarian ["When the Cat's Away", "Tempest in a Teapot", "Ararat" and "The Truth About Charlie"] and Eva Green ["The Dreamers", "Arsène Lupin" and "Kingdom Of Heaven"] as Vesper Lynd.
"CASINO ROYALE" was .......
directed by Martin Campbell ["GoldenEye", "The Mask Of Zorro", "Vertical Limit" and "The Legend of Zorro"]; screenplay by Neal Purviss ["Plunkett & Macleane", "The World Is Not Enough", "Die Another Day" and "Johnny English"], Robert Wade ["Let Him Have It", "Plunkett & Macleane", "The World Is Not Enough", "Die Another Day" and "Johnny English"] and Academy Award ® winner Paul Haggis ["Crash", "Million Dollar Baby", "The Last Kiss" and "Flags of Our Fathers"]; adapted from the original novel by Ian Fleming ["Dr No", "From Russia with Love", "Goldfinger", "Thunderball" and "Casino Royale"]; production design by Academy Award ® winner Peter Lamont ["Top Secret!", "Aliens", "Titanic", "The World Is Not Enough" and "Die Another Day"]; costume design by Academy Award ® and BAFTA award WINNER Lindy Hemming ["My Beautiful Laundrette", "Four Weddings and a Funeral", "Lara Croft Tomb Raider I & II" and "Batman Begins"]; cinematography by Phil Meheux B.S.C ["The Long Good Friday", "The Fourth Protocol", "GoldenEye" and "Bicentennial Man"]; original music by Grammy, Royal Television Society & seven time BMI Award winner David Arnold ["Changing Lanes", "Die Another Day", "The Stepford Wives" and "Four Brothers"] produced by Barbara Broccoli ["GoldenEye", "Tomorrow Never Dies", "The World Is Not Enough" and "Die Another Day"] and Michael G Wilson ["The Living Daylights", "Licensed To Kill", "GoldenEye", "Tomorrow Never Dies", "The World Is Not Enough" and "Die Another Day"]. Run Time 145 minutes Rated M [AUST] Copyright ©2006 - Sony Pictures - All Rights Reserved Copyright Protected © 2006 - Impact Internet Services - All Rights Reserved