Friday, November 20, 2009

Daniel Craig Puts A New Spin On James Bond

james_bond_quantum_of_solace_movie_image_daniel_craig

Now it's time to come to the latest actor to play James Bond. That man is Daniel Craig. There was a lot of controversy over the hiring of Craig to play 007. Many were upset over the way that Pierce Brosnan had left the role. There was heated debate over the fact that Craig had blond hair. Also many thought he looked too rugged and was not handsome enough. The list of criticisms goes on and on.

Most of those who were not thrilled by the idea of Daniel Craig as Bond were relieved when they actually saw
Casino Royale in 2006. There are still those who are not happy with his take on the role, plus the lack of gadgets and characters from the Bond universe. Craig would return to the role again in 2008's Quantum of Solace.

I'm a bigger fan of
Casino Royale than Quantum of Solace. I do think there were quite a few weaknesses in the latter film. Probably an additional 20 minutes or so could have put more meat into some of the characters and the storyline. The film still was very successful. It's reported that the next Bond film starring Craig will be released in 2011. So what do you guys think of Daniel Craig as James Bond? Which Bond film of his do you like the best? Which of these theme songs do you prefer? Do you want them to return aspects of the previous films to the franchise or leave them in the past? Let me know what you think.

Casino Royale (2006):

casino_royale_v3



Quantum of Solace:

quantum_of_solace_poster



71 comments:

Unknown said...

Although I prefer Connery as Bond (who doesn't?), I don't think Daniel Craig is all too bad of a Bond. He isn't as smooth or suave or manly...
Craig doesn't really look to me like Bond. Personally, I would've casted Clive Owen as Bond.
I'd prefer if they kept Bond a little more manly and stronger because Daniel Craig is too soft and all of the Bond women look like they can beat him with their hands tied behind their backs. Hmm...

I've only seen Casino Royale but I want to see Quantum Of Solace.
As to the films though, I like the modern changes they've applied which is cool. Don't mind so much that they've changed certain aspects of them. It'd've been better if they just left it as it was but it doesn't bother me.

Giannis said...

Casino Royal, i guess is one of the best ever Bond movies (?) from my point of view :)

I do not understand why they have made Quantum of Solace? i did not like also at all!

Witchcrafted Life said...

I feel that Daniel Craig is a great bond. Both his look (rugged, but not tattered in any way, shape or form) and persona seem to speak to the modern era more some of the prior bonds had. I feel that he's been a solidly good Bond and I hope that they'll cast him in future 007 roles.


Tons of heartfelt thanks for your many wonderful comments, Keith. I really hope you have a terrific Friday and weekend ahead!
♥ Jessica

B a la Moda said...

I like him a lot. His face is not the best for me but his body. I love the way he pulls off suits!
xoxo
B* a la Moda

♥ Marta ♥ said...

For me Brosnan will always be one of my favorite, just because I adore him. I wasn't too such of Craig although he is quite a wonderful actor. I love love love Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace not so much... I think that there were few flaws in the plot and the characters were not as well developed as I hope they would be.

Zuzana said...

I so love to come by here with my morning coffee, I really love the way you write and the subjects you choose.;)
As for Daniel, I was one of those who shook my head in disbelieve when they revealed who was to play the next Bond. I though the casting director and the producer and whoever else suggested him for this role had lost their mind completely. Therefore the result was astounding! I was very taken by Daniel and his performance and I loved the movie. I was quiet surprised about how well he did. He has the most amazing blue eyes.;) He brought the Bond into a new century, I would say. With that said though, I still think he doesn't quite do it for me - to be honest the only one that did fit into this role ever was Sean.;)
I have not seen Quantum Solace yet.
;)))

Unknown said...

Hhmmm! I don’t really like him. I must admit his is gorgeous but I don’t think he’s the most gorgeous of the actors who played James Bond. I still think Sean Connery is the best!

stem cell treatment

Unknown said...

He’s gorgeous. I like him very much.


Jobs

miriam (Björn Borg) said...

i agree, was happily surprised over craig's performance. but casino royal is my favourite out of the two he's done!

lorenabr said...

Yeah Casino Royale is much better nt only the movie but also the music:) Wish you a great day

Some Like it Vintage.com said...

Hi Keith! Hope you are well and getting ready for a great weekend.
I think Daniel Craig is just purrrfect. Handsome and rugged, but also looks fabulous in a tuxedo. I preferred Casino Royale over Quantum of Solace, but still thought the second movie was wonderful. Keep well!
xoxo

sourdust said...

'Casino Royale' was the best Bond film in 3 decades, and Craig put his own stamp on the role - closer in spirit to Connery than all the other Bond actors.

Keith said...

Hey Daniela. I prefer Connery as Bond. You are the first person I think that's called Craig soft. Usually I hear that he's too tough or rough. lol I'm not sure he would have been my first choice, but he's the one we've got now. I'm not sure if Clive Owen would have been much better though because I've actually seen very few of his movies I like. I do think you have to bring the movies into the modern age, but I don't like the idea of sacrificing everything. I think you get to a point where there's no distinguishing Bond from any other action hero. Bond is Bond not a Bourne clone.

Keith said...

Hey Giannis. Thanks for commenting. I really enjoyed Casino Royale. It's one of my favorite Bond films. I didn't care much for Quantum of Solace at all. There is so much I would have done differently with it.

Hey Jessica. Thanks for your comment. I like Daniel Craig. I think he's doing a fine job so far. I do hope that he'll do several more Bond films in the future. Take care. Enjoy the weekend.

Keith said...

Hey B a la. He does have a more rugged face. He's not a pretty boy at all. He looks like the kind of guy who's been in some fights. In the books Bond is described with a scar if I remember correctly so he doesn't look necessarily like a male model.

Hey Marta. Thanks for commenting. I enjoyed Casino Royale a lot. I'm not a big fan of Quantum of Solace. It seemed rush. They cut down the time and then couldn't do all the things they needed to.

Keith said...

Hey Protege. I think a lot of people were shocked when they heard he was going to play Bond. Many detractors have come to his side now that they've seen him in the role. There are still some that don't care for him. He's not my favorite Bond. That's Connery, but he's still doing a good job. Have a great weekend.

Hey Asian. Thanks for commenting. Connery is my favorite. He always will be. I like Craig and the other Bonds, but Connery is my 007.

Thanks Jobs. Cheers!

Keith said...

Hey Insider. Thanks. I prefer Casino Royale over Quantum of Solace myself.

Hey Lore. Thanks. Glad you agree. Happy Friday!

Keith said...

Hey Veronica. Thanks for commenting. I'm definitely ready for the weekend. Hope you are too. I love the way you described Daniel Craig. I know what you mean. Cheers!

Hey Sour. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I agree with you. I think Craig is a great Bond. He's closer to the spirit of the character than we've seen in a long time.

Graham I. Haynes said...

The first Craig flick was better than the second, by far. It might have something to do with Eva Green.

I also agree with another commenter that Clive Owen would have been a great choice.

My personal choice? Gerard Butler.

Graham
suckmysavvy.com

Keith said...

Hey Graham. Thanks for the comment. Glad to see you too prefer CR over QOS. I do love some Eva Green. Gerard Butler would have been a good choice. I'm actually not sure who my top choice for Bond would have been.

Mondo said...

Casino is definitely the best so far. I was worried the new films were going to continue the silly business of the Roger Moore/Pierce one. But he makes a great, great Bond, and has the steely gaze of an assasin, but the physical presence of a fighter.

Keith said...

Hey Dave. Thanks. I think they wanted to move away from the Moore/Brosnan take on the role. He's definitely more like the character in the books to me.

Wolf Boy said...

I do like him as Bond. I agree with you that I hope they bring back some of the past elements. They can do it while bringing them into the modern era.

Keith said...

Hey Wolf. Thanks. I'd like to see some gadgets back. Nothing cheesy though. It would be cool to see a new version of Q and Moneypenny.

Nancy Sinatra Fan said...

I think he's hot. He looks like a man. He's not all soft like some previous actors to play Bond or a lot of the other men out there today. He looks like a man who has lived a life full of ups and downs.

Keith said...

Hey Phoebe. I definitely think he would kick Roger or Pierce around a bit if they met up. lol

Anonymous said...

On a scale of 1 - 10 = 4+ to DC!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Agneta

Keith said...

Thanks Agneta for offering your take on DC. Enjoy the weekend. Cheers!

Anonymous said...

I didn't think I'd like him but holy crap that is one good looking man! Sexy, rugged, handsome, and everyone should look that good in a suit! Whew. He's officially my favorite Bond ever.

Keith said...

Hey Trixie. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Glad to see you're such a big fan of Craig's Bond. I love the way you described him.

Unknown said...

I have not seen Craig. Or, maybe I just didn't recognize him. As for Brosnan, maybe some women think that his more handsome than the former. LOL! :)

Angela said...

i like him. he is realistic. have a great friday.

E.K. said...

Well Keith you already know my stance on Mr. Craig! I think he's the closest Bond to the books and the most believable as a secret agent. Pure aces in my book!

Keith said...

Hey Lance. Thanks for commenting. I hope you get a chance to take a look at some of movies.

Hey Savvy. Thanks. Yeah, he does play a more realistic Bond.

Hey E.K. Thanks. I think he plays the role quite close to the books.

Steve Langton said...

Have to say I think DC is the best Bond by a country mile. I first saw Craig in the BBC series "Our Friends In The North" - still just about my favourite TV drama - and think he's the pick of a top-notch cast.
As Bond, he comes over as a non-glossy, no-nonsense secret agent who has withstood the most extreme situations and STILL comes back for more, in defence of his country. Personally, I've found my interest in JB re-awakened by his casting and find him far more believable than the other Bond's.
Hope he continues for some time to come.

Keith said...

Hey Steve. Thanks for offering your take on Daniel Craig. It was great hearing from you. I think I had really only seen him in Layer Cake prior to him becoming Bond. I really liked him in that role. I do think he's captured the essence of Bond. He's definitely been a breath of fresh air for the franchise. He was that needed shot of adrenaline it needed. I do hope he'll continue in the role for a few more films.

Couture Carrie said...

Am ashamed to admit I haven't seen either of these films yet...

Hope you have a fab weekend, Keith!

xoxox,
CC

Tights Lover said...

I thought he did a great job in Casino Royale. Loving these James Bond posts! Have a great weekend!

chic femme said...

I love the blonde Bond. I will say that of course Roger Moore is my ULTIMATE FAVORITE. :) But I love them all including Daniel. He did such a great job in Casino Royale. I think I have watched it a dozen times. :) Love it and wish that Quantum had of been better, but I still love Daniel and he is hot too. :)

Maria Jensen said...

To me Conner is and always will be the one and the best James Bond! Craig just doesn't look like the Bond type... but this is just my opinion :P

Great video's thou, maybe i will see a James Bond flick later tonight !

Maria Confer said...

I was skeptical of Daniel, but after watching Casino I was overwhelmed by his amazing talent!!

I definitely agree that Casino was better than Quantum, but I look forward to his next movie.

lululetty.blogspot.com

debra@dustjacket said...

I love Craig as Bond, he does an awesome job at it.

I really enjoyed his first Bond the best. The second tried too hard and was badly edited in my opinion. Not enough development in characters...spending all it's time on overfast flashy sequences..which I realise is a Bond theme, but not all the time.

For the soundtrack/intro the first was more in keeping with Bond, though I liked the second ones' song...but it could just have been any music clip. I think we fan's like to know it's a Bond movie we are looking at.
xxx

AutumnJones said...

I've always found Daniel Craig to have this strange sex appeal! I agree with Giannis Casino Royal,is one of the best ever Bond movies

Anonymous said...

He's so hot*°*°*°*°*°*°*

Keith said...

Hey Carrie. Thanks for commenting. Hope you get a chance to see both his Bond films.

Hey Tights. Thanks. I'm having fun doing all my Bond posts.

Keith said...

Hey Steph. Thanks for commenting. I know how much you love some Roger. He's my first Bond so I'll always have a special place for him. I've enjoyed all the Bonds. I do really like Daniel. He's doing a great job so far. CR was really amazing. I do wish QOS had been better.

Keith said...

Hey Maria. Thanks. Connery will always be Bond to me. Some people like DC and some don't. That happens with every Bond. Enjoy the weekend.

Hey Maria. Thanks. Glad you like DC. I am really looking forward to the next Bond film. 2011 can't get here soon enough.

Keith said...

Hey Dustjacket. Thanks for your comment. Great hearing from you. You hit it right on the head in my opinion. I totally agree with your comment.

Hey Autumn. I think there is some quality about him that draws people in.

Keith said...

Thanks Noemie. Cheers!

Maggi said...

I have to say that I really enjoyed the first Craig as Bond movie. Plus, I loved the intro song! lol I think he makes a great Bond.

Keith said...

Hey Maggi. Thanks. Glad to see you like him as Bond. I think he's doing some good work as 007.

erika sorocco said...

I have heard that Daniel Craig is the best Bond ever. I have never seen a Bond movie, so I have no idea. I'd love to see him in action though. :)

Syed said...

I enjoyed Quantum of Solace, but I think it wasn't really a Bond movie. It was more a movie that happened to have Bond in it, which isn't necessarily bad, but I do think it could have been better. To be honest, I secretly wanted Clive Owen to be the new Bond, but Craig does an amazing job. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Keith said...

Hey Erika. Thanks for commenting. Hope you get a chance to see some Bond movies. DC is a really good 007.

Hey Dapper. Thanks. QOS wasn't a bad movie. Just not great. It would have been a better action movie if it wasn't featuring Bond. It wasn't a Bond film. It was more like a Bourne film. There are plenty of people who definitely wanted Clive as 007.

Anonymous said...

He is so awesome, so sexy, and so fab. He is also very believable and he helps to take out the "cheese factor" I think Brosnan brought to the role. Obviously, everyone loves Connery cuz he sort of invented the role. But Craig is amazing as well

GYPSYWOMAN said...

you know, i think daniela above is absolutely right - clive owen would be the perfect bond! he has that intensity that i just don't see in craig - haven't yet seen quantum but couldn't tell you how many times i've seen casino - again, another great post on some of the greats of the great, keith! thanks so much for sharing -

and thanks for coming by one of my places - oh, and i've meant to ask or mention, if you've not already, perhaps you'd like to browse through my words unspoken blog - let me know what you think should you be so inclined - would love your feedback!

have a great remainder of the weekend!

C A said...

HI DARLING, GREAT POST, THANKS FOR SHARING! HAVE A GOOD WKD

@ MAISONCHAPLIN.BLOGSPOT.COM

Keith said...

Hey Clare. Wow. I take it you like Daniel Craig as Bond. lol I totally understand where you're coming from. I agree about the cheese factor that had been there. That's been stripped out for a more cold and ruthless agent.

Hey Gypsy. Thanks. I do think Clive Owen would have been a good Bond. I do like Daniel Craig though. I do prefer CR over QOS. I enjoy your blogs. I'll be sure to check that out asap. I always appreciate your comments here. Take care.

Hey Maison. Thanks. Hope you're having a great weekend.

Marcos Callau said...

Sorry but I prefer Sean Connery... always Connery. I think Craig should be a new man...not so Bond, he's different.

yyam said...

Okay, I must admit that when Daniel Craig was first cast, I was flabbergasted because I thought he was ugly. He was great in Casino Royale though...I think he portrayed the inexperience and vulnerability very well...and the action sequences were very well shot.

Unknown said...

oww... really perfect... james bond
kisses, keith

Unknown said...

Daniel Craig is my favorite bond ever. Nothing more to say.
XOXOX
Libby
http://fashionconfectionairy.weebly.com

Keith said...

Hey Dana. Thanks for commenting. Connery will always be my favorite Bond. They won't do away with the franchise because it makes way too much money. They'll be making Bond movies hundreds of years in the future.

Hey Yyam. Thanks. Some people think he's good looking and others think he's ugly. He does have a different type of look about him. He did do a really good job in Casino Royale.

Hey Fashion. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I always love hearing from you.

Hey Libby. Thanks. I can definitely tell you're a fan of Daniel Craig.

Katarina Kühl ~ PencilFashion said...

i'm doing fine, thanks so much!

i already mentioned it and i will say it again: daniel craig is such a great bond, he's my fave!

wish you a wonderful week :)

Keith said...

Thanks Kat. Glad you like DC. Take care. Hope you're enjoying the weekend.

Mrs. M. said...

i agree with you that QOS was missing something. Casino Royale on the other hand was nonstop action from beginning to end. i recall watching the beginning and thinking "wow! This has got to be the longest running action scene ever!" DC is my favorite Bond because he can take a punch. My husband disagrees though. he doesnt think a real Bond would let himself get punched. He is for sure a die hard Brosnan devotee. In fact, that's one of his favorite actors along with Nic Cage.

Noshabelle said...

I actually like Daniel Craig as Mr Bond - he's hot! Casino Royale was great :)

Want to exchange links?

Keith said...

Hey Mrs. M. I think Bond should be tough and suave. He should dress well and know about the finer things in life. At the same time he should be able to kill a man with his bare hands. I think DC is doing a good job so far. I hope that the next movie will be better than QOS. My dad is a big Nic Cage fan.

Hey Nosh. Sure. I'd love to exchange links.

drollgirl said...

i think he is smokin' hot! and that was the only bond movie that held my interest in the LONGEST time. so i give him a thumbs up!

TMFA said...

I actually like Quantum of Solace better, but that is because of the opera scene (music, no speech, pursuit). I did not like Casino Royale that much, I must be one of few.... :(

Keith said...

Hey Man. There were parts I loved in QOS. I do love that opera scene. I think I would have enjoyed it better if it wasn't so short.

Hey Droll. That's so cool. Glad you like him.