After 3 years of not watching any of the James Bond films, I thought it time to get back in the saddle and do a marathon again; Starting with its very first screen adaptation in the form of this, one I've seen before but never since and my word, is it just as terrible as I remembered. Taking Fleming's first novel and turning it into a barely hour-long television episode would evidently have its fair share of issues, everything is toned down for American television, done on the cheap with all of its shortcomings on full display. Its direction is locked down, structure all over the place and acting that leaves a lot to be desired as the principal cast trips over their lines with very little grace and decorum. American Bonds can be done well, but they fell at the first hurdle, ultimately leaving this version of Casino Royale as nothing more than an obscure oddity in Bonds' illustrious onscreen career.
Review of Casino Royale
