For some reason we don't discuss films here as often as we used to so it slipped my mind. Anyway, I caught the new bond flick “Casino Royale” on Thanksgiving night (unfortunately, everyone else seemed to have the same idea--the theater was packed!) and really loved it. I hadn't had much interest in Bond films for years (the new releases I mean) but this film has reinvigorated the franchise and I’m firmly back on board. The film jettisons most of the tired, bond clichés and is really more of a straight ahead action film. The new Bond, Daniel Craig, is really good in the role. He’s extremely fit which lends a real physicality to the part and he seems more menacing then other, lightweight, pretty-faced bonds of the past. The foot-chase/extended fight sequence that opens the film is really amazing stuff. I was pretty much hooked in the first ten minutes. Craig also has that ultra-cold arrogance that made Sean Connery so great. The films plot has some nice surprises too and is far from predictable. Overall a very enjoyable experience that has me interested in James Bond films again.

On another note, the trailer for “Rocky Balboa” played prior to the start of the film and it looks pretty good to me. The early buzz is quite positive. Adrian is dead however, so we wont be treated to any “yo Adrian” moments. Darn!