The last time I went to the cinema to see a Bond film (as opposed to the ubiquitous TV re-shows) was 40 years ago! But never one to miss culture on my doorstep I went along to see Casino Royale at the Appleby Film Club. We were promised ‘action and character’. I found the long action scenes a bit wearing – less gadgets than usual, but equally implausible escapes against all the odds. But in other respects it was more ‘grown up’ – fewer verbal innuendoes and, most interestingly, a female lead who lasted three-quarters of the film before succumbing to Bond’s charms (and even then with a twist). And things to genuinely care about including a Bond who showed emotions. But what really broke this reviewer’s heart was the sight of a beautiful Venice Palazzo crumbling into the canal!
