Casino Royale is too much ... for one James Bond

At first, I couldn't believe this was actually the cover of anything, let alone the first edition of James Bond's novel. But as it tuns out, it's Ian Fleming's cover of Casino Royale's firsty. However, after watching Casino Royale with Sellers and Niven, I might reconsider this first thoughtless statement: it does capture the movie's spirit. Perfectly.

It could actually have been the cover of this excellent 1967 spoof. It baffled me from beginning to end. I must first say that a stammering and retired James was brilliant. So they sent a Scotch, an American, a French and a Russian to persuade him out of retirement to save the world once again (from whom, I ask, if anyone who could possibly threaten the world's safety was there. Italians? Brazilians?). And why is the French guy always so, hum, delightful in English movies?

Anyway, all is fairly manageable until we go to the McTarry Castle and The Piper announces that things will be very much insane from now on. All jokes are on the Scots. Or are they? The movie's true colors are revealed and you know then - much earlier if you didn't miss the lions strolling by - you are in for a psychedelic affair. The plot thickens when James is promoted head of the MI6 and decides all spies will be named James Bond. What is more: he sends the Baccarat expert after Le Chiffre. Yes, many sub-plots. And Woody Allen thrown in for good measure.

Not the best movie ever but great laughs throughout the whole experience. I especially enjoyed the auction scene when all great nations bid on blackmail material using their own money and soon, goods from their countries ("a truck full of vodka!"). You may even spot Kubrick's collaboration in some scenes. You'll know it when you see it. I recommend this for anyone over Neanderthal's neromindedness (after all, 5 directors, people!) with the minimum of 60's popculture knowledge. Have fun!

Footnote: What I'd like to omit here but I feel compelled to write: I actually though that retired-James was Sellers. I only figures it was Niven during the credits. I should be feeling a lot worst. But my friend, the connoisseur, thought Sellers was Bond too. Aren't we pathetic?