Bond is Back

My readers demanded it, so here it is - my review of the new 007 flick, Casino Royale (no spoilers). As all of my friends know, I'm a huge 007 fan. Thus, there will always be an inherent bias to any review I would give for a 007 film. However, this film is so very well done, that it trumps any bias I could possibly have for the franchise.

The first thing to note about this movie is that it is a relaunch of the franchise. Relaunches have worked surprising well for MGM (the Brosnan relaunch actually saved the MGM company from bankruptcy). Still, the casting of a new Bond is always frightening and risque. Many people were skeptical of blond Daniel Craig as the new Bond, but Bond in this movie is one that is more realistic and truer to the Fleming novels. This Bond isn't a pretty boy, he's a rough and tumble secret agent, and for that Craig is perfect. Now, don't get me wrong, Craig is pretty darn good-looking and has plenty of charm. It's just that when he goes to take someone out, you believe it...and are thankful you're not crossing his path. Contrast this with Roger Moore - I watched Octopussy over the Thanksgiving Weekend Bond-a-thon and cringed everytime Moore was about to hit someone or take a punch; he looked frail enough to snap in two.

The other important thing to note about this movie is that some things you will expect from the original fanchise are different and/or absent. The cheesy jokes are gone, which is welcomed in my book (they were never in the novels, but added by director Broccoli). In addition, gadgets aren't overused in this film. There are a few, but instead of saturating the movie with them, they are carefully placed. Also, the predictable 007 plot is gone. This movie is very true to the book and there are several twists, so watch closely!

Finally, some of the 007 "flair" is missing from the movie, but by the end of the movie you realize it was intentional as this movie is about how James becomes Bond. He's not a 00 Agent when the movie starts and he only finds himself at the very end which is when you see him as the truly iconic secret agent. The movie is a little bit long, but it is well worth it - great characters, plot, action and wit. I'm very happy to say, James Bond is back!

The 2nd Largest North American Grand Prix

Well, it has been quite a while since my last post and I do apologize, but I was working like a dog and just didn't have the time. In the end, though, it was all worth it. It's no joke folks...this past weekend's Grand Prix NJ had a whopping 914 players making it the 2nd largest North American GP ever! The record is also held by Gray Matter Conventions and New Jersey (2004).

I'm particularly proud of this event as I was heavily involved with its organization. I helped promote the event by creating advertising and the nifty playmat that was given to attendees and judges but, more importantly, I staffed the event with judges. We had an outstanding group of judges for this event. Many were staple Gray Matter judges, while others came from such places as Canada, Texas, Indiana and Mexico. Previous GPs we ran had some logistical issues and the way certain staff issues were handled weren't well received by some of the staff/judges. I made note of these issues and jumped into the organization of GP-NJ 2006 with every intent to make them better. I really wanted to make this the best GP for our judges thus far. This event saw an improvement in food, judge compensation, housing, and social interaction. After the event I spoke to many of the judges and they all said the event was great and that they look forward to working other Gray Matter events in the future. To each of them, I offer many thanks for a job very well done and a promise to make the next Gray Matter event even better!