The New James Bond Bets on a New Attitude

By Kenneth Turan

Published November 17, 2006 at 1:00 AM HST

James Bond first appeared on the big screen 44 years ago. Up until today, the 20 James Bond features have been as predictable as the shaken-not-stirred martini preference of their protagonist.

Now, with Casino Royale, the hero with a thousand smirks has been given a shrewd, and largely successful, attitude adjustment.

Kenneth Turan

Kenneth Turan is the film critic for the Los Angeles Times and NPR's Morning Edition, as well as the director of the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes. He has been a staff writer for the Washington Post and TV Guide, and served as the Times' book review editor.

See stories by Kenneth Turan