Shaken and stirred

Very unprofessional I know, but I’m bursting with excitement this week. In fact, I’m incontinent with eager anticipation, writes our movie blogger, Carl Jones. Why? I’m off on Friday for a sneak preview of the new James Bond movie, Casino Royale, a full two and a half weeks before its world premiere.

It’s cloak and dagger stuff, and the security is tighter than check-in at London Heathrow, but I’ve been invited to be among the first bunch of movie critics in the land to clap eyes on the latest 007 flick.

I’ll be sworn to secrecy until the week before its release, as is always the way with these advance screenings - studios want to drench the market with awareness a few days before the films open, to build momentum.

In truth, Casino Royale doesn’t need much of a shove up the backside, though. Who can’t have been aware that Daniel Craig has - in some quarters rather controversially - been cast as the sixth Bond of the official series, after the producers unceremoniously dumped Pierce Brosnan?

I must admit I was worried. I thought he was a bit of a rough diamond, lacking the suave style and ability to deliver the killer one-liner with a raised eyebrow. Not to mention being under 6ft tall and blond. My vote would have gone to Hugh “wolverine” Jackman.

However, credit where it’s due, if the Casino Royale trailer and the pre-release banter is anything to go by, director Martin Campbell has crafted a no-nonsense movie which plays to Craig’s strengths and takes us back to the agent’s roots.

When I’m not at risk of breaking the official secrets acts by talking about the film, you’ll know my verdict. For the time being, though, it’s strictly for my eyes only. Sorry.

So what can we talk about this week? Well the big release is Sacha Baron Cohen’s controversial Borat movie, which has infuriated the nation of Kazakhstan with its demeaning mickey-taking.

The most amazing thing is how he was able to get away with his antics in the USA without being deported. He confronted real people in real situations, and their reactions to him make great viewing.

That said, it’s not for the easily offended. Gays, prostitutes, Muslims, politicians and feminists get both barrels, and if you do laugh, you’re almost embarrassed to admit it.

For my money, better than Ali G, though. And yes, I did laugh.