JUST one day after the London premiere of the new bond movie, Casino Royale, Hereford was treated to a special screening at the Odeon courtesy of Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust, which organised the event as a fundraiser.

There has been great anticipation as to how the new man, Daniel Craig, will fare and I don't think supporters of this charity night were disappointed. Especially having settled down to the opening credits after a champagne reception (Kir Royales were also served!)...

However, the blond bondshell left me neither shaken or stirred and I'll have to come to terms with not actually fancying James Bond, having grown up doing so. But surely it's about more than that?

The fresh take on the young MI5 agent earning his oo' is something new and the super smooth, unruffled macho man image has been shed for something more real. I think my main issue was I realised I didn't want Bond to be different - knowing he's a secret agent who can save the world without sweating was a staple I was comfortable with.

Craig certainly does sweat, and bleed, and hurt and he's pretty convincing at all of that stuff in a Fight Club kind of way. He even exhibits feelings - ??!?? - what?!

With less gadgetry and gimmicks but no less wow', the action scenes are a bit on the overlong side (surely, after 10 minutes, who cares whether he catches him?) but I had to remind myself that this Bond is geared towards a younger audience, hence the 12A certificate.

There's a few twists but nothing to go down in history - it doesn't make my Bond top ten.