James Bond vs Jason Bourne or is it Daniel Craig vs Matt Damon?

In light of the upcoming James Bond movie Quantum of Solace due out this November 7 2008, I believe it is time to rest a crucial debate that has been raging for too long. The controversial question is the following:

Between James Bond vs Jason Bourne, who would win in spy fight?

I believe that the reason why there has been no definitive winner so far is actually quite simple. It is because the question should be:

Between Daniel Craig vs Matt Damon, who would win in a spy fight?

Why? well, ultimately these iconic characters are fundamentally tied to the actors driving that performance. So in order to decide the outcome of this fight, you have to look at what each actor brings to the performance. Basically, we are looking at the men behind the personas.

In order to “objectively” judge this fight, we will compare these two superstars on the following critera: Physique (1 point), Sex Appeal (1 point), Acting ability (1 point) and finally the It factor (2 points).

Round 1: Physique

Daniel Craig is clearly a contender here. A solid 5ft 11, definitely cut (as my girlfriend cruelly said pointing to my gut while we were watching Casino Royale) with something brutish about his ass kicking style.

Matt Damon is no punk either. While slight shorter at 5 ft 10, he is pretty buff and has a certain elegant mix of brutality and grace in his fighting style.

Results of Round 1: I am going to call this one a tie. Both really bring their A Game here and it would be unfair to give it to either of these fine gentlemen. So 1-1.

Round 2: Sex Appeal

Daniel Craig is a hunk. It is absolutely undeniable that his blue eyes, and mix of ruggedness and sophistication really give him a definite advantage in this category. (Oh did I mention that my girlfriend is like so totally in love with him?)

Matt Damon is another category all together. Named the sexiest man alive in 2007 by People Magazine, he just runs away with this round.

Results of Round 2: Matt Damon whoops Daniel Craig’s ass on this one. (Sorry honey! He he) so 2-1 for Matt Damon

Round 3: Acting ability

Daniel Craig is a bloody talented actor. America really started to pay attention to him with Casino Royale where his performance litteraly re-invigorated the James Bond franchise. But anyone who also saw Layer Cake will agree that the man has got range.

Matt Damon won an oscar (Yes, it was for the script but we all know the man was robbed). Really, I could really spend a lot of time writing all the ways his acting is brilliant but ultimately it all comes down to the Oscar he should have won for Good Will Hunting, one of the most iconic roles of our days.

Results of Round 3: Matt Damon, once again takes this one handsdown. Although I really love Daniel Craig’s abilities, you don’t mess with Good Will Hunting.So that is 3-1 for Matt Damon.

Round 4: The It Factor

The It is a special category that separates the superstar from the talented actor. It is that hunger that makes an actor go out on a limb in their performance and just wow their audience. It makes guys want to be them and women want to be with them (Right, Honey?)

There is a reason why Daniel Craig brought back life to the James Bond Franchise. When you are watching the movie, you just can’t help but say to yourself: “Man, that guy is so cool. I wish I was him.” Now although that is merely a pipe dream driven by our human desire to escape our dull suburban lives, it is still a very real feeling that very few people in this world can make you feel.

Now I have to admit that Matt Damon does this too and he does it well. His portrayal of Jason Bourne made us all want to run away from the police just for the hell of it. Also, you always have those “Aww Sh@#t” moments when you are watching him fight his way through what seems to be insurmountable adversity.

Results of Round 4: This one was a tough one. It is so close that I cannot in all honesty give it to one or the other. So once again, I am punking out and calling this one a tie. So it is 5 for Matt Damon and 3 for Daniel Craig.

So the Winner is….. Daniel Craig.
Yes, I realize that this doesn’t make any sense. Matt Damon obviously won the most points and should be the clear winner here. But did I mention that I have a girlfriend who will make me pay dearly if I don’t give it to Daniel Craig. What can I say? I am not a superhero spy. Unlike them, I have to go home to the lady of the house.

….pssst…Just between you and me, I would give it to Matt Damon but as you can see, my hands are tied. Redeem me by commenting below and showing your support for who you think is the winner of this match-up.