Best Bond Ever?

Rating: 9/10 (20 March 2007)

So, I finally got around to seeing Casino Royale. It was one of those movies that I really looked forward to, and then somehow never dragged myself to a theatre to see. I have problems making dates to go to movies with people, something I feel I ought to remedy, especially after my recent viewing of 300 en salle.
Nevertheless, having finally saw, and subsequently discussed, Casino Royale, the major question seems to be "is this the best Bond ever?"
Needless to say, this is a complicated question. The simple answer is a resounding "Yes". Hands down, this Bond film makes the others look stilted and amateurish, gadget happy and trite.
The more complicated answer might still be yes, but qualified with respect to the older styles, the Proto-Bond statues of Sean Connery, and the understanding that modern technology can make a film look a whole lot better than back in the day.
A lot of the credit for the astounding quality of the new Bond must go, of course, to Daniel Craig. When first I heard the rumor that he might be the new Bond, I was worried, and I kept my fingers crossed for the other guy, rumored to be Clive Owen. I had seen his stoic and quietly powerful King Arthur, as well as the strange but well done I'll Sleep when I'm dead. After watching Layer Cake, I was less certain, and eventually threw my vote in on the Craig side. I believe I was right. Craig makes a fantastic Bond, with all of the charm required and a physicality that most closely resembles that of Connery.
I didn't really appreciate the story on any real level, but I'm not sure that matters all that much. I watched Goldfinger recently as well, and the story wasn't much to get excited about there, either (and what, exactly, was attractive about Pussy Galore?).
Casino Royale's great strength also lies in its hearkening back to a younger, less experienced Bond, who breaks more rules, an more bones. The simplicity of a prequel lends a lot of weight to the production, and moves away from the ritzy, tech-guy bonds that began with Roger Moore.
Bond fans will also appreciate Bond's drinking habits in this film, a far cry even from Brosnan's shocking Mohito in Die Another Day.
Basically, this film is a must see, a Rent It Now, and Tell Your Friends, with out any reservations.