Wonderful

Rating: 10/10 (16 November 2006)

Let's start off by saying this - Daniel Craig IS James Bond. He is totally different to any of the previous actors (with the possible exception of Timothy Dalton in 'Licence To Kill') to play this role. He is just awesome as a newly qualified 007 on his first mission. He really looks the part and excels playing a gadget-less (no Q in this film) Bond who survives on his wits alone. The film is also noteworthy for two great fight scenes (in a bathroom and stairwell) which are just brutal.
Director Martin Campbell deserves credit for injecting new energy into the franchise - much as he did in 'Goldeneye'.
The only two gripes are the title track (just dreadful - down there with Bono and The Edge's effort for 'Goldeneye') and the lack of a traditional gun-barrel sequence. But minor gripes they are - 'Casino Royale' is wonderful. The third best Bond film after 'Goldfinger' and 'Licence To Kill'.