'That last hand nearly killed me'

Rating: 8/10 (12 December 2010)

Daniel Craig silences his detractors with a splendid turn as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007. Craig's Bond is cold and ruthless and very focused. Director Martin Campbell, whose 1995 Bond film 'Goldeneye' introduced Pierce Brosnan as the British superspy, returns to the franchise, and the result is a very classy adventure with some truly breathtaking action sequences.
Described as the 'best poker player in the service', Bond is assigned to participate in a high-stakes poker tournament being held in Montenegro. His target is international terrorist Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) who will be his main opponent in the game. M (Judi Dench) believes that, should Le Chiffre win the tournament, he will use the prize money to finance terrorism. So it is up to Bond to beat him.
The highlight of 'Casino Royale' is a breathtaking 'free running' chase early in the movie which really has to be seen to be believed. It is exceptionally well shot and very well executed. Another major action set piece takes place at Miami International Airport, as Bond races to stop a terrorist from destroying a massive new aircraft which is about to be unveiled to the public. And, as the film nears its conclusion, we find James in Venice, battling to save his love interest, Treasury Agent Vesper Lynd (a sultry Eva Green), from Le Chiffre-affiliated thugs. This showdown happens inside a rapidly-sinking building, and is exciting and brilliantly edited.
'Casino Royale' may not be the best Bond film but it is a worthy and welcome addition to the franchise. It is unfortunate that MGM/UA, the studio behind the Bond catalogue, has gone bankrupt, creating an uncertain future for the series. Hopefully we will see more of Bond in the years to come.