Their word was their Bond.

Rating: 10/10 (20 November 2006)

The producers promised us something new, and their word was their Bond.
Once I acclimatised myself to the level and tone it's pitched at I absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed it. Best Bond film since Lcence To Kill - and it is a "Bond film," despite some flailing critics deliberately manufacturing garbage diatribes to the contrary because they are at a loss to develop a truly functional critique.
It has the character of James Bond in it played by an actor with a rare understanding of what that character is all about. This is not a Bond for Brosnan or Moore only fans, but holds appeal for those whose preferences included Connery, Lazenby and Dalton. Those used to and entrenched in hopeless love with the schoolboy targeted pseudo-Bond of the Brosnan tenure will not understand nor possess the capacity to accept or enjoy this movie.
It is produced well, directed with dynamic flair and instinctive Bondian comprehension and conceptualisation (which surprised me, I admit) by the much evolved and improved Martin Campbell, and underpinned by a thoughtful and literate screenplay. It's a classic Bond updated to the modern world. I had reservations, but it's more or less what I wanted to see. There are flaws, it's not perfect, but I think it's a brave and positive forward step.
Much spleen has been vented upon issues of Daniel Craig's casting, continuity and anything that constituted change from the well-worn formula. Twenty minutes into the film, all these concerns and considerations evaporate with the realisation - for anyone who has ever read the books - that Craig's portrayal is the closest to Flemings concept of the Bond character than anyone else's (including Connery and Dalton). It is so refreshing and exciting it gives that "Yes!" feeling when you realise that Craig has nailed it.
On the downside, it's overlong and would have benefited from trimming by 15-20 mins for cinema release. The expected director's cut DVD will be even longer - not a problem for me personally - but some with limited attention spans may feel their interest waver slightly. Plus, the character of Le Chiffre isn't given enough to do and never fully makes his presence felt until the expertly handled torture scene - by which time...well, you have to see the film.
Personally, it's one of the best Bonds and I think it's going to grow in stature (much like OHMSS) as time moves on. I eagerly await the next instalment. After years of treading water, Bond is back where he belongs.