More than a good Bond movie, it's just a good movie.

Rating: 9/10 (15 October 2007)

If you have not yet seen this movie, you need to. Aside from the fact that James Bond is one of the greatest things ever to happen to cinema, it's just a good movie, period. You don't have to be a fan of the series to like it. And if you are a long time fan, it's almost impossible not to love this movie as it re-launches the character we know and love while at the same time moving forward and building on the Bond mythology.
I admit, I was one of the skeptics in regards to the idea of a Bond reboot, but once I saw this on the big screen, my mind was changed. Not only does it work remarkably well but they did it with the story in the original novel that created the character, Casino Royale, and thus Bond is born again.
First off, Daniel Craig ...Bond actors come and go but Craig is irreplaceable in this film. He carries the weight of the movie on his shoulders and doesn't break a sweat. His Bond is in a state of evolution; he's a little more naive, less methodical and more the type to just kick down the door and see what happens and eventually smooths out into the character we're familiar with.
The film begins with Bond earning his famous "007" ranking. With two kills in quick succession, one messy and one that goes "considerably" easier, he's immediately given his license to kill and sets off on the trail of an international terrorist network. Eventually his investigation leads him to Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkleson), a banker of sorts who loses massive terrorist funds due to Bond's intervening efforts and attempts to repay his employers swiftly through a game of Texas hold 'em poker at the luxurious Casino Royale in Montenegro. Bond puts his well known card playing skills to the test, and is sent in to make sure the bad guys do not succeed. He is accompanied by the enigmatic and voluptuous Vesper Lynd, the accountant sent in to back Bond in the poker match, played marvelously by Eva Green. The script is particularly sharp in their scenes together. As they exchange verbal swordplay and brave danger together, Bond slowly realizes he's met his match.
There are 3 aspects of note in this film. First off, the quality of the actors. There is not one character taken for granted and every single performance is legitimately good. Secondly, the action sequences in this movie are spectacular. The parkour scene in the film's first 20 minutes I think has already gone down as one of the most famous in the series, and Craig does much of his own stunt work. And third, this movie has balls. Literally. Through the intense action, the critical story, not to mention a grisly torture scene that will make even the toughest of men squeamish, they really pulled out all the stops on this one. It's a no-nonsense, roller coaster thrill ride that still has something to say at the end.
The film thrives on the whole beginning of Bond, concept. The way he stops and looks in the mirror the first time we see him in a tuxedo. There's even a scene where he invents his famous martini. Followers of the series will also notice the introduction of Bond's long time CIA friend, Felix Leiter, played by Jeffery Wright. But aside from the evolutionary aspects, we follow Bond on one of his greatest, and probably most classic adventures. We're introduced to the character as a "blunt instrument." He's a tough as nails, ruthless operative with nothing to lose. A special trained agent made to function like a machine and somehow discovers his soul along the way.