Certainly an improvement

Rating: 7/10 (11 April 2007)

Casino Royale is, without doubt, the best Bond film since Goldeneye 10 years ago. The movie is, on the whole, fast paced, sexy and well-acted. Having seen and liked Daniel Craig in Layer Cake I was pleased to see him fill the role of Bond with such brash arrogance and wanton violence. None of the slimy, lecherous 'charm' of the likes of Moore.
Eva Green is equally impressive as the co-lead. Stunningly beautiful and witty, she is more than a match for Craig. The exchanges between the two lead actors, particularly during the train scene where they first meet, are very entertaining.
The film stays as faithful to the original book as possible in a modern setting, the substitution of Texas Hold 'Em for Baccarat being the most notable change. The film suffers from some of the same problems as the book. Too much focus on the card game itself and a slightly over-complicated plot.
I must admit I liked the ending, and the torture scene was truly gut-wrenching. The cameo from Richard Branson and the featuring of the original 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger left a broad smile on my face.
Overall, from opening Parkour chase to leg-sniping final shot, this film is a great return to form for the Bond crew and well worth watching.