Finally, Somebody Who Rivals Connery

Rating: 10/10 (20 May 2007)

It has been more than two decades since Sean Connery appeared as the suave, sophisticated super-spy that many millions have come to know and love. And, for me at least, it has been equally as long since the role has been occupied by somebody worthy of it.
That was, until now.
Casino Royale was plagued with doubt prior to release (a blonde playing Bond?!?), but that doubt was unwarranted to say the least. Daniel Craig delivers a smashing performance as a slightly darker, slightly more violent, and incredibly more entertaining Bond than we've seen in a long time. And, as others have noted, he is the closest to Fleming's Bond as has ever appeared on screen.
A modern update (the film seems to be set in 2006) of an old franchise, Casino Royale crackles with intensity from the opening black and white frames to the dazzling finish, and with new style and flare, too. The Bond Girl(s) are, for once, used more as sideshows and plot elements than eye candy. The technologies utilized are more function than flare. And, perhaps more important than anything else, Bond actually suffers loss and copes with serious injuries.
Add to this the fact that there is a marvelous supporting cast (perhaps not from Eva Green, but definitely from Mads Mikkelsen), and some simply eye-popping chase scenes (I'm thinking of the one foot chase near the opening of the film), and you have a formula for success that is simply unparalleled.
Definitely more delightful than many Bonds before, and it leaves me waiting for more from Daniel Craig! 10/10