Finally - a Bond film worthy of my (and your) time.

Rating: 9/10 (21 August 2007)

**Spoilers**. (Watch the film first)
Although i, like many my age, have a soft spot for Connery's Bond films this latest incarnation of Casino Royale is, for me, the best Bond film to date.
Why ?
Well, quite simply because its a film that successfully explains to me who James Bond is - and, more importantly, why he is.
It just so happens to do it extremely stylishly too.
Quite frankly i find it very depressing to read so many narrow minded reviews of this film from members of this community - many of whom gave it one star. This is a travesty.
OK - so this film makes some bold changes to the Bond formula (and has some notable omissions) that seem to have many fans 'up in arms'. This is just ridiculous, and i didn't miss anything that had been 'left out'.
In fact the whole film had a fresh vibrancy that has surely brought much needed new life to a dying franchise. Those who go on and on about the time line of events being out just don't get that this was a 'reboot' - and even so it has very little impact on the quality of entertainment on offer here.
Also gone are the silly pantomime 'cat stroking' villains and busty, one dimensional love interests. In comes a much rougher, grittier, darker tone revealing a flawed Bond with (shock horror) some emotional depth and, therefor, a believability not seen since the (very) best Connery efforts.
Only this one is, IMO, even better.
There is so much to praise about the film, from the huge technical achievements - like the unbelievably athletic chase sequence near the start - the often brutal and very realistic fight sequences to the brave choice of title sequence - without the usual sexist over-tones - this film just doesn't put a foot wrong. It even has a great opening theme song (sung by Chris Cornell).
There are, of course, also the superb performances of the entire cast - and its these that really brings the film to life. Craig's performance is successful enough to show the emotional side of Bond - one we have rarely seen before. The impact that seeing Bond get his heart broken will have on you will stay with you long after the film has ended. You feel his pain - especially after seeing how much hard work falling in love is for him in the first place. Watching him fight for but, ultimately, lose that love is heart breaking - and really spells out why he becomes such a cold and emotionless agent in later outings.
Daniel Craig does a superb job with a great script (for a Bond film) - and all his early detractors (who are big enough to admit when they are wrong) must have been very red faced after seeing him bring to life the most three dimensional, believable Bond (yet) to the screen.
Eva Green is another inspired choice by the casting director. Her portrayal of Vesper Lynd (Bonds main love interest) is subtle, intelligent and sexy. She successfully portrays her as a woman who can not only take Bond on - but also has much in common with him. She seduces him in a much more emotional and convincing manner than we have become used to in previous Bond films - which really brings their relationship to life.
Mads Mikkelsen must also get a mention for playing a truly nasty Bond foe who proves a worthy rival. Even those actors in supporting roles give unusually solid performances. Judy Dench is as good as ever - despite a small role in this outing.
This film was a very nice surprise. I hope further outings stick to its much more gritty, dark, realistic formula - as it is a hugely successful one that i enjoyed immensely - something i couldn't honestly say of a Bond film in a very, very long time.