Masterfull re-invention of a Legacy.

Rating: 10/10 (9 December 2006)

In the same vein as BSG, Casino Royale reinterprets and rejuvenates a cinematic legacy. Equal in all ways to the original greats that instilled the affinity so many of us feel for the series, while managing to bring it into a new age, after so long a hiatus from the cutting edge of big budget cinema.
Casino Royale is next level Studio film making as it should be. Perhaps not breaking any new ground, but bringing the absolute best of multiple forms of film expression. Fast, raw, and to the point. Excellent pacing, modern styles of gritty choreography along the lines of District B-13, or Ong-Bak, and perfect Bond dialog without the camp of the last 10+ years of Bond film attempts. Incredibly cast, exquisitely beautiful women, chosen regardless of their Celebrity status (read: Terri Hatcher, why on earth?), and openly revisionist in regards to nuances of character differences. I applaud the makers for using Judi Dench as "M", and Jeffry Wright as "Felix Leiter", their classic counterparts, while great, never played the roles better. In my opinion this speaks of the vision that went into the making of this film, and the genius of the makers in saying "This is different, but the same." Daniel Craig was easily on par with Connery or Moore's best showings, in his first attempt, unlike Brosnan who barely found his legs before his tenure ended.
None of the complaints I've heard of regarding this film are anything more than nostalgic cries of old-school fans locked into a formulaic idea of what Bond "Must Be" according to their ideas and memories. They parallel the exact complaints of classic Battlestar Galactica fan's gripes regarding the new series. I understand that it comes from the heart, as I grew up with Bond also, but I believe this movie was a revitalizing cure to a dying hero. If this movie were anything but a Bond film, I don't think anyone would have complained of anything.
Here's hoping the direction continues in the future of Bond efforts. Keep an open mind people, this is the "New, Old Bond".