The name's Bond... James Bond.

Rating: 10/10 (6 December 2006)

"Casino Royale" is hands down the best movie I've seen this year. It might even be the best Bond film to date.
From the opening sequence to the last line, everything works. Best of all, unlike other Bond movies, it makes you want to see more. I liked Bond movies mainly because of entertainment purposes, but "Casino Royale" gives you more, it attaches you emotionally to it's characters.
I admit, when I first heard Daniel Craig was going to play James Bond, I was surprised and utterly disappointed. Although, I never liked any other Bond than Sean Connery. Well, first impressions definitely don't last.
After seeing "Casino Royale", Daniel Craig is arguably the best Bond ever. His fierceness and rugged looks only add to James Bond's coolness. The transition Bond goes through in this movie is pitch perfectly captured by Craig's performance.
The torture scene was incredible. I went from cringing with agony, to tears of pain, fists of rage and even outbursts of laughter, and that in less than 10 minutes.
And the there's Eva Green's Vesper Lynd. Not stunningly beautiful, but still endearing. Green and Craig had amazing chemistry. Their relationship was absolutely authentic and romantic. Their lines together made you want to believe it's real.
For once, Bond seems believable, brutal and yet still suave. If they maintain this tone in the upcoming Bond movies, the franchise will live a lot longer.