Daniel Craig elevates the series to a whole new level, a level which is above spectacular

Rating: 10/10 (23 November 2006)

2006 has easily been the year of the action movie, with standouts such as Pirates of the Caribbean 2, Mission: Impossible III, X-Men: The Last Stand, Waist Deep, Running Scared, Crank, and Snakes on a Plane. Now, add Casino Royale to the list. Add it to the top of the list as the best action film of the year. Casino Royale is easily the best Bond film of the last few decades, and possibly the best of all 21 of them. Daniel Craig stands out in so many different ways that make him the best actor to portray the legendary character. In a word, Casino Royale is phenomenal.
'Royale' starts with an unbelievably cool introduction to Daniel Craig as James Bond, followed by a spectacular chase scene through the African outback, a construction site, and a national embassy. This is just the prelude to a movie following the spy as he investigates the dealings between terrorists and a banker (Mads Mikkelsen), while constantly upsetting his supervisor, M (Judi Dench), and forming an unorthodox yet beautiful relationship with a strikingly attractive woman, Vesper Lynd (Eva Green).
The best part about the film, obviously, is Daniel Craig's performance as James Bond. It is a treat and a half to study this actor as he transforms the character into something we haven't seen says the Connery days. Craig makes Bond a human being, comparable to how Christian Bale did the same for Batman last year. 'Royale' explores how all the constant killing and disregard for morality affects Bond as a person. Bond is finally shown in a true light, as flawed and rebellious, while keeping him the witty, intelligent, and ultra cool superspy he is. Craig's nonverbal acting is phenomenal. Some of the best moments of the film are when Craig and Mads Mikkelsen are staring straight at each other, attempting to read the other as they play the biggest poker game of their lives. Daniel Craig's performance is simply stunning, realistic, and captivating. Mads Mikkelsen as the villain of the film, Le Chiffre, is very well casted. Mikkelsen makes a fine villain indeed, despite the fact that it can be difficult to understand him at times. Eva Green's Vesper Lind is a great character. You'll grow on her more than you will on any other Bond girl. Her chemistry with Daniel Craig helps create a heart wrenching connection between the characters. Judi Dench as M is, well, you know. Once again, Dench is just cool as hell, whether it be when she's telling Bond off, counseling him, or commanding him. Also in the film is veteran actor Jeffrey Wright as the recurring Bond character Felix Leiter, and Wright is great despite not having a lot of screen time. He is really a great actor to watch, and his performance in this film is a great example of that.
The action of Casino Royale is simply fantastic. While the traditional Bond gadgets are toned down (it was getting to be a bit much), the incredible realism of the scenes more than makes up for this. The opening scene of the film is extraordinarily shot and performed. Director Martin Campbell does his job to near perfection, providing us with delicious action, beautiful shots and sets, and gets extraordinary acting performances out of Daniel Craig, Mads Mikkelsen, and Eva Green. All in all, Casino Royale is the top action film of 2006, one of the best Bond films, and one of the most entertaining films around. Though long at 144 minutes, the film rises above that with an involving and intricate story. I recommend Casino Royale to anyone above age 12, due to the sexual content and complexity of the film.
10/10 --spy