A Bond for the new generation

Rating: 9/10 (21 August 2014)

Reboot is often a dirty word when it comes to beloved franchises. Sure, there have been some fantastic reboots recently, but, more often than not, they pale in comparison to what has come before. James Bond is a series which has been running since the 60's so it is perhaps inevitable that it re-invents itself after 4 or 5 movies.
Casino Royale was possibly the toughest challenge yet; audiences had begun to grow weary of the lame innuendos and increasingly outlandish gadgets, much preferring the gritty realism of the Jason Bourne movies. Thankfully, it appears that director Martin Campbell has taken heed of these concerns, and delivered one of the most satisfying Bond movies ever.
As with any new direction for the series, the focus is on Daniel Craig as the new Bond. There were reservations as he was not the hot property he is now, and many wondered if he could pull it off. We needn't have worried, Craig is an absolute revelation in the role bringing an as yet unseen vulnerability but retaining that iconic cockiness that we have come to love from Britain's favourite spy.
The story follows Bond as he tries to bring down some bad guys by playing poker at the prestigious Casino Royale. It doesn't really sound exciting but Campbell manages to wring some unbelievable tension from the poker scenes and there are numerous stunts peppered throughout. The most impressive of these occurs at the beginning with Bond engaging in a free running chase which has to be seen to be believed.
There are a few hiccups: the main villain is rather weak, it's about half an hour too long and it can sometimes feel like a Jason Bourne copy but these are minor complaints and chances are you will be having too much fun to notice.
A fantastic introduction to the new direction of Bond and Daniel Craig is perfect in the role. Great fun.