A big 'up yours' to all of Daniel Craigs' critics

Rating: 10/10 (23 November 2006)

Despite the ridiculous level of controversy that Daniel Craigs' selection as bond caused, i had remained optimistic about this new, 'back to the basics' look for James Bond (after all, it couldn't get worse than the previous film!) I was expecting a return to a solid, average Bond film. Instead i was blown away. Craigs' Bond is a real secret agent, unlike Moore or Brosnan you can actually believe him physically capable of the stunts being performed, and he has lost none of the cheeky charm or sexual innuendo that has always characterised James Bond, and yet he still manages to bring a depth to the role that is all his own. Mads Mikkelsen provides a brilliantly realistic villain, Eva Green is a lovely and talented bond girl, and Judi Dench is, as always, wonderful in the role of M...but they all stand in Craigs' shadow. After all the flak he has received via the internet during the build up to this film, it feels wonderful to be able to throw these unfounded doubts back in the teeth if those people who were prepared to write Daniel Craig off.
The Best Bond Since Sean Connery, Daniel Craig has updated and deepened the character of James Bond, all the while preserving everything we love about him. A truly magnificent performance.