Easily Makes the Top Five Bond Movies...

Rating: 10/10 (20 November 2006)

When you think about all the things that make a movie great, Bond movie aside, you think of acting, plot, character development, cinematography, etc. when you throw in the Bond criteria, you add things that go along with spy movies. HOWEVER, you never take out what makes a good movie.
In Casino Royale, Martin Campbell reminds us of this very thing. The cinematography is a welcoming, and refreshing feel to this Bond movie. No longer are there just simple screen shots of Bond doing unbelievable things, but you have new ideas, new camera tricks, and the like. There is a cinematic aspect to this movie, that adds to it, making it better and more enjoyable.
The plot line is not unbelievable. Bond movies of late are filled with unbelievable plots and unrealistic endeavors. Casino Royale brings for a more believable plot line, and one that we can follow. It also provides for a decent amount of character development and for conflict between characters that is not ridiculous or outdated.
The acting in Casino Royale is top notch. Craig is truly a great actor, and he takes on James Bond as if he were the real thing. It is refreshing to see a man who can take Bond and make him more realistic and allow for the audience to identify that he truly is Bond, not some frothy guy in a tux throwing out cheesy clichÃ©s. The supporting cast is also something to boast about. I don't think anyone will fight me when I say Denise Richards is a Bond girl we wish we could forget--her acting is atrocious.
When all is said and done, Casino Royale is a complete movie. It offers something new to Bond, and a realistic, believable feel. If you are a fan of the real, Ian Fleming Bond, you will enjoy this movie. In my opinion, not man other Bonds come close.