BOND AT HIS BEST

Rating: 10/10 (25 April 2018)

Casino Royale is not just a great Bond movie but just a great movie period. Everything about this movie is top notch from characters to plot to action sequences. After the train wreck that was Die Another Day, Casino Royale was much needed.
Daniel Craig is an amazing James Bond and can only be topped by Sean Connery in his early movies. Previous Bond actors have taken a while to fully understand and perfect the role but Craig is astounding right out of the box. What's even more impressive is he does more with the character, diving deep into Bond's soul. You see how Bond got to where he is and you get to see him in a vulnerable state without gadgets or quips.
All the other characters are great too. Vesper is an amazing Bond girl and adds more to the story and Bond's character than any other Bond girl. Judi Dench is perfect as M and that's really all there is to say. Mads Mikkelsen is threatening and creepy as Le Chiffre and poses a real threat to Bond. Jefferey Wright also deserves a mention as the best Felix Leiter in decades.
The story is top notch with a well paced and orchestrated three act structure. Each act almost feels like a Bond movie in themselves. The movie sticks as close to the book as possible while making necessary changes bring the story out of 1953 and into a modern setting. It does not strictly follow the "Bond Forumla" established in the older movies and feels unique and fresh.
Every action sequence could be the climax of any other action movie. The parkour chase, airport truck scene, stairwell fight, and Venice climax are all choreographed and executed to perfection. While not an action sequence the poker game is also tense and captivating. You never get board and the editing and music keeps the scene suspenseful.
From start to finish the movie is amazing. There are a few minor flaws but they can't even hope to bring down the quality of everything else. Casino Royale is the best Bond film and deserves to be watched numerous times.