At last!

Rating: 9/10 (25 November 2006)

Closing on 40 years of age, it's likely I've seen every Bond movie at least twice... some much more. The Bond series has never been a top shelf production for me, but I've always experienced ample enjoyment from the gadgets, the super-villains and their agendas, and of course the action. I'm confident that's true of most males.
Casino Royale has raised the bar, however, and higher than I ever dreamed I would see it. No offense to any of the prior Bond players (all of whom I cherish in their individual flavors), but Daniel Craig is the gold standard. I can't give all the credit to him, either. The casting was as ambitious as it was excellent. The production and directing efforts were spot on, too. I did think it got a bit slow at the end, and that it was a bit long... but like many others I agree that these were good for the movie as a whole and justifiable.
For me Casino Royale is far and away the best Bond film. In fact, they could remake all the other Bonds with Daniel Craig and the same production standards and I'd gladly pay to see and own each and every one. Bold words from someone who intended to wait until this hit video until a friend dragged me into it.
Spy movies have always been too campy for me to appreciate deeply. If this is the new breed, then I'm all for it.