Royally the best Bond

Rating: 9/10 (12 September 2009)

I was definitely skeptical at first upon hearing the departure of Brosnan (and how they got rid of him), yet another reboot, a relatively unknown who didn't look like Bond and even at the title song that didn't match the movie's name (Yes, this isn't new, but the most recent entries, the ones I'm most familiar with had it.) Yet, that all changed when I saw 'Casino Royale' which is my absolute favorite Bond film.
I did end up loving the title song (it's also my favorite Bond theme song), the score is one of my favorites – of any movie and Craig did an excellent job at portraying human, (emotional and unemotional,) spy and action hero.
It also doesn't hurt that I love poker and even those scenes were exciting, though unrealistic. For example, it maybe one thing to work your opponent all-in with your trip Aces to his three Kings, but the final hand – can't give that away, but the odds of four great hands – all on the final hand dealt – was laughable to me. And ironically enough, most poker movies, aside from 'Rounders,' are a complete bore, so at least this one made it exciting.
The only other flaw I could think of was the length; oh, how they could have cut 30 minutes out of this. (SEE: the train and rehabilitation scenes.) Nevertheless, to me, it had everything in, ah hem, spades: espionage, tons of action, beautiful cinematography (including extremely realistic CGI/green-screen, you didn't really think they were up on those cranes, did you?), dialogue, beautiful women, comedy, twists, cons and wonderful worldwide locales. I even loved the immediate and stylish B&W opening which shows some action, followed by the opening song/credits and boom: a thrilling chase scene – my favorite of the many great ones in the film.
The movie starts with a bang, and quickly gets Bond his double-0 status. He's quickly establishes himself as worthy of the job and is on the trail of a terrorist banker.
Though some might complain by comparing it to previous Bond films, I didn't at all. This is a REBOOT - i.e. a new start. If they just threw in the absent Q and his gadgets, a suped-up vehicle, Bond that flies to the moon or a villain with one golden shoe, it would be a sequel. I know why the rebooted it - the threat of how well made and how profitable the Bourne movies were. I don't necessarily compare them to this film as this is pure fantasy espionage, while Bourne was more grounded in reality.
Final note: I'll say it again: this is my favorite Bond movie. And I thought Craig did an excellent job. I didn't grow up on Connery, Moore or even Lazenby. In fact, my first Bond was 'License to Kill' with Dalton, which I really liked at the time. It's hard for me to watch the other Bond movies now, because of two reasons: #1 They're so incredibly dated and #2 I saw all three 'Austin Powers' pictures before I saw my first Connery Bond movie. So, I couldn't help but laugh when I finally saw what Dr. Evil represented. My partner at the time was none too pleased with my laughing at the so-called serious Dr. Evil, er, Donald Pleasence's Blofeld.