A cut above the rest

Rating: 10/10 (24 November 2006)

Casino Royale has got it right. A fast paced story ran, jumped, exploded and shot across the screen. Yep, the tech was there, but in it's proper place, _supporting_ the script, _not_ in-your-face! Of course, Bond still has his encounters with the ladies. Again, they are more plausible than in previous movies.
Previous Bond films have been overshadowed by the 'here are the gadgets' routine and a tired formula, which was becoming increasingly difficult to rejuvenate - 'Die Another Day' is a prime example. The formula is still there in Casino Royale, but it's been turned on its head! The fresh approach has stayed true to the spirit of the original books more fully than any of the other Bond films. Daniel Craig brings out the 'darker side' of Bond very well.
I came out of the cinema wanting to see the film again, and wanting to see the next one too! And I really, _really_ hope the studio/franchise sees sense and keeps the current Bond for at least the next five movies!