For the first time in ages I can hardly wait for the next installment of 007.

Rating: 9/10 (25 November 2006)

I've been a Bond fan since I saw 'Dr. No' as a kid and was won over by Sean Connery. Bonds 2 through 4 were unworthy, and even though I liked Pierce Brosnan, I can barely recall anything memorable about the last 3 or 4 Bond films. To say I was incredibly impressed by Casino Royale is an understatement. Daniel Craig is quite worthy of the name...Bond, James Bond. Several times during the film, I found myself on the edge of my seat; especially during the many instances of hand-to-hand combat. The plot, though typical Bond, was complicated enough to keep my interest through the 2 and 1/2 hours. For once the Bond women were just right, and Eva Green was refreshing as a smart, sexy brunette, vs. the typical blonde-bimbo Bond girl. As for Craig...the guy can really act and has the muscles to match. He reminds me of a cross between Steve McQueen and Mel Gibson. Leaving the theater I overheard comments about Craig's 'hunky good looks', but I was much more impressed by his talent; the torture scene in particular was quite memorable. Bond is definitely back, and for the first time in ages I can hardly wait for the next installment of 007.