Review of Casino Royale (1954) by Adam S — 17 Aug 2014

Director Martin Campbell's second attempt at a James Bond film is a vast improvement on his first - the Pierce Brosnan-helmed "GoldenEye" - and is a worthy introduction to the new Daniel Craig era of James Bond.

When his first mission as a 00 agent fails to go to plan, Bond goes rogue to try and track down the source of a terrorist syndicate. After spending some time in the Bahamas, Bond learns that banker Le Chiffre is heavily involved, and MI6 task Bond with going undercover in a major poker tournament in Montenegro to try and track down Le Chiffre's sources. Working with Treasury employee Vesper Lynd, Bond battles assassins, thugs and a game of cards to try and unravel the syndicate.

Starring Craig in his first appearance as Bond, the film also stars Eva Green and Mads Mikkelsen, and retains Judi Dench in her role as "M", the leader of MI6. Craig in particular is very good, nailing the dry humour and suave demeanor of the super spy, combined with a stripped back vulnerability that past Bonds have never explored. Additionally, Green and Mikkelsen make a great Bond girl and Bond villian respectively.

It's tense, dark and funny simultaneously, and set a new blueprint for what 007 should be in the modern age of cinema.