Review of Casino Royale (2006) by Derek F — 16 Nov 2015

At the peak of the Bond franchise, EON throws away the Bond formula, take's Fleming's book and adapts it to the rules of our post-911 society. It starts as an action film and leads into a drama.

Craig re-energizes the role as a ruthless assassin, masculine lustbomb, romantic lover, and as a nascent 00, he's the first actor to portray a vulnerable Bond. Vesper is one of the best female leads in the franchise, Le Chiffre is an intimidating villain (in a different-than-usual) circumstance.

Dench as M and Wright as Leiter round out the cast. The direction has a meticulousness which makes every scene great.