The tough thing about making a James Bond movie has got to be the fact that so many Bond films have already been made. Come to think of it, that is the same thing that makes it tough to want to see a Bond film. What are we going to see that we haven't seen before? "Casino Royale" delivers original scenarios and a new star named Daniel Craig in the role of 007. Believe me, you want to see this movie.

Judging this film entirely within the context of other Bond films, I give it an eagle.

We get to see Bond at the beginning of his career in this film. We watch him earn his zeros in the opening scenes and, as a newly promoted 007 agent, embark on a great adventure. With exotic locales including the Bahamas and Venice, Italy, you will never want for pretty scenery to look at.

Of course, there are Bond stunts and Bond girls; there are Bond guns and Bond cars; there is even a little Bond romance in this one. This film has everything you would expect to see in a Bond movie, yet somehow it manages to dazzle the senses as though you have never seen anything like it before.

The stunts truly make the heart race. In Bond tradition, they are unbelievably far fetched, but presented in a way that will leave your disbelief suspended. More importantly, you will have a hard time thinking of any other film, Bond or otherwise, that has shown you similar stunts. "Casino" is a fantastic modern rendering of the Bond franchise, and has succeeded in elevating it to new heights.

There are some corny scenes with double agents, double crossings, and double homicides, but what would a Bond film be without those. The acting is not the best and the script has weak moments, but overall it is a solid story with some good depth to the characters. Le Chiffre, played by Mads Mikkelsen, is not the most memorable Bond adversary, but he has the perfect look for the part.

Craig shines as the clear-cut star of the film, however, and I suppose that is how it should be. He has the look and the attitude that makes him one of the best Bonds we have ever seen. He can certainly carry the load and represent Bond for many more films to come.

Whether you are a Bond fan or not, you should enjoy this film. You will go into it expecting violence, action, sex and all those things that make the Bond movies what they are, and you will not be disappointed.

Learn more about this author, Jeremy Peters.
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