The most successful invigoration of a cinematic franchise since Batman Begins, Casino Royale offers a new Bond identity. Based on the Ian Fleming novel that introduced Agent 007 into a Cold War world, Casino Royale is the most brutal and viscerally exciting James Bond film since Sean Connery left Her Majesty's Secret Service. Meet the new Bond; not the same as the old Bond. Daniel Craig gives a galvanising performance as the freshly minted double-0 agent. Suave, yes, but also a "blunt instrument," reckless and possessed with an ego that compromises his judgment during his first mission to root out the mastermind behind an operation that funds international terrorists. In classic Bond film tradition, his global itinerary takes him to far-flung locales, including Uganda, Madagascar, the Bahamas (that's more like it) and Montenegro, where he is pitted against his nemesis in a poker game, with hundreds of millions in the pot. The stakes get even higher when Bond lets down his armour by falling in love with Vesper (Eva Green), the ravishing banker's representative fronting him the money.

For longtime fans of the franchise, Casino Royale offers some retro kicks. Bond wins his iconic Aston Martin at the gaming table, and when a bartender asks if he wants his martini "shaken or stirred," he disdainfully replies, "Do I look like I give a damn?". There's no Moneypenny or "Q," but Dame Judi Dench is back as the exasperated M who, one senses, admires Bond's "bloody cheek." A Bond film is only as good as its villain, and Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre, who weeps blood, is a sinister dandy. From its punishing violence and virtuoso action sequences to its romance, Casino Royale is a Bond film that, in the words of one character, 'makes you feel it', particularly during an excruciating torture sequence. Double-0s, Bond observes early on, "have a short life expectancy". But with Craig, there is new life in the old franchise yet, as well as genuine anticipation for the next one when, at last, the signature James Bond theme kicks in following the best last line ever in any Bond film. To quote Goldie Hawn in Private Benjamin, "now I know what I've been faking all these years". --Donald Liebenson

For the original series of James Bond films, Sean Connery defined the part quite effectively. Since Connery other actors such as George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan have attempted to portray this persona with the same elan with varying degrees of success. In my opinion none have measured up to Connery in the qualities of an international British agent with unsurpassed physical skills, sophistication and attraction for women. None until now. Daniel Craig makes one heck of a Bond! He fits this role equally well. Thus this movie is quite successful. The locations-Italy, Montenegro, the Bahamas- are fantastic with wonderful photography. Some exotic, mind-dizzying technology is used but not too much. There are some exciting action scenes such as in Miami and particularly around the casino at Montenegro. Eva Green plays Vesper and provides some excellent verbal jousting with Craig such as on a train in Europe. Vesper also becomes the name of a drink (6 parts Gordon's Gin, 2 of vodka, one of Kina Lilet all shaken until cool). Overall this is a wonderful movie.The Griffon Trilogy: Pt. I

What a refreshing change from the last few cheesy, old-fashioned, out-dated, badly scripted bonds. Hurrah for Daniel Craig, Jason bourne has nothing on you

Finally got to watch this film, and i am so glad I did. Great film, I loved the action-packed sequence at the beginning. I was not a great fan of the last two Bond Movies, as some of the things in them just seemed silly. This is a totally different issue. The story is a lot better, the action seems more realistic in a way, with less dependence on out-of-this-world gadgets. Daniel Craig is very suitable for this role and is becoming my favorite Bond in addition to Connery. Eva Green looks amazingly gorgeous in the film as well, and together with Craig, they seem to make a very good couple. Cannot wait for the upcoming Bond Movie, now after seeing this, I am hoping the new one would be even better. I highly recommend this film for anyone who likes good action movies.

I wasn't much of a James Bond fan before Daniel Craig took the role (unsurprisingly!) but when I saw Casino Royale in the cinema I was completely hooked. I loved everything about the film but Daniel Craig's screen presence was the main pull for me, he is just so sexy! I've since watched the film again on dvd, feel exactly the same way, and I'm seeing Quantum of Solace on it's opening night this Friday .... can't wait!

(no spoiler)

I've loved all the Bond movies, ever since Dr No.

Yes, some are better than others. Some Bonds are *certainly* better than others. But they're all the the same action-packed, no-brain-required, formulaic-but-fun glorious mess of boys' toys (explained by a grumpy 'Q' - 'DO try to pay attention, 007...'), glamor girls, explosions, wacky bad-guys and political incorrectness. Yep, this is the good stuff we've come to expect from a Bond Movie.

And then they made Casino Royale...

I'm sure a lot of people will love to see Bond reinvented like this, but if you're an old time fan like me, you won't. All the traditional elements are gone. It's all become deadly serious, to the point where it verges on being deadly dull. Or maybe that's a bit unfair.

If you forget that this is a 007 movie, and think of it as just another slightly above-average action movie, then it works. It's not brilliant, but it's enjoyable enough.

But sorry, it just ain't a Bond movie.