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Eagerly anticipated, Casino Royale attempts to revive the Bond franchise. I couldn’t wait to get myself to a theatre on opening night. That was thwarted by an incompetent Computicket: incapable of selling me two tickets after five attempts at different times and days online, then by phone and eventually by personal visit. For the extra ten bucks they want to pocket per ticket, they can do a lot better. Eventually we made it ten days later… Things have not improved – this post should have followed that viewing. I beg your indulgence

Many things are different. A new Bond. A remake of an existing, albeit ridiculous attempt many years ago. Instead of a continuation, this is the first mission for the British agent – he earns his 00 status and is provided the opportunity of blowing millions of tax dollars in a game of cards. He enjoys a sadistic round of torture at the hands of Le Chiffre and resigns. In between all that, he gets to do what Bond does best. Drink plenty of martinis, drive fast cars, hang out with women and survive fights, falls and gunshots.

Daniel Craig is an excellent choice to play the role of Bond. He bruises, has a wry wit and isn’t a goody-two-shoes like Brosnan. Le Chiffre is not exactly a match for Bond, but is portrayed in much the same way as Fleming describes him in his first novel. Stunts are excellent – the sequence of Bond chasing down Mollaka through a construction site is quite spectacular. The black and white opening scene and alternative Bond intro makes for interesting viewing. The action is fast and furious, though at times a bit unbelievable. Then again, this is James Bond we’re talking about! Only he can have a fully kitted out Aston Martin that doubles as an ICU to rescue him from a certainly fatal poison. The same Aston Martin that flips, crashes and burns to avoid Vesper. Vesper Lynd is irritating at times. The casting of Eva Green a possible flaw, in my opinion. With so many actresses turning the role down, the director was obviously in a bit of quandary.

All in all, this is Bond’s finest hour. A great movie and excellent entertainment. I doubt you’ve waited this long to see it. If you have, get down to the nearest theatre right away. You won’t regret it!