Bond Begins with gusto.

Casino Royale is stimulating, and has your immediate attention, with opening scenes set in Madagascar. It takes you through leaps, bounds, and explosions; and the aerobatics without stunt doubles will have you awestruck. James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, is in charge of uncovering a terrorist cell and winning at a high stakes & sometimes deadly, poker tournament. Bond's job is to prevent the $100M pot from ending up in the hands of terrorists seeking to fund more ill-fated activities.

This film is worth the wait, divulging several refreshing surprises. Most notable, Bond in the mist of a metamorphosis that has him fumbling to complete his missions with little or no discretion. In addition, he is managing his vulnerabilities to the elusive, Vesper, played by Eva Green; all during his search for self, as a newly appointed 007. Keeping a handle on this freshman 007 is no easy task, yet MI6 Agency head, M, played by the captivating Judi Dench, does it with poise and single-handedly raises the caliber of this film. GO SEE Casino Royale; Daniel Craig has a commanding performance and he promptly puts to rest rumors of any inadequacy of filling the legendary shoes of his Bond predecessors.
(144 minutes, PG-13)