When there isn't a huge action sequence happening, you don't miss it: the film's longest set-piece, the poker game at the Casino Royale, is as (or not more) gripping and entertaining than any of the chases and shoot-outs. Whilst the film has enough of it's fair share of action, the emphasis is equally on character and storyline and less on gadgets and sheer implausibility. Also, the story is just much more engaging than many a Bond film the script's not going to win awards but it's consistently inventive and intriguing. The violence is less cartoon-like and flippant, too, with every punch, kick and shooting looking like they really hurt. He's charming and funny when required and totally convincing in the action sequences.

Here, as suits the overall tone of the film, Bond is much more of a sadist, a cold-hearted killer with very little sense of empathy and Craig, with his piercing eyes, suits the role very well. It's hard to say whether he's better than any of the other Bonds: Connery and Brosnan felt right for the style of Bond movies they were in. I'll be the first to admit that I raised an eyebrow when I heard he was cast but he really makes it his own. In this context, Daniel Craig gives an excellent performance as Bond. Yes, the whole franchise is based on an entirely ridiculous and cartoonish notion but the more serious and harder-edged tone works really well here. What gives this the lead over recent Bonds is the more realistic feel: the exotic locales, fast cars, spectacular action, beautiful women and many other Bond hallmarks are all here but gone is the campy tone that marred, say, Die Another Day. Martin Campbell, who also made 'Goldeneye', was an excellent choice and, for me, is one of the best Bond directors. The action sequences are brilliantly shot and edited for maximum impact and are some of the best out of any Bond movie.

The tone is much edgier and nastier than the Brosnan movies, harking back more to Dr. I saw this at a cast and crew screening in London last weekend: I'm not a huge Bond fan, but I do enjoy them on a purely popcorn level and this was definitely one of the best in recent memory.

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