The End is Nigh?

Surely, a Bond film being one of the best reviewed movies of the year is a sign of the apocalypse?

What's even more surprising is that it's really that good. Daniel Craig is easily the best Bond to take the role since Connery, if not better than Connery himself. The thing about Connery is that he's always Connery, and that's fine - what other actor could honestly get away with playing a Russian submarine captain with a Scottish accent? Craig is a real actor, and a damn good one. He matches much of Connery's charisma, but also injects a lot of depth and nuance into the character. He may be the "ugly Bond," but he's the only one with soul.

Craig may be the primary reason Casino Royale succeeds, but there's more to like than just him. Casino Royale is somewhere halfway between classic Bond and a Jason Bourne film - it strips the series of much of its Acme branding (Wile E. Coyote remains their loyal customer) and replaces it with a few swift punches to the stomach. Anyone who got sick of the cars with rocket launchers and gadgets that conveniently fit into any situation will be pleased. Bond's wits are what find him through most situations, not some impossible stunt or miraculous gadget. The hardcore Bond fans may not be entirely pleased, but to them I say... neener, neener.

-ses