Casino Royale (2006)***
Possibly the best Bond film, markedly different from all the rest. Gone are the cutesy wink-wink double entendres, as are the excessive gadgetry. Bond is about as physical as he can get and the action sequences are unsurpassed while at the same time appearing plausible. The female lead is a weak spot and the film is, as are most Bonds, too long. But the direction is smart and involved and Daniel Craig puts a fresh spin on the character.