"Casino Royale broke series records and only two days following the premiere, unlicensed copies appeared for sale. Craig himself was offered such a DVD while walking anonymously through the streets of Beijing wearing a hat and glasses to avoid being identified." (en.wikipedia.org, 2007).

This year I had a bit more time (don't we all, unfortunately) than anticipated to rewatch all Bond films in preparation for No Time to Die. I remember Casino Royale was quite good when I first saw it in the theater, and upon a recent rewatch, I'm reminded of just how good Casino Royale really is. In fact depending on who you talk to, it's either the best Bond film around or second only to Connery's From Russia With Love or Goldfinger (or maybe OHMSS).

With a great back to his roots script focusing on character development and plot, the film's pacing although measured, had only a few sluggish spots near the end. The overall acting was outstanding across the board. Eva Green played Vesper Lynd, a new and improved Bond girl with both beauty and brains (about time), while Craig turned Bond into an exceptional version of Ian Fleming's ruthless but flawed killer. The three major action set pieces were fantastic, especially the jaw dropping action sequence involving the cranes in Madagascar.

I definitely think Casino Royale can be considered one of the best Bond films ever made, but I do however have FRWL to rewatch. But as they like to say, "James Bond Will Return...", and so will my FRWL review...