Not since 1989 when Licence to Kill premiered has James Bond appeared more human, grittier, and raw than he does in Martin Campbell's Casino Royale. Here we have one of film's greatest heroes, a landmark character with such stage presence and reputation, making a comeback bigger than his ego. After Pierce Brosnan departed from the role in the camp-ridden but entertaining Die Another Day, the search for a new Bond garnered more controversy than some daily news, but rest assured that Daniel Craig is not only a worthy choice, he has already made his mark in the franchise. Like Batman Begins, the series deserved a reboot (despite some of my own worries) but the writers and producers have mapped out intricately the double-0's future with great precision. Casino Royale is not just a good Bond movie, it is one of incredible veneer and passion, fueling itself not only on non-stop thrills but also our favorite spy's character development. So far it has proved to be the year's best action movie, and Craig promises an even brighter outlook on his role.

James Bond (Craig) has just been clearance to become a double-0 agent in MI-6, despite protests from his higher-up, M (Dench). After a high-pursuit chase in Madagascar, leaving a suspected terrorist dead and an embassy destroyed, the young spy is on shaky ground with the intelligence agency. M argues that he should stay behind on cases, but Bond has an inkling about a potential terrorist ring growing in parts of the world. As he is shipped from continent to continent, 007 ties these suspicions to a European financier named Le Chiffre (Mikkelsen), who is funding terrorism via airline stocks he continues to shorten. But Le Chiffre is not on steady ground himself with his clients - he's losing money, which is why he sets up a high-stakes tournament of Texas Hold'Em in Montenegro (at...*gasp*...Casino Royale). Bond is sent by MI-6 as their mole, considering he's the agency's best card player. Yet Bond's reckless attitude and inflating ego seem to cloud his judgement, and it takes a little romance from banker Vesper Lynd (Green) to help straighten him out.

Craig's performance as Bond is comparable to Sean Connery and Timothy Dalton, combining the former's droll wit and the latter's rigid personality. But in essence, his job is so shockingly unique, you'd never imagine that he could be connected to either actor. Perhaps it's because Casino Royale takes such a jaunting turn on the concept that Craig seems to be so spectacular, but I feel he's allowing the character to grow onto him in time. He's not trying to be too different, but he (and the writers, including Crash's own Paul Haggis) aren't just aiming to go skin-deep.