James Bond is nothing if not controversial. Is/was he too sexist? Should 007 now be a woman? Who is the best James Bond? What is the best of the franchise? As I’ve said here before, this is my web site and these are my opinions and you’re just as entitled to yours as I am to mine. I’ll respect yours and you respect mine.

So, what do I think of Casino Royale? If it’s not the best Bond movie, it’s 1A with Skyfall. I was as apprehensive as anyone when Daniel Craig was announced as James Bond but this movie won me over in spades. Sean Connery used to be my choice as Bond but he’s been dropped to #2. Though Bond movies aren’t intended to be deep concept movies, Casino Royale and Daniel Craig brought a different kind of humanity to the role. It can still be a little corny at times but I think it’s much more intelligent as the follow-ups have shown as well. Though Quantum of Solace and Spectre have been disappointing, it’s been a decent run in the last 15 years and I’m hopeful that No Time to Die will show Daniel Craig go out as James Bond in top form. It was nice to just watch it again, even knowing the story and lines almost completely memorized. It’s almost like comfort food, revisiting a long-time favorite. Whatever your Bond opinions are, if you’ve never seen Casino Royale, you need to check it out.