Casino Royale (2006)

I'm not a Bond fan. I've seen bits of several of the movies (seems like I'm usually in a hotel when I do -- why is that?!) and they seem like silly fun, but I've never have had an interest in actually buying a ticket or renting a disc to view one from beginning to end.

Until now, that is. I've enjoyed several of the prior films in which Craig has appeared (Enduring Love and Layer Cake particular standouts) and had heard that this one's more gritty than pretty. I'm glad I checked it out. Craig may not look like the Bonds who've gone before -- but he fills the reworked role beautifully. He's scrappy and smart and believable as a romantic leading man.

Plus, that early foot chase scene is a knockout. Even if the rest of the movie had sucked, it'd still be worth renting for the first 20 minutes or so.

B+