The name's Bond. James Bond. (Ian Fleming's James Bond)

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing a movie franchise revitalised. Actually, forget that, re-envisioned. I've been a Bond fan ever since Dad had me watch Goldfinger when I was 5. Ive seen all the old movies in retrospect, watched every new one since Goldeneye on opening day (and usually in a suit). I've liked the gadgets, loathed the villains and loved the girls. Ive debated the merits of the different Bond actors (Connery!) the different Bond girls (Natalya) and the best nemesis (Jaws). Loved all of the movies, but I also own all of Fleming's original books. Bond movies have always been about elaborate death schemes, big opening sequences with theme songs and witty (or sleazy) one liners. The James Bond of the novels is darker, more disturbed. He dislikes his job - actually he dislikes himself - but he knows that the only thing that he is suited for in life is to be a 00. He drinks heavily, he drives fast, and he is tough, arrogant, and willing to succede at any cost. It's all he knows how to do.

Every Bond movie produced by Broccoli Productions (and therefore every Bond movie considered canon) since the first, Dr No in 1962 has had the title "Ian Fleming's James Bond in....." , but this movie is the first one to actually live up to that title. Casino Royale was the first book written by Fleming, and it is fitting that they have returned to this story for a re-boot of the franchise. The theme song is great (Chris Cornell, of Soundgarden and Audioslave), the sets are exotic and brilliant, and the camera and sound quality what you expect from a big action film. The plot of the book has been seized, updated and expanded into a 2.5 hour adventre that re-introduces us to Bond on his first mission as a 00. Some liberties have been taken, but all the major plot cues are still exactly as they are written originally. This movie IS James Bond as he always should have been.

From the beginning, where we finally learn how the man became a 00, we follow Bond through his first mission to take down a terrorist operation (backed by a terrorist financier, Le Chiffre). Bond gives it his all and faces down an entire army (and a construction site) only to find his cover almost blown and himself in disgrace with MI-6. Of course, this is Bond as we've always loved him. Instructed to take some time off and re-think his position as an agent, Bond naturally forgets the agency all together and goes straight after the bad guy by himself. Bond saves the day, and earns his way back into active service, sent up Le Chiffre in a high stakes poker game at the Casino Royale. Cue Brassy Bond music, a beautiful agent (Vesper Lynd), the fast car (Aston Martin DB7) and a gun. Nothing else needed. Actually, one other thing needed - A dry martini 'Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel Got it?'

I'm not going to spoil the rest. There's heaps more to come, but I suggest you go see it for yourself.