Is Casino Royale the Best Bond Film?

The debate over which of the many great films in the James Bond canon is the best could go on and on for decades. The series has produced some excellent films that balance action and drama around Agent 007 while on Her Majesty’s Secret Service. 

The films have helped define what an action movie can accomplish and set the standard for film franchises that series like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Harry Potter films have tried to emulate, somehow managing to make each movie distinctive and yet fit perfectly into the wider canon.

Casino Royale has quickly become a fan favourite and is one of the most financially successful Bond films of any era, but is it the best Bond film? This is what we are going to try and find out.

Humble Beginnings

The first James Bond film, Dr. No starring Sean Connery in the title role, didn’t just define the James Bond character, but helped define the modern action movie, giving audiences something they hadn’t experienced before at the time.

The movie didn’t quite have all the excesses we expect of Bond films these days, and is a much more subdued affair with less emphasis on gadgets and special effect set pieces, and relies on the locations and Sean Connery’s suave delivery to give the film depth and sophistication. Though this film is still a joy to watch today, it struggles to compete with the later films, though does deserve some recognition as the film that started it all.

The Roger Moore Era

For many movie fans, Roger Moore’s portrayal of James Bond is the one they know best and possibly saw first. During the 1970s and early 80s, the movies were given a huge boost in budget and saw a global rise in their popularity. Sadly, these films have not stood the test of time. They look quite dated, the action and gadgetry seem too much, and it is difficult to suspend your disbelief while watching. Though there are some gems to be found in this era, like A View to a Kill and Moonraker, even the most committed Bond fan would struggle to point to a Roger Moore Bond film as the best in the series.

The Name is Craig, Daniel Craig

The Daniel Craig era began with Casino Royale and was seen as something of a reset or reboot of the franchise. The Casino Royale story is one of the original James Bond stories written by his creator and author Ian Fleming, and this is perhaps the key to the film’s success and its lasting popularity.

Casino Royale reinvented James Bond for the modern era and gave the films a gritty realism that was missing from previous Bond movies and their actors. The story has everything you would expect from Bond but in a more believable and relatable style. There are girls, gadgets, and even baccarat in the film. If you want to try your own hand at some classic casino games, why not check out this review of Fortunejack and see if you can leave an online croupier shaken, but not stirred.

Casino Royale stands head and shoulders above most Bond films. Its action, pace, and story make it popular not just with Bond fans, but with everyone. Why not make it the next film you watch and see for yourself?