With its fresh approach to the lead character, its boost of severity, and its return to the source material, it proves to be the jumpstart the franchise has been begging for. Casino Royale is right up there with my favourite films, let alone Bond films. Well paced, well shot, well acted and lots of fun and clever nods to past Bond-isms. One of the best of all Bond movies, and the best in over a quarter century. In keeping with the origin story concept, Casino Royale doesn’t contain the iconic "James Bond theme" until the end credits.