When it comes to quality cinema, the James Bond franchise isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. Sure, the more recent entries are solid, but much of the older catalogus leans more toward pulp than prestige. With one major exception: Casino Royale. Because let’s be honest, this is still the best Bond film ever made.
Back to the Cinema for a Classic
To coincide with the release of The Last Viking, a local cinema chain decided to screen a selection of classic Mads Mikkelsen films, including Casino Royale. That felt like the perfect excuse to head back to the cinema with my girlfriend and a longtime Bond-loving friend.
From GoldenEye to Casino Royale
Back in the day, that same friend and I spent countless hours playing GoldenEye 007 on the Nintendo 64. That game played a huge role in sparking our fascination with Bond. We watched the classics, followed every new release, and couldn’t wait for the next film.
That’s exactly why revisiting Casino Royale felt so special. It was the Bond film that came out right around the time we were coming of age. And what a ride it still is. The first outing for the then-controversial blonde Bond, played by Daniel Craig, seemed like a risky move at the time, but it paid off brilliantly. Even now, the film remains a relentless rollercoaster that never lets up.
A Non-Stop Thrill Ride
From the gripping opening scene to the parkour chase in Africa, the airport set piece, the tense poker game, the poisoning, and the final showdown in Venice, Casino Royale just keeps delivering. It rarely slows down, and that’s exactly what makes it so effective.
Maybe the film lacks a bit of depth here and there, but the presence of Le Chiffre, played by Mikkelsen, more than makes up for it. What makes him so memorable is his vulnerability. He’s not an untouchable mastermind, but a flawed and fragile antagonist, which gives the character real weight.
Still a Big Screen Experience
Nearly twenty years later, Casino Royale is still an absolute joy to watch on the big screen. And that’s quite an achievement, considering how many Bond films don’t hold up nearly as well over time.
So yes, I’ll say it again: Casino Royale is the best James Bond film ever made. Change my mind.
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