James Bond is back in his new film, Casino Royale, which opened Friday. As the latest 007, Daniel Craig takes the franchise back to basics without eliminating any of the things we love about Bond.

Casino Royale, based on Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel with the same name, introduces James Bond as he first earns his 007 title. Bond is assigned to play in a high-stakes poker game against the villainous Le Chiffre, played by Mads Mikkelsen, funder of the world’s terrorists.

So is the new Bond flick a bull’s-eye or off target?

Bull’s-eye: Daniel Craig

Despite the fact that die-hard Bond fans cringe at his golden locks, Craig’s acting talent makes the new movie fly. Following Pierce Brosnan as the world’s most famous spy is no easy task. Craig’s Bond is a gritty, human character, far from the invincible Superman Bond of recent years. His performance hearkens back to that of Sean Connery in the original films. And he’s not bad to look at in those tight swim trunks that match his baby blues.

Off Target: Aston Martin

Yes, the famous Bond cars made an appearance in Casino Royale. The producers even threw in a vintage Aston Martin DB5 for nostalgic effect. There should have been more scenes with Bond behind the wheel. The only glorious thing Aston Martin V12 Vanquish does is flip off the highway and get shredded to pieces on the asphalt. Though I will say my heart sped up as Bond revved the engine.

Bull’s-eye: Bond girls

Gentlemen, I am warning you ahead of time: You may lose some sleep over these two! Allies Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) and Solange (Caterina Murino) keep Bond a very busy boy. Vesper has the distinction of being James Bond’s first love, and Green plays her character with great appeal and composure. Her wit matches Bond’s, and viewers will enjoy the playful banter when they first meet.

Off Target: Not much else!

Just make sure to hit the bathroom before you enter the theater: This movie is 2 hours, 24 minutes long. And if you don’t like poker, get used to it because there is a lot of playing time. I was somewhat disturbed at the thought of my beloved Bond playing Texas Hold ‘Em rather than his usual baccarat. At least it wasn’t blackjack. I could not have handled Bond saying, “Hit me!”

Bull’s-eye: The Transition to a New Bond

Casino Royale was the perfect choice for the transition to a new actor. It catalogues Bond’s birth as the spy we know today, not attempting to pick up the plot where Die Another Day of 2002 left off. Bond still handles situations with his usual cool, dropping bodies and one-liners with equal frequency. And believe me when I say Bond is as fit as ever. The film focuses on more realistic action, including the best chase sequence I have ever seen on film, all sans gadgets.

Bottom line: Go see the newest installation in 007’s lexicon. If you are dissatisfied, let me know and I will show you why Casino Royale is the best Bond movie to come out since GoldenEye. In fact, you may have trouble resisting the urge to see it again the next day.

What do you think of the latest Bond? Leave a comment!