I saw the latest James Bond film, Casino Royale, last night. I really liked Daniel Craig’s minimalist approach to the role which is reminiscent of Sean Connery in the first couple films, but he really establishes his Bond as a raw, physical and complex character unlike any other actor who has played the role.

The more things are changed and updated in this series, it was good to see Bond is still drinking Bollinger Champagne and Bordeaux when he’s not drinking his signature vodka Martini’s (Craig has some fun with this over the course of the film). Fairly early in the film, Bond orders a bottle of Bollinger La Grand Annee 1990 at a hotel in the Bahamas. Later, over dinner on a train with Vesper Lynd, Bond’s main love interest in the film, they share a bottle of Chateau Angelus, a First Growth from Saint-Emilion. Last time I remember Bond ordering Bordeaux, it was a Mouton, so it’s good to see him go across the river and enjoy a Merlot driven wine.

So if you have liked any of the previous 20 James Bond films, go out and see this one on the big screen. It’s quite a bit more violent and raw than past outings, but the end result is quite satisfying. I’d rate it a 92