From a chick perspective - Casino Royale Reviews

I go to Bond movies more for my husband's interest than my own. But this Bond movie held my interest from beginning to end. Even if it were not a Bond movie, the film would stand well on its own. The storyline was a really good mystery with humor, romance, and suspense mixed in. The effects were impressive, but not unrealistic. Daniel Craig is my favorite Bond to date. Mentally and physically tough, easy on the eyes, and suave. A Bond who did not need fancy, unbelievable gadgets to do his job. I also liked that the leading lady was an unknown. In a nutshell, a believable, interesting storyline, a believable Bond, and a believable leading lady made this movie very engaging.