REEL CRITICS -- double take:Daniel Craig delivers as Bond -- James Bond

Since 1962, with the release of “Dr. No” starring Sean Connery, the “James Bond” franchise has been one of the most successful and long-lived in film history. The popularity of the Bond series has waxed and waned throughout the last four decades. There have been 21 “official” James Bond feature films, which are based on the novels of Ian Fleming.

Several actors have played Bond, some of them achieving superstar status in the process. Perhaps the most famous Bond is Sean Connery, who appeared as the secret agent in six films. Roger Moore also appeared as Bond in six films, starting in 1973. Timothy Dalton played the British spy in two films in the late 1980s, and George Lazenby had one go at the role in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” in 1969. Most recently, Pierce Brosnan starred in four Bond films, the last being “Die Another Day” in 2002.

In truth, James Bond ran out of steam somewhat when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Bond was a Cold War warrior, and the political chess match between East and West was his battlefield. Since then, Bond has been forced to deal with an amalgam of shadowy terrorists, drug kingpins and brutal third-world dictators. The hallmark of the Bond series — elaborate stunts and amazing technological gadgets — had become de rigueur for a whole new generation of action films.

Now, as with other former cinematic heroes such as Superman and Batman, James Bond had to go back to his roots to capture a new generation of movie fans. The newly released “Casino Royale” is based on the first Bond novel, which was written in 1953. A James Bond parody of the same name was made in 1967, starring Peter Sellers, David Niven and Woody Allen. However, this is the first true James Bond film based on this pioneering work.

The central plot involves a financier named Le Chiffre (played with cold malice by Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen), who launders money for terrorists. Le Chiffre has invested his clients’ money in various nefarious schemes, one of which goes terribly awry due to Bond. The only way Le Chiffre can recover his clients’ funds, and thus save his own skin, is to win a high-stakes poker game in Montenegro. Bond is staked in the match by the British government. If he can break Le Chiffre, he can be arrested and forced to testify against the terrorists he finances.

The banker sent along with Bond to keep an eye on the money is the beautiful Vesper Lynd (Eva Green). Unlike other Bond girls, Vesper is smart and an equal match for the usually unflappable spy. Bond and Vesper coordinate the poker “sting” with seasoned agent Mathis (Giancarlo Giannini).

As with other Bond films, the locales are exotic and include Venice, Lake Como, the Bahamas and the Czech Republic. Bond and Vesper dress impeccably and dine lavishly. The usual assortments of gadgets and fast cars are present.

The most important question raised by “Casino Royale” is will it revive the series? Based on this film, I would have to respond with a qualified yes. The plot is a bit overcomplicated, the film is too long by at least 20 minutes, and there is a gratuitous scene of torture that might have earned the “R” rating all by itself. Nonetheless, 007 is probably alive and well due to the dynamic casting of Daniel Craig as Bond.

Craig, who exudes a Steve McQueen aura of cool, is the first Bond since Connery who has the physicality to be believable as a genuine threat. Roger Moore played the part for laughs, and it wasn’t necessary for him to have the athleticism to perform his own stunts. Brosnan was certainly suave but never appeared menacing unless he was brandishing a weapon. Craig has the physique of a boxer and looks natural mixing it up with all manner of bad guys. Like a martial arts film star, Craig can hold the audience until it is time for him to unleash more mayhem. Craig is also a capable actor who holds his own in the nonaction scenes.

Reintroducing Bond via the first novel is also an effective device. “Casino Royale” reveals how Bond became a “double zero” and what events contri- buted to the somewhat ruthless character he later becomes.

In the final analysis, if you’re a fan of the Bond films, you will find “Casino Royale” a worthy chapter in this long-running series. You won’t have to wait too long for a follow-up as produc- tion has already started on “Bond 22,” also starring Daniel Craig, set for release in 2008.

Bond earns his 007 status in Casino Royale’s opening scene. He begins his career as a government spy/assassin behaving like a thug, using his fists to eliminate the enemy, and getting bloodied and battered in the process. By the the time his initiation is complete; however, Bond’s killing style is cold, clean and neat.

Based on the first book in the Bond novels written by Ian Fleming, this Bond is so new, so different it’s better to describe the movie’s highlights to avoid spoiling the surprise of discovery. Everything about “Casino Royale” is different. For example, the bad guys are now post-9/11 terrorists, and the women do more than stand around looking beautiful. Most noticeable, however, is Bond.

This Bond is a 007 agent in the making, untested and untried. His emotions determine his actions. Bond kills far too many terrorists without waiting to question them first.

Double-O’s skills and intelligence are impeccable. He is able to take other agents by surprise, break into high-security computer programs and endure incredible torture long after others would spill their guts.

He has the ability to be an agent; however, he lacks the manners, trust and an under- standing of how things work.

In previous Bond films, there’s never a doubt that he will save the world, get the woman and go on holiday by the end of the film. Here, the usual outcome is in jeopardy.

Daniel Craig (“Munich”) won the coveted role of Bond in place of the popular vote, Clive Owen (“The Inside Man”). Owen was the right choice for taking over Sean Connery’s Bond, but not this upgraded one. Craig makes Bond work. His baby-blue, cold eyes, buff body and gruff demeanor give him license to blend into the role. The Steve McQueen look-a-like plays 007 like an untamed maverick who won’t let himself be broken.

“Casino Royale” turns the pre- dictable Bond into the unanti- cipated. He’s even different with the ladies. He flirts and woos his women. It’s sexier than watching them simply fall into bed.

Surprisingly, the women don’t bare their bodies in the film. Craig as Bond, however, does. It’s the only nude scene in the PG-13 rated movie.

A 007 film without the gadgets seems unthinkable, until now. Bond relies on his brains and his brawn to win his battles.

Bond is back, he’s different and he’s better.