The James Bond movie franchise, which has so far produced 24 movies, launched in 1953 with Sean Connery starring in "Casino Royale," although the first big hit was "Dr. No" (1962). Reviews of the many Bond movies have varied, but
here are some of the best modern James Bond movies reported by Rotten Tomatoes.
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"Casino Royale" (2006)
A remake of the original James Bond movie, the modern "Casino Royale" introduced Daniel Craig as a more sophisticated, more arrogant, more vulnerable, and perhaps
more human Bond version, according to Claudia Puig's review in USA Today. Puig added that Craig's "menacing, but human, interpretation of the spy adds an intriguing dimension to the role and has reignited a rather tired and predictable series."
The story revolves around a high stakes poker game and Bond's attempt to prevent Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) from winning large sums of money that would ensure Le Chiffre's safety while financing terrorists.
"Skyfall" (2012)
The release of "Skyfall" marked James Bond's 50th year, earning high praise as it breathed new life into the series.
Roger Ebert's review called this modern James Bond movie "one of the best Bonds ever" and "a full-blooded, joyous, intelligent celebration of a beloved cultural icon."
In this film, MI6 comes under attack when an important hard drive is stolen. The agents' identities and missions are compromised, and M (Judi Dench) faces opposition from inside and outside the agency. Bond (Daniel Craig) pursues the villain, Silva (Javier Bardem), who has a history with M and seeks revenge.
With high-energy action spanning multiple continents, "Skyfall" delivers what Peter Bradshaw of
The Guardian called "the right position on the spectrum between extravagance and realism."
"Die Another Day" (2002)
"Die Another Day" stars Pierce Brosnan as Agent 007 in a tale of North Korean terrorists, a diamond mogul, and a space weapon. A. O. Scott of
The New York Times called it "a big, noisy blend of globe-trotting, coy sexuality and cartoonish political intrigue, solidly in the Bond tradition."
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Roger Ebert's review noted that this modern James Bond movie "is still utterly absurd from one end to the other, of course, but in a slightly more understated way. And so it goes, Bond after Bond, as the most durable series in movie history heads for the half-century." He added "there is no reason to believe this franchise will ever die. I suppose that is a blessing."