Quantum of Solace Movie Review

MOVIE REVIEW: QUANTUM OF SOLACE

11/13/08

SYNOPSIS: QUANTUM OF SOLACE continues the high octane adventures of James Bond (DANIEL CRAIG) in CASINO ROYALE. Betrayed by Vesper, the woman he loved, 007 fights the urge to make his latest mission personal. Pursuing his determination to uncover the truth, Bond and M (JUDI DENCH) interrogate Mr White (JESPER CHRISTENSEN) who reveals the organisation which blackmailed Vesper is far more complex and dangerous than anyone had imagined.

Forensic intelligence links an Mi6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti where a case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful but feisty Camille (OLGA KURYLENKO), a woman who has her own vendetta. Camille leads Bond straight to Dominic Greene (MATHIEU AMALRIC), a ruthless business man and major force within the mysterious organization.

REVIEW: M: Bond, I need you to come back.
James Bond: I never left.

There are James Bond movies and then there are James Bond movies. I grew up watching them during the Roger Moore era and I was inevitably mesmerized by this superhero of the spy world. I must admit, however, that after years and years of one of the most successful franchises in cinematic history, it got to a point where they were beginning to seem stale. Nothing made this as evident as the completely revamped prequel, Casino Royale. That movie was in my opinion the greatest resurgence of a movie series ever. It impressively revived a dwindling giant and brought back the glory that is 007. Well, I can tell you that this film is a fitting continuation of Casino Royale and in comparison, it is just as good. The action is realistic, intense, and rugged, James gets royally banged up, the stakes are high, the risk is great, the emotions are flaring, and the determination is unstoppable. This is not your typical cutesy Bond movie where he’s always in a tux looking pretty, drinking vodka martinis, and cracking jokes. This is the real thing. It’s like James Bond crossed with Jason Bourne.

I was skeptical when I first heard of Daniel Craig playing the timeless role of 007. He is blond and not very pretty. But he is exactly what the doctor ordered. He makes this new Bond that much more believable and realistic by not being so pretty and by being more rugged. His version of Bond still keeps him as cold, calculated, and confident as ever but this Bond is a little more serious about his business. Daniel continued what he started in Casino Royale with another sharp, chilling performance as every man’s man. He is surrounded by familiar faces such as Judi Dench as M, Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter, and Giancarlo Giannini as Mathis. Each of them once again provided excellent supporting roles. You might remember Olga Kurylenko from the movie Hitman. She plays Camille, the primary female in this Bond film. Mathieu Amalric plays the villain, Dominic Greene. Both of these are not the best Bond counterparts, but they are decent enough.

Part of the cheesiness of recent Bond movies was the increasingly eccentric and far-fetched storylines. They seemed to coincide with the increasingly eccentric and far-fetched gadgetry. The storyline for this picture was fresh and intriguing but its development lacked some clarity. One aspect, on the other hand, that was not lacking at all was the cinematography. Wow! Of course the backdrops and locations are always amazing when you’re talking Bond movies, but add to that some incredible camera shots and action sequences that will leave you breathless. Actually, there are some moments where the action is so fast paced that the camera can’t keep up. Director Marc Forster (Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland, Stranger than Fiction, The Kite Runner) has quite a resume. This production can be added to his list of hits. I am saddened by Roger Moore’s recent comments on this “new” Bond. Even though he was the Bond of my time, I will have to disagree with him. I truly believe that this is exactly what the James Bond saga needed in order to get back on top.