Ian Fleming's James Bond 007, the iconic movie super-agent has had many incarnations. In the character's 22nd feature film, is also the first direct sequel to a previous Bond film. "QUANTUM OF SOLACE" has Marc Forster (Monster's Ball) taking over the director's chair from Martin Campbell (who had directed two other Bond films) and received mixed reactions from critics. After the phenomenal "Casino Royale", expectations were extremely high and audiences were expecting the same quality as with Daniel Craig's first outing as James Bond. Well, being a sequel, the film follows the same formulas and further develops the groundwork laid out by its predecessor. It would be a real great idea to pick up "Casino Royale" before you see this film or you may get a little lost.
Taking off from the plot of "Casino Royale", James Bond (Daniel Craig) is on the hunt for the people who ruined his chances at love. Now, if he manages to hook up with beautiful women, catch the bad guys and foil an international plan of eco-blackmail then even better. Even the British secret service is unaware of the dealings of this secret "Quantum" organization. A greedy so-proclaimed philanthropist, Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric) is right at the center of it all. His supposed "green" organization is racking up barren tracts of land that may or may not be oil rich areas with the aid of shady authority figures and corrupt governments.
Daniel Craig reprises his role as the rough, edgy and very tough James Bond. His is not the Bond that we grew up with; suave, smooth-talking, full of finesse made popular by his predecessors to the role. Don't get me wrong, Craig's Bond is very charismatic enough, but his is the type that gets really dirty and has a gritty feel--he lacks the unbelievable high-tech gadgetry which is arguably part of the character's signature repertoire. This Bond is a no-nonsense kind, almost has a take no prisoners mentality driven by the hunger for vengeance due to the loss of his potential love. I rather liked this touch, seeing as we are privy to a Bond almost out of control and seemingly close to the breaking point--more human with emotional attachments much like George Lazenby‘s Bond. Now don't think that the film is a simple revenge flick, the film actually has some intricate plot elements. After all, a hero is only as good as his nemesis right? Dominic Greene's machinations may not be as ambitious as other villains of the franchise, but his schemes do hit a little close to what is happening today. It has that obtuse grand corporate scheme blended in a conspiracy of modern fear that we can relate to--dressed up as something nice is something quite wicked.
With its fast-paced elaborate scheme hatched up by the villain, Bond finds himself in a very uncomfortable position--almost playing a rogue agent with only M (Judi Dench) as the one ally he can trust. All these results in what else? Fast-paced action sequences that are done with near-excellent precision. The action has that somewhat of a "Jason Bourne" feel and it wouldn't be surprising since they were choreographed by Dan Bradley who did the "Bourne" franchise. The opening act gives you a hint of exactly what you are in for, the car chase in the opening act was exciting, quick and intense. The fights are nicely staged but somehow lacked the in your face brutality and attitude of the ones from "Casino Royale". Nonetheless, it is all very exciting as Bond performs elaborate stunts and over-the-top coolness which has been the trademark of the franchise. I do however, feel that "Quantum of Solace's" action sequences shows Bond as a sort of a super-agent, that he almost feels truly invincible. This change of tone does hurt the film a little as I was really impressed with the emotional attachments portrayed in "Casino Royale", an "invincible" James Bond does seem a little out of place when judged in the groundwork established by the previous film.
I know what you are wondering does this James Bond have a troupe of sexy beautiful women? Well, Craig's Bond has two this time around, Camille a young agent with a past who also lusts for vengeance (played by sexy Olga Kurylenko) and a member of the British consulate named Strawberry Fields (Gemma Atherton). Camille is a character quite parallel to Bond; I liked Kurylenko's portrayal of a sassy, sexy agent and aids the film‘s emotional weight. Gemma Atherton makes quite an impression even with her limited screen time--she has a potential iconic scene similar to "Goldfinger"; only this time it isn't gold but oil. Along with Craig's great performance is Judi Dench's "M". She has that sort of a "motherly" yet very direct figure that can keep Bond in check.
Is "Quantum of Solace" as good as "Casino Royale"? Well, it isn't--but I can safely say that it is a significant entry in this intended "James Bond trilogy". The film is entertainingly action-packed once it manages to hit its stride. It also scores some points on emotion as it manages to flesh out Bond's emotional journey and takes its time to settle down. Marc Forster's experience in dramatic films do come in handy, although some parts of the film felt a little heavy-handed. Plus, the film's main premise isn't really that complex and rather a little too predictable. Still, despite its flaws, the film is a worthwhile effort and does give a strong hint in the closing scene that the best is yet to come--which left me pleased.
Recommended! [3 ½ Out of 5 Stars]
Video/Audio: 2.40 anamorphic widescreen that looks very nice up-converted to 1080p. Great vibrant colors and strong black levels. The 5.1 Dolby digital track is powerful and clear.
Extras: Music video, trailers, On location featurette, interviews with director, Behind the scenes/Olga Kurylenko boat sequence making of feature.
