Quantum of Solace

Starring: Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Judi Dench, Mathieu Amalric, Giancarlo Giannini, Jeffrey Wright, Gemma Arterton
Directed by: Mark Forster
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller
2008

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: James Bond (Daniel Craig) continues his revenge on the secretive organization which caused him so much pain during his last outing. Now, he tracks an international businessman (Mathieu Amalric) intent on capturing natural resources from a South American company to fund his organization.

Review:

Tim: After Daniel Craig helped restart the James Bond franchise with the excellent Casino Royale, hopes were high for this, the first sequel in the newly invigorated series. While still quite good, this film doesn't reach the level of its predecessor. This movie is perhaps the first true-sequel in the Bond franchise, so it is impossible not to compare it to the film preceeding it. Unfortunately, these comparisons don't help Quantum of Solace. While Casino Royale had incredibly memorable scenes like the initial chase through the construction site or the chair torture scene, this movie doesn't manage to give us any iconic images.

Director Marc Forster generally does a good job in the director's chair, taking over the reigns from Martin Campbell. This movie is definitely beautiful to look at, as its stark appearance draws our eyes to the action unfolding. The cinematography is superb. The problem is that Forster doesn't let the action scenes breath- they are all so close up with lightning quick cuts that it is oftentimes hard to follow what is going on. The quick camera work does make it all seem exciting, but it prevents any of the action scenes from impacting our subconscious. It also rushes by in a blur. I wish Forster would have shown a little restraint here.

There are a few good action sequences, but none of these could be considered great. The initial car chase is good, but a bit anticlimactic. The footchase through Italy is entertaining, but happens too fast for us to really enjoy. There is a boat chase which is actually fairly strong, an airplane battle which is pretty unique, and then the final battle in the middle of the desert, which didn't make nearly the impact it needed. The film's conclusion is surprisingly weak, as if those involved used up all their ideas and energy to get to that point, and just ended the film as quickly as possible. As I mentioned, these scenes are all good, but none of them reach the level of greatness they need to reach.

Daniel Craig proves once again he was a fantastic choice to play 007. He is so cold and emotionless, exactly what we want in Bond. I love his nonchalant attitude when he's killing someone or in grave danger. I loved the calm Craig exuded in these scenes. He is exactly what this franchise needed, and I desperately hope he continues making many more of these movies. Surprisingly, I thought Olga Kurylenko did a fairly good job as the main Bond girl. She is not a fantastic actor, but she delivers her lines with conviction, and I bought her performance. I again loved seeing Judi Dench and Jeffrey Wright, both such excellent casting choices. Mathieu Amalric does a very good job as the film's main villain. The cast is definitely a strength.

While Quantum of Solace is a big step down from the previous film, it is still an entertaining, solid movie. I enjoyed it. I still prefer Craig's films to many of the other Bond movies. I wish it had been a little tighter, but this is still a respectable, exciting entry into one of the greatest franchises in Hollywood history. For the first time in a long time, I am anxiously awaiting the next Bond movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
Casino Royale, Defiance, The Invasion