Where to start with Quantum of Solace; A pretty interesting flick to begin with, seeing as it’s the first actual James Bond sequel to directly continue a story where the previous left off. Solace picks up right where Casino Royale left off, so if you haven’t seen Casino Royale [I don’t know why you haven’t yet] you should definitely do that, or a lot of the back-story will leave you in the dust.
A lot of things were done right. The style of James Bond was really nailed; which was somewhat lacking in Royale. There are definite moments in the film where you find yourself asking, “Am I watching a 60s Bond movie?” The climax of the film especially feels classic Bond-esque [ala Goldfinger], which I’ll get to in a moment. The story’s decent; about what you’d expect from James Bond. The villain has a master plan for somewhat-world domination [or control of Bolivia, same thing] and Bond finds himself having to stop him. Once again, Bond goes through his adventure with limited gadgets and more realism. And it works a second time. Dominic Greene [portrayed by Mathieu Amalric] is a superb villain. He really rides the line of being a villainous, hateful rat, without going over the top. The rest, for the most part, seems average or a little above average of what you’d expect from an action flick. Oh, and Daniel Craig is a badass at getting people off a motorcycle.
For the cons, you have to start with the editing. When you weren’t asking yourself, “Am I watching a 60s Bond film,” you were asking yourself, “Am I watching a Bourne movie?” I know this editing is very in style right now, but sometimes it just doesn’t fit. It’s hard to decipher what’s going on in many of the action sequences because of the choppy editing. It also, in a way, kills the Bond style of the flick. The cold open, as well, is fairly weak. Just your standard car chase for the most part. M questions Bond’s actions throughout, like every other Bond flick. There’s a moment where she talks of limiting Bond’s actions and “shortening his leash.” It felt a little too reminiscent of the same plot point in Casino Royale
*SPOILERS*
A little anti-climactic. It’s not that hard to figure out the ending midway through the movie. However, the slightly ambiguous ending is done well. Bond handling Vespa’s death is dealt with, but not beaten to death. Agent Field’s death is a BRILLIANT homage to classic Bond. And might I add, does she look dead sexy covered in oil? Maybe I’m the only one… Greene’s death is also a very nice, off camera death.
To be honest, being a huge fanboy of both Star Trek and Watchmen, seeing their two new trailers was better than the film.
Quantum of Solace is no Casino Royale, but worth the time and money.
3 out of 4
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