Quantum of Solace

I have always enjoyed James Bond movies, whether they are the Sean Connery films or those featuring Pierce Brosnan. The character of 007 has always been an interesting one, and the franchise has yet to get old. After viewing 2002's Die Another Day, however, I was beginning to feel that it might the end of our favorite secret agent. Luckily, the filmmakers took a break for a little while, and released 2006's Casino Royale. This breath of fresh air was all the series needed. Daniel Craig created a character that was so much more realistic and 3-dimensional, with great complexities and flaws, that he placed himself equal to or even above Sean Connery as the famous character. At the conclusion of that amazing film, I was incredibly eager to see where MGM would take the character next. And the recent release of Quantum of Solace did not disappoint. It may not be quite as amazing as its predecessor, but Quantum stands up to any Bond film of the past.

Beginning just a few hours after Royale ended, the first scene is one of the most intense car chases I have seen in a long time. Daniel Craig returns as the heartbroken 007, a man who was betrayed by the love of his life in the previous film and is seeking revenge on the people responsible. Dame Judi Dench is also back as M. Dench is given some of the best dialogue in the entire film, and, as always, is a treat to watch as she scolds 007 for his recklessly violent behavior. That being said, this is perhaps the most violent of all the Bond films, with incredible action sequences that make the Bourne series look like nothing.  The remarkable lack of gadgets sets the film in a more realistic world of global espionage. 

The audience at the midnight showing that I attended all were cheering their favorite spy on as he attempted to thwart the plans of the films antagonist, Dominic Greene, an environmentalist who wants to seize control of much of the water supply in South America. As Bond travels around the world to stop Greene, he is trailed by the CIA, and is joined by the equally vengeful Camille, who has her own score to settle. 

Coming in at at just 1 hour and 50 minutes, Quantum is one of the shortest Bond films ever. That's not to say that every scene doesn't pack a punch. This action-packed thriller is a great conclusion to the questions left unanswered at the end of Royale, but also poses it's own. The one drawback to this film is it's song. The song, Another Way to Die, performed by Alicia Keyes and David White, is weak and inappropriate for a spectacle like this film. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this film. For anyone seeking a good time at the movies this time of year, Quantum of Solace is a must-see.

My Grade: A-

Release Date: November 14, 2008

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some sexual content.

Running Time: 1 hr. 50 min.

Director: Marc Forster