Needless to say this first ever direct sequel in the 007 franchise is no Casino Royale; but that’s not to intend that Quantum of Solace is a bad movie, it’s a good film just lacking in certain important areas. Those going into see the new Bond film expecting some incredible action won’t be disappointed in the least bit. Quantum of Solace is from start to finish one nail biting action sequence after another. That being said, this unfortunately is Quantum’s main strong point and sadly overcompensates for the lack of character development and story due to last year’s writers strike.
Picking up one hour after where Casino Royale ends Bond is now after the illusive organization called Quantum, an organization so secret that neither MI6, nor the CIA has ever heard of them, till now. Bond takes this mission to a very personal degree for it was Quantum that was behind what caused Vesper Lynd to defect from her country and break Bond’s heart. This brings M to believe that Bond is out on a personal vendetta, wanting revenge instead of completing the mission. After seeing the movie I agreed, that was until I watched Casino Royale again and thought back on Quantum of Solace; this Bond is very different from the Bond we were introduced to in Casino Royale. The new Bond has learned from his mistakes made in the first movie, he analyzes things first rather than letting his ego get the best of him. Not implying that he’s no longer brash, he still is, just sharper and smarter. You’ll pick this up as his kills become more and more stylish. Bonds motives aren’t focused on revenge, he’s looking for answers and closure. Daniel Craig in my opinion pulled off the emotions of a broken man flawlessly. He may not behave or look like the Bond we’ve come to know and love but he does get my vote for the Best Bond since Sean Connery.
There are many things I would have like to see differently in Quantum of Solace, first and mainly is the organization Quantum. By the end of the movie I had a lot of questions about Quantum that the movie had purposely set up but alas the credits rolled and I had little or no answers. I only hope this organization that is apparently backed by some very powerful people within governments and other organizations comes back with a fury in one of the future Bond movies. Our main villain, Dominic Greene played by French actor Matthieu Amalric was created very poorly. I never once bought throughout the movie that he was a leading member of Quantum or for that matter a credible threat, just another pawn like our dear deceased Le Chiffre from Casino Royale. Who portrayed a better villain within his first five minutes on screen than Dominic Greene could the entire film. And lastly a character I would have loved to see a little more developed, the main Bond girl Camille Montes played by Olga Kurylenko. Who is out for revenge against an exiled General that Quantum is about to put back into power who murdered her family in front of her. I felt out of all the new supporting characters, hers was one I wanted to see more of.
Yes, Quantum of Solace does lack in what made Casino Royale a great movie, but nevertheless Quantum is a thrilling Bond film, and one hell of a good time. Hopefully they can keep this up and help us all forget the blunders of Pierce Brosnan’s last three additions to the Bond franchise.
2 comments:
That's too bad that the story and character development of the 2nd Daniel Craig/James Bond installment isn't as good as the first. I'll just go see it for the action...and the chance to see Daniel Craig without his shirt on...
Hey Jason. I went to see it on opening night. It was....ok. The action was awsome but the story line was way flat. I'm hoping that if they do another, it will have a much stronger story line. How are things going for you? Hope well. Later!
Katie
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