Quantum of Solace marks the 22nd film in the James Bond franchise and the second outing for Daniel Craig slipping into 007’s shoes. It is also the first time that there has been a direct sequel with Quantum almost starting directly where Casino Royale left off.
This time Bond has a fire in his belly and his mind set on revenge after losing the woman he loved whilst also doing his best to keep his mind on the job and stop another ruthless villain. Bond’s target is Dominic Greene, a supposed environmentalist and owner of eco corporation Greene Planet. But Greene’s organization is not what it seems.
If you are after an action fix then Quantum has plenty of that on offer – it rarely lets up. All the classic Bond elements are in place; car chases, a boat chase, explosions, rooftop fights etc. The only problem is that they have gone for that up close camera and rapid fire editing that has become increasingly popular since the Bourne Identity series came along.
There is no denying that Daniel Craig is the coolest Bond to come along since Connery took on the roles in the 60’s and Judi Dench is also great again in her role of M. Ukraine beauty Olga Kurylenko also does well as a woman not afraid to use her looks to get what she wants. But I think the great cast are in the wrong hands for this turn. Marc Foster makes great dramas (Monster’s Ball, The Kite Runner) but after watching Quantum of Solace, it is clear he is not quite at home in the action genre.
Quantum of Solace is a rather large disappointment, especially after Casino Royale rejuvenated the series so well. It seriously lacks any form of depth and is far too concerned about the action. I realise a Bond film is not a Bond film without oodles of action, it is just a shame that the film makers did not get the balance of a good plot and character development to go with it.
Review By Mark Snelson
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