Review: Quantum of Solace – James Bond

Quantum of Solace – James Bond
2.5 Lloyd’s – NOT Family-Friendly
PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action and some sexual content.

The 22nd James Bond adventure flick hits 3,451 screens in the United States this weekend. Quantum of Solace has already earned over $160 million outside the U.S. as of last weekend. Now it’s set to sweep the box office on this side of the pond this weekend. It will no doubt be a big winner, no matter what the critics say. After all, it’s the James Bond franchise! Quantum of Solace is also the only wide release movie hitting the big screen this weekend. That’s probably a good idea as far as other movies go.

After all, who wants to go up against…

Bond…James Bond

Betrayed by Vesper, the woman he loved, 007 finds himself fighting the urge to make his latest mission personal. Determined to uncover the truth, no matter what, Bond and M interrogate Mr. White who reveals the organization which blackmailed Vesper is far more complex and dangerous than anyone imagined. In the midst of tracking down a mole, forensic intelligence links an Mi6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti where a case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful, but feisty Camille. She’s a woman who’s on her own vendetta. Of course, as usual, in a minefield of treachery, murder and deceit, James Bond allies himself with some old friends in the battle to uncover the truth. As he gets closer to finding the man responsible for the betrayal of Vesper, 007 must also keep one step ahead of the CIA, the terrorists, and even M, to unravel the sinister plan of Dominic Greene.

Right out of the gate I have to say this Bond movie is better than the 2006 debut of Daniel Craig as James Bond. In Casino Royale it seemed Craig almost over-acted at times trying to prove he was indeed worthy of the role. Such is not the case with Quantum of Solace. Craig seems more comfortable with the Bond character this time around. But, that’s not to say this flick does not have it’s problems too. First off, unlike most Bond movies, Quantum of Solace is not really a stand alone flick like the others in the Bond franchise. That’s not to say the Bond movies haven’t had some kind of thread holding them together. However, Quantum of Solace pretty much amounts to a sequel of the 2006 Casino Royale flick. As a result, if you didn’t see Casino Royale, you will probably find yourself lost at times trying to connect plot lines.

Secondly, when I see a James Bond movie, I’m not interested in any kind of a political or environmental agenda. Bond movies are best viewed for bombs and booms. But, it didn’t take me long to figure out that when the company of the villain was named Greene, after him, that we would end up with some kind of an environmental statement. That’s exactly what happened. In the midst of intrigue, suspense, and spy fun, Quantum of Solace also pushes a Global Warming agenda. This is truly sad when it comes to script writing, especially when it’s linked to the Bond franchise. All those connected with the latest Bond movie should be ashamed of themselves for pushing the Global Warming agenda in the midst of a 007 flick.

Finally, this is not my Daddy’s Bond. I remember my Dad watching the earlier Bond movies because of the spy fun. While there are lots of bombs and booms in this flick, and while the car chases are a plenty, there are no gadgets. In my opinion, a James Bond with no gadgets, just isn’t Bond. But then again, this relates directly to the fact that those involved in the Bond franchise now are trying to cast the 007 Mi6 agent as something different. Instead of being a gadget Bond, he’s more of a Bruce Willis Die Hard light Bond.

In the end, Quantum of Solace is action packed, and special effects packed, just as expected. But, at times the special effects are overdone and overwhelming. While closure does come for both Bond and his new associate Camille, the over-blown effects muddle an already struggling plot line trying to come up for air.

Enjoy the show!
Dr. Rus