To say I was disappointed with “Quantum of Solace” is putting it mildly. I didn’t like anything about this latest James Bond effort and that’s sad because, as a fan, I was looking forward to this one. With Daniel Craig as the new James Bond in “Casino Royale,” the word went out that Bond was going back to his roots, going back to Ian Fleming’s conception of 007. No verbal quips, no gadgets, no indestructible super spy and while it worked in “Casino Royale,” it doesn’t here.
“Quantum of Solace,” for all its chases, escapes, fights, explosions, has a plot that’s nothing more than an angry spy out to get revenge. And this version of 007 is definitely one-dimensional – he’s a killing machine, quietly believable in his anger, but where’s the charm, the charisma, the fun? And without any of the creative Bond gadgets, director Marc Forster relies on his action sequences, which, unfortunately, are delivered in such a familiar fashion that it feels like you’ve stumbled into a Bourne movie, especially the chase across rooftops. (Although you do get one of each: a car chase, a boat chase, and an airplane chase with requisite explosions.) As the film’s chief villain Dominic Greene, Mathieu Amalric is unimpressive. Despite a creepy sneer, Greene is neither frightening nor intimidating. Model-turned-actress Olga Kurylenko is a perfect Bond girl – sexy and capable. She is a forceful screen presence and holds her own with Craig. Judi Dench returns as M. Ultimately, “Quantum of Solace” is the least satisfying Bond movie with the worst opening song of all time. 11/14/08
1 comment:
I'm afraid the Bond series has reverted to an ordinary "chase them, kill them" exercise. James is without any humor or personality, he is just a poor excuse for Jason Bourne or Mission Impossible characters thrown together to sell a few tickets. We know this film will make some $$$$$, they always do, but I doubt that it has any lasting value to movie goers and will go quickly to video. Sorry Ian!!
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