Review of Quantum of Solace (2008) by Ben L — 01 Oct 2013

With Daniel Craig in the role, James Bond is definitely a new man. He has edginess to his Bond portrayal that finally turns a man with a license to kill into someone who could genuinely be feared. However what's truly unique is the fact that his motivations are finally being brought into question. There's an emotional edge to him that makes you wonder whether duty drives him or a desire for vengeance. This is the James Bond I've been dying to see, and in this second film of the Craig era, he continues to push the envelope. I like the fact that this story continues right where Casino Royale left off. The continuing storyline creates an arc that adds depth to both the heroes and the villains. It also eliminates the long sequences of plot exposition and gets straight to the action. And I find the action sequences to be just as entertaining as in Craigâ(TM)s first film, which is a big bonus.

This film continues to defy Bond traditions. The primary Bond girl, Olga Kurylenko never appears to have any romantic relationship with Bond at all. She is tough-as-nails, which fits the character of Camille, and her partnership with Bond is definitely a highlight. I was delighted that we saw the return of Felix Leiter and Rene Mathis in this film as well. Their characters show the kind of shaky alliances Bond is forced to make in order to continue doing his job. Gemma Arterton is actually one of the funniest characters in the film as the straight-laced Fields. Her desire to be by the book contrasts nicely with Bondâ(TM)s constant need to push the boundaries. You might notice thereâ(TM)s one key character I havenâ(TM)t addressed, but Iâ(TM)ll get to that in my complaints...

The downside of this film is the lackluster villain, and his pathetic plot. While we're made aware of a more intimidating organization behind Greene, he is the main villain of this film, which isn't saying much. The extent of his aspirations (at least that we're made aware of) is to become primary utility provider for Bolivia. Wow, isn't that exciting. Mathieu Amalric is good enough as an actor, but he doesnâ(TM)t portray a dangerous villain, he feels more like a weasely sidekick. The saving grace is the promise of something more in the future. Quantum appears to be an organization that could become Bond's arch nemesis, something heâ(TM)s been missing since Blofeld and SPECTRE bit the dust. Despite a flaccid villain, I enjoy Quantum of Solace because it is loaded with intense action and ties up some loose ends from the prior film.