Review: Quantum of Solace

Okay, let's get this out of the way right off the bat . . . this movie is not Casino Royale.  It couldn't be that film and it doesn't even try to be.  Marc Forster has a very different visual and narrative style than Martin Campbell and this film reflects their respective approaches to the craft.

But . . .

Narratively, I'd definitely call this Casino Royale 1.5.  It essentially serves as a coda to that film's story while at the same time setting up a larger framework for 007 stories to come.

Did I like Quantum?

Absolutely.

The film starts with a bang and the action throughout is intense.  And yet, this is a quieter film that Casino in many ways.  Bond is very reflective in the story, as he attempts to tie up loose ends, both personally and professionally.  Story and character still loom large in the entry, an aspect of Casino that made it stand out from the rest of the series.  But I'm left with the impression that the films on either side of this one will be the ones to re-watch as the years go by.  That being said, this is still an important entry in the new narrative being established for the Daniel Craig episodes.

The highlights of the film for me . . .

• The opening car chase, its resolution and the wonderful opening credits.  Creative action, killer editing and a surprise reveal just before the music kicks in.  Good stuff.  Probably the best opening to a Bond film yet.
• Craig as Bond continues to impress.  He owns the role.
• A harrowing escape from a cargo plane in mid flight.  This scene more than makes up for the boat chase earlier in the film (I hate boat chases.  I don't know why).
• Judi Dench as M.  The writers are creating a wonderful dynamic between M and Bond and they have wonderful actors to help them along with their storytelling.  I'm glad Dench has continued in the role.  I liked her in the Brosnan films, but she feels more at home here.
• The ending.  Powerful and poignant.  No quips, no explosions, just story and character.  As it should be.
• Still no Q to be found with his annoying gadgets and lame jokes.  Thank God.

My only real disappointment with the film is a minor one, and it's this;  the iconic  image you see at the beginning of this review (and saw in the trailers) is nowhere to be found in the movie.  It was clearly created solely for promotional purposes, because you won't see it in Quantum of Solace.

Oh well.  Like I said, very minor.

I'm already looking forward to the next one.  2010 can't come soon enough.

-Otis