Quantum of Solace

B

Directed by Marc Foster

"Quantum of Solace" was in many ways undone by the success of "Casino Royale" insofar as the latter film, a literal bucket of ice water to the face of critics who had grown tired of Pierce Brosnan's limp wristed 007, was both excellent and very well received which set a rather unrealistic standard for "Quantum of Solace" to strive for. Indeed, "Quantum of Solace", although not nearly as good as "Casino Royale" is still a very satisfying action film that is similar in many ways to its predecessor and didn't deserve the lukewarm reception it was given by film critics upon its release.

After Vesper Lynd's betrayal and death, Bond sets out to find her would be assassins and administer some serious street justice. Things go awry when Mr.White lets Bond and M know that he's part of something much bigger than himself, a fact he punctuates by ordering M's longtime body guard, who was obviously and Mr.White's payroll, to break rank and start shooting everyone. TREACHERY!!! The rest of the film follows Bond as he attempts to track down the leaders this global conspiracy and uncover their dastardly designs which, in the case, have an evil eco-twist.

"Casino Royale" rejuvenated the Bond series in the same way as "Batman: The Beginning" brought the Batman series back to life. However, whereas "Batman: The Beginning" was basically just a way to warm up audiences for the jaw dropping spectacle that was "The Dark Night," "Casino Royale" appears to have not only been the jolt that shocked Bond back to life but also the gold standard for the series which "Quantum" simply failed to match. Despite this, "Quantum of Solace" is an immensely enjoable film that delivers actions and international intriguer in spades and in th best spirit of the most memorable Bond films but also highlights Daniel Craig's appeal as a brutal, hard-assed Bond who can not only dish out the pain but take a fair bit of it himself. Indeed, I had long argued (as other had) that the casting of Brosnan had killed the Bond franchise, essentially wussifying 007 and making him into a debonair ladies man that looked like he could barely shoot a gun, let alone win a close quaters knife fight. Craig simply looks like he belongs in these films and his casting as Bond has been a major asset to the film and one of the main catalysts to the series' revival.
Despite all that is good about "Quantum," I will say that the whole thing seemed a bit thin and was noticably less layered than "Casino Royale." I personally blame the script since everything else in this film appeared to be clicking on all cylinders but there just didn't seem to be anywhere for the story to go. In the end, though, this film is far better than it has been given credit for and is a wild and enjoyable ride that is worth watching.