Year Released 2008
Duration 106
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Quantum of Solace
Editorial ReviewMovie Summary
Movie Genre:
Action
Rated:
M
Director:
Marc Forster
Starring:
Daniel Craig, Gemma Arterton, Jesper Christensen, Judi Dench, Mathieu Amalric, Olga Kurylenko
Editorial Review
Has the Bond re-boot jumped the shark already? No, and more's the pity, because the Tuxedo-clad super-spy leaping across a moat filled with Great Whites (frickin' lasers attached to their heads optional) might be what Quantum Of Solace needs most.
The depressed and hard-drinking 007 returns, ostensibly hellbent on killing Vesper Lyn's killers, even if he can't bring himself to admit that he really cared about her. But whereas Daniel Craig's flinty take on the one-time one-liner-spouting agent felt fresh and edgy (if somewhat Bourne again) in Casino Royale, this continuation comes off as a tad dour.
Director Marc Forster tries hard to energise us and sometimes succeeds, mostly by virtue of throwing everything that's not nailed down at the audience. Case in point: there are three hectic chases in the first 15 minutes. While proficient and admirably break-neck in pace, none creates the excitement of the crane shenanigans of Casino Royale.
Such emphasis on action comes at the expense of what was so wonderful about its predecessor – character development and cat-and-mouse tension. The scriptwriters seem to have forgotten that the Bond-Vesper interplay was that film's heart, while its most suspenseful sequence was simply a bunch of people playing cards. And while Casino Royale's plot tended to the murky, it was these moments that kept up caring.
Here we have a super-villain who wants to rule the world through increased utility bills (zzzzzz), who organises conference calls with his co-conspirators at the opera (huh?) and who's silly enough to enact his grand plans in a hotel that's not only built in the middle of a tractless desert (why?) but also seems to be constructed from firelighters (oh, the humanity!).
Michael Adams
Tell us what you think
8 comments
David: I saw the movie twice. The first time I wasn't too sure. The second time it was great. (03 January 2009)
Mac: I agree with the review. This Bond really lacked the tension present in all other films. From the very start (although we of course know) it was patently obvious that Bond would get his man. He never once appeared threatened in the whole film, and despite what others have to say there was no charm or wit as is the usual 'cheese factor' in Bond. It failed to live up to the lofty standards of Bond films and barely lifted an eyebrow when comparing it to the cold hard brilliant action of the Bourne Trilogy. The director just seemed bereft of ideas. Very disappointing following the incredibly good Casino Royale! (16 December 2008)
scott: This was a really good action spy film. Unlike the other bond movies where he sleeps with 5 woman and save the world he comes out looking like a real spy and he plays the part really well (08 December 2008)
Gabrielle: Its great, really great! To see Daniel Craig in his white jeans and black polo is worth the admission price. The Review is not close to accurate and in fact woudl go so far as what ever it says I would say the opposite, wondering what film you saw Michael Adams! (02 December 2008)
Terrible review: Lift your game citysearch, this tells people nothing of what is a great piece of adventure. How about genuine down to earth reviews from normal people instead of smart arse attempts to show your intellect? I loved it, and so will millions, get your nose out of the air and treat us as normal people. (24 November 2008)
sam: This movie's really good! (22 November 2008)
Jane: Phwoar. Can't wait for the whole movie if the trailer is that sexy! (22 November 2008)
Harry Georgatos: This is an extremely satisfying piece of spy storytelling that adults can sink their teeth into without being offended. Craig for the first time makes Bond look like a real spy in real situations. The other Bond's are more suited to a cartoonish world of comic-book spies. If people are honest Roger Moore had no personality and little acting ability. He was more suited to TV playing THE SAINT and THE PERSUADERS then a feature film actor. Tom Cruise should take notice in how a spy script should be structured when he makes MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE 4! (19 November 2008)
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