Sunday, November 23, 2008

11-23-08: Quantum of Solace

I saw Quantum of Solace last night. I wasn't sure what to expect going into the theatre, since reviews have been mixed. I knew it was supposed to be entertaining, but that it didn't feel like a Bond film.

After seeing it, I don't know what people were thinking who said it didn't feel like a Bond film. I guess they were looking for more gadgetry, and thought Daniel Craig had turned the series into a James Bond version of Jason Bourne. But I didn't see that at all. Though the villain in Quantum of Solace was pretty weak, I did like the film. It also feels like we'll be seeing more films with the Quantum involved, which reminds me a lot of SPECTRE from early Bond films. A nice touch, I think.

The thing about the film, at least in comparison to Casino Royale, is that it's pretty much one big action scene. Yes, there is some drama here and there, but the focus is on action. I thought it made the film quite entertaining, which is all you're really looking for in a Bond film. If you really think James Bond needs to be taken more seriously, just go watch Moonraker and you'll agree that action sequences are the way to go for Bond.

I thought Daniel Craig did another fantastic job. He really conveys the darkness behind the character really well, which is very important if they're trying to develop the early story of 007. I wasn't 100% keen on the supporting cast, but they did a decent job. It was nice to see them give a bigger role for Felix and other members of the CIA. The female lead, Olga Kurylenko, did a very nice job; it's nice to see a Bond girl with a sense of independence.

The tough part to buy was the villain. I just didn't think they cast him well. Worst off: they wrote in a physical confrontation with Bond. That just didn't work for that character; he was just too small to pull it off well. I understand, however, that they'd probably want to build up the role of Quantum a bit. Maybe this is just a first step.

Overall, Quantum of Solace was very entertaining, and was a refreshing take on the Bond series. I look forward to the next one.

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