QUANTUM OF SOLACE (007) review by Casey C. Corpier

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QUANTUM OF SOLACE

Review by Casey C. Corpier

Bond is Back again. Last night I attended a midnight screening of the new 007 adventure, Quantum of Solace. Daniel Craig again dons the Tux and downs the Martinis in his second outing as the famous secret agent with a license to kill. For the first time in the long history of 007 films, this was a continuation of it's previous film. For those of us who haven't seen Casino Royale yet, go rent it or catch it on cable, as this review contains spoilers for that one.

When we last saw Bond he had found out where the elusive Mr. White was and was pursuing him with a vengeance for the death of his love Vesper Lind. Quantum of Solace picks up 1 hour later where Bond is taking White to be interrogated by M and MI6, and the action does not stop for the audience to catch their breath. As the title says, Bond is greatly suffering from his loss, much to the concern of M and his cohorts from the previous film. Suffering from insomnia, binge drinking and just plain rage, and wanting nothing more than revenge, he will not stop even after being ordered to by his superiors. As a result the audience has rarely a minute to catch their breath as Bond goes around the globe seeking out the secret organization name "Quantum", who are plotting to drain a country's water supply so that they can profit from the drought. At the same time they're negotiating with both America and Britain to aid them in the oil crisis, leaving Bond with few allies and more enemies as he is being pursued by Quantum, MI6, and the CIA. and at the same time he is both aided and aides a mysterious woman named Camille Montes, played by Olga Kurylenko, who is on her own quest for vengeance against the man who murdered her family and scarred her in a fire. And not to mention that he has to answer to M, played by Judi Dench in what is now her 7th Bond film. Trust me, this is one long thrill ride that made me think that I was playing a 007 video game.

Unlike it's predecessor, this film had a few more staples of the 007 franchise, such as the gunbarrell sequence as well as the opening credits with the silhouettes that were missing in Casino Royale. However conspicuous by their absence were both Q and Moneypenny, both of which I felt were missed. Honestly, Moneypenny wasn't needed because Bond is so focused on his mission that he wouldn't be in a mood to flirt with her, and I feel that her presence would effect the flow of the film as she did in Diamonds are Forever. As for Q, I read a very good interview with Craig in this month's issue of Playboy, and he expressed the lack of Gadgets in his run of 007 films and that Q isn't currently needed. I ask the question that if Q branch was in the films, would John Cleese be playing the character? I'm sure that we will see him when the time is right.

Now lets take a look at Craig's Bond. Once again we see a almost sociopathic character that is a cold blooded killer, which was Ian Fleming's original character. Craig is that character in the fact that he racks up a great big body count, and even gets on M's nerves in the fact that he is leaving no one to question, kills without remorse, and there is even a scene where he coaches someone else on how to kill. Also we see a different side of the character than we saw in Casino Royale, while 007 evolves to the character that we are all familiar with. We also see Bond again carry his famous Walter PPK, and are shown how he comes to use this weapon as his weapon of choice. Personally Craig remains my choice as the 3rd best Bond behind Brosnan and the legendary Sean Connery. I know that choice will be disputed, but that is why I said personally in my opinion.

As for the movie, let me tell you something... this is a heart attack. When I say total nonstop action, I am not kidding. From start to finish we are often surprised by people coming from all directions - shooting, knifing, punching, chasing, and clawing all through the film. And just when you think you can catch your breath, they attack again, and you see that no one is safe in this film. Usually Bond films draw out and you are constantly wondering what is going to happen next, but this film is so fast-paced that before you know it, you're at the thrilling climax without being aware of it. I actually liked that aspect of the film a lot.

There are some scenes that aren't for the weak at heart, but for those who like a good solid action film, this is a Bond film for you.


28 Dead Bodies (I estimate as I lost count in the first 15 minuites)
0 Breasts (this is a Bond film we have plenty of TnA so don't worry)
0 Beasts
1 Car Chase and once again a completely trashed Aston Martin DB9 with 2 Crash and Burns
1 foot chase
1 boat chase with 3 Crash and Burns
1 Plane Chase with 2 Crash and Burn
Countless Explosions

3 1/2 Stars
Check it out after you see Casino Royale

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