Quantum of Solace by Skywalker

[Skywalker]

Following a mix of both positive and negative reviews, I finally decided to watch the latest Bond movie ‘Quantum of Solace’. Although I’ve been openly critical of Casino Royale and of the choice of lead actor in the past, I was fully prepared to wipe away any pre-conceived doubts and fears that had risen during the build up to the films release. So with popcorn at the ready I sat down in preparation along with 7 other people to see for myself if Daniel Craig’s latest adventure would finally win me over.

The film picks up from the end of Casino Royale with Bond involved in a high speed pursuit with the captured Mr White in the boot of his stylish Aston Martin. Unfortunately, the great choice of location and brilliant stunt work was painfully ruined by director Marc Forster’s truly awful camera shots that removed any flow or tension to what should and could have been a very impressive pre title sequence. Following on from the car chase, Bond arrives at his chosen location and cue the title track which after initially dismissing it, I actually found it to be a pretty decent Bond theme.

The plot revolves around an angry and violent Bond seeking revenge for the death of his former partner Vesper Lynd. The death of Lynd had badly affected him and the focus of his revenge was the Quantum organisation and in particular Dominic Greene (played by Mathieu Amalric). With locations in Austria, Panama and Italy coupled with some authentic set pieces, the film had a nice feel to it, yet the direction by Marc Forster was far from nice. Forsters over reliance on ‘jumpy-cam’ badly affected pretty much every action scene in Quantum of Solace and given that the basis of the film was heavily action orientated, the film really suffers.

The suave, sophisticated and charming Bond of the previous 20 films is sadly a distant memory and has ultimately been replaced by a dour, gloomy, killing machine in Daniel Craig’s version. This new style and direction is more akin to the Bourne series of films yet ultimately lacks the edge of Bourne and doesn’t come close to delivering the right balance between all out action and the vulnerability that is perfectly delivered by Keifer Sutherland’s ‘Jack Bauer’. At times, the almost constant cold killing was reminiscent of watching the Terminator. Un-reasonable, lacking emotion and almost program like in terms of getting the job done.

To summarize the film, I would say Quantum of Solace delivers an all action and generally humorless Bond film. Gone are the gadgets and touch of class which used to accompany all Bond films only to be replaced by a cold and often lifeless Jason Bourne clone.

For me the series is now at an all time low. A James Bond movie used to be the trend setter and had it’s own unique and enjoyable style, yet this current direction and style tries too hard to copy the successful formula employed by the Bourne, Bauer and McClain characters yet fails to reach the same levels. I find it so hard to truly believe that Daniel Craig’s Bond can be so raw and juvenile yet look so old.

[The Sweeney]

Following a mix of both positive and negative reviews, I finally decided to watch the latest Bond movie ‘Quantum of Solace’. Although I’ve been openly critical of Casino Royale and of the choice of lead actor in the past, I was fully prepared to wipe away any pre-conceived doubts and fears that had risen during the build up to the films release. So with popcorn at the ready I sat down in preparation along with 7 other people to see for myself if Daniel Craig’s latest adventure would finally win me over.

The film picks up from the end of Casino Royale with Bond involved in a high speed pursuit with the captured Mr White in the boot of his stylish Aston Martin. Unfortunately, the great choice of location and brilliant stunt work was painfully ruined by director Marc Forster’s truly awful camera shots that removed any flow or tension to what should and could have been a very impressive pre title sequence. Following on from the car chase, Bond arrives at his chosen location and cue the title track which after initially dismissing it, I actually found it to be a pretty decent Bond theme.

The plot revolves around an angry and violent Bond seeking revenge for the death of his former partner Vesper Lynd. The death of Lynd had badly affected him and the focus of his revenge was the Quantum organisation and in particular Dominic Greene (played by Mathieu Amalric). With locations in Austria, Panama and Italy coupled with some authentic set pieces, the film had a nice feel to it, yet the direction by Marc Forster was far from nice. Forsters over reliance on ‘jumpy-cam’ badly affected pretty much every action scene in Quantum of Solace and given that the basis of the film was heavily action orientated, the film really suffers.

The suave, sophisticated and charming Bond of the previous 20 films is sadly a distant memory and has ultimately been replaced by a dour, gloomy, killing machine in Daniel Craig’s version. This new style and direction is more akin to the Bourne series of films yet ultimately lacks the edge of Bourne and doesn’t come close to delivering the right balance between all out action and the vulnerability that is perfectly delivered by Keifer Sutherland’s ‘Jack Bauer’. At times, the almost constant cold killing was reminiscent of watching the Terminator. Un-reasonable, lacking emotion and almost program like in terms of getting the job done.

To summarize the film, I would say Quantum of Solace delivers an all action and generally humorless Bond film. Gone are the gadgets and touch of class which used to accompany all Bond films only to be replaced by a cold and often lifeless Jason Bourne clone.

For me the series is now at an all time low. A James Bond movie used to be the trend setter and had it’s own unique and enjoyable style, yet this current direction and style tries too hard to copy the successful formula employed by the Bourne, Bauer and McClain characters yet fails to reach the same levels. I find it so hard to truly believe that Daniel Craig’s Bond can be so raw and juvenile yet look so old.

Good review, Skywalker.

Did you think it was better than CR?

[Skywalker]

Good review, Skywalker.

Did you think it was better than CR?

Thanks.

Sadly, I prefer Casino Royale.

[bjmdds]

I found it almost painful to watch as a traditionalist Bond fan. I agree that Craig is the oldest looking 40 year old I have ever seen. Moore did Bond at 58. Imagine what Craig will look like at 45?!

[Kristatos]

Good review, Skywalker.

Did you think it was better than CR?

Thanks.

Sadly, I prefer Casino Royale.

Yes, I thought that Casino Royale could have been OK with a better leading man, whereas I don't think even Connery in his prime could have saved QOS.

[Dr. No]

Well reading both of your (SW & Kristatos) reviews has convinced me to stay away from this one (qos).
I might rent it or just wait for it on TV. Truthfully I have no appetite for it. I'm not curious. I'm not interested.

Never thought ti would happen to me and bond movies. But then again these really aren't bond movies are they?

[X3C]

The suave, sophisticated and charming Bond of the previous 20 films is sadly a distant memory and has ultimately been replaced by a dour, gloomy, killing machine in Daniel Craig’s version. This new style and direction is more akin to the Bourne series of films yet ultimately lacks the edge of Bourne and doesn’t come close to delivering the right balance between all out action and the vulnerability that is perfectly delivered by Keifer Sutherland’s ‘Jack Bauer’. At times, the almost constant cold killing was reminiscent of watching the Terminator. Un-reasonable, lacking emotion and almost program like in terms of getting the job done.

reading that part of the review, the following should greatly improve bond 23:

1. Paul Greengrass, Rob Cohen, John Woo or if possible, James Cameron should direct the movie.
2. Tony Gilroy, Robert Ludlum, Rich Wilkes or if possible, James Cameron should write the story for bond 23.
3. Use the split-screen method for most scenes and the digital 24 hour clock with millisecond counter each time bond moves from one country / location to another
4. Use hard-core rock music especially scenes involving action sequences. Like the ones heard in xXx
5. Bond should display his Xtreme Sports skills, the movie makers should recreate the Snow Boarding chase, except replace the snow mobiles
6. Matt Damon & Kiefer Sutherland making cameo appearances should help.

Suggested Movie Title: Bond 23: "24 Supremacies of the xXx Ultimatum"

As for the movie poster: Ditch the tie and the tuxedo, replace it with the following:

Bond in Black: Black shirt, Black Leather Jacket, Dark Jeans and pointed boots

And don't forget the motorcycle and the pump action shotgun, including the shades that Bond should be wearing

[Skywalker]

The suave, sophisticated and charming Bond of the previous 20 films is sadly a distant memory and has ultimately been replaced by a dour, gloomy, killing machine in Daniel Craig’s version. This new style and direction is more akin to the Bourne series of films yet ultimately lacks the edge of Bourne and doesn’t come close to delivering the right balance between all out action and the vulnerability that is perfectly delivered by Keifer Sutherland’s ‘Jack Bauer’. At times, the almost constant cold killing was reminiscent of watching the Terminator. Un-reasonable, lacking emotion and almost program like in terms of getting the job done.

reading that part of the review, the following should greatly improve bond 23:

1. Paul Greengrass, Rob Cohen, John Woo or if possible, James Cameron should direct the movie.
2. Tony Gilroy, Robert Ludlum, Rich Wilkes or if possible, James Cameron should write the story for bond 23.
3. Use the split-screen method for most scenes and the digital 24 hour clock with millisecond counter each time bond moves from one country / location to another
4. Use hard-core rock music especially scenes involving action sequences. Like the ones heard in xXx
5. Bond should display his Xtreme Sports skills, the movie makers should recreate the Snow Boarding chase, except replace the snow mobiles
6. Matt Damon & Kiefer Sutherland making cameo appearances should help.

Suggested Movie Title: Bond 23: "24 Supremacies of the xXx Ultimatum"

As for the movie poster: Ditch the tie and the tuxedo, replace it with the following:

Bond in Black: Black shirt, Black Leather Jacket, Dark Jeans and pointed boots

And don't forget the motorcycle and the pump action shotgun, including the shades that Bond should be wearing

Clive Owen would improve Bond 23

[X3C]

Never thought ti would happen to me and bond movies. But then again these really aren't bond movies are they?

Maybe it's just another generic action movie and it happens that a man named James Bond appeared on it...

[Gary Seven]

Following a mix of both positive and negative reviews, I finally decided to watch the latest Bond movie ‘Quantum of Solace’. Although I’ve been openly critical of Casino Royale and of the choice of lead actor in the past, I was fully prepared to wipe away any pre-conceived doubts and fears that had risen during the build up to the films release. So with popcorn at the ready I sat down in preparation along with 7 other people to see for myself if Daniel Craig’s latest adventure would finally win me over.

The film picks up from the end of Casino Royale with Bond involved in a high speed pursuit with the captured Mr White in the boot of his stylish Aston Martin. Unfortunately, the great choice of location and brilliant stunt work was painfully ruined by director Marc Forster’s truly awful camera shots that removed any flow or tension to what should and could have been a very impressive pre title sequence. Following on from the car chase, Bond arrives at his chosen location and cue the title track which after initially dismissing it, I actually found it to be a pretty decent Bond theme.

The plot revolves around an angry and violent Bond seeking revenge for the death of his former partner Vesper Lynd. The death of Lynd had badly affected him and the focus of his revenge was the Quantum organisation and in particular Dominic Greene (played by Mathieu Amalric). With locations in Austria, Panama and Italy coupled with some authentic set pieces, the film had a nice feel to it, yet the direction by Marc Forster was far from nice. Forsters over reliance on ‘jumpy-cam’ badly affected pretty much every action scene in Quantum of Solace and given that the basis of the film was heavily action orientated, the film really suffers.

The suave, sophisticated and charming Bond of the previous 20 films is sadly a distant memory and has ultimately been replaced by a dour, gloomy, killing machine in Daniel Craig’s version. This new style and direction is more akin to the Bourne series of films yet ultimately lacks the edge of Bourne and doesn’t come close to delivering the right balance between all out action and the vulnerability that is perfectly delivered by Keifer Sutherland’s ‘Jack Bauer’. At times, the almost constant cold killing was reminiscent of watching the Terminator. Un-reasonable, lacking emotion and almost program like in terms of getting the job done.

To summarize the film, I would say Quantum of Solace delivers an all action and generally humorless Bond film. Gone are the gadgets and touch of class which used to accompany all Bond films only to be replaced by a cold and often lifeless Jason Bourne clone.

For me the series is now at an all time low. A James Bond movie used to be the trend setter and had it’s own unique and enjoyable style, yet this current direction and style tries too hard to copy the successful formula employed by the Bourne, Bauer and McClain characters yet fails to reach the same levels. I find it so hard to truly believe that Daniel Craig’s Bond can be so raw and juvenile yet look so old.

You have reached the same conclusions as me. Although I'm not a fan of the Quantum of Solace song.

Quantum of Solace was a kick in the teeth for those who wanted to enjoy a Craig Bond movie. I hated the risible spectcle of forty year old Daniel Craig playing a raw, rookie Bond. Ridiculous. I hated the pretentious ditching of Bond iconography. I did hope Bond 22 would have the adult Bond movie character, a gunbarrel, the Bond music.

Instead Eon make Quantum of Solace a direct sequel to Casino Royale, continuing the rookie Bond concept.....and any chance I had of enjoying a Craig Bond outing has dissipated.

[katied]

Well reading both of your (SW & Kristatos) reviews has convinced me to stay away from this one (qos).
I might rent it or just wait for it on TV. Truthfully I have no appetite for it. I'm not curious. I'm not interested.

Never thought ti would happen to me and bond movies. But then again these really aren't bond movies are they?

My parents want to see QOS but haven't gotten around to it.It's a busy time of year *shrug*. The video is going to be out in March anyways(quick turnaround time!)so they can watch it then.