Quantum of Solace Review

By: Michael Lee

Starring: Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Judi Dench
Year: 2008

What happened? "Casino Royale" was such a great movie... So why do I dislike "Quantum of Solace" so much? Let's think about this out loud shall we?

"Quantum of Solace" is the 22nd James Bond film (wow!). I can't say I've seen many James Bond films. I've seen both "Octopussy" and "Goldfinger" a few years ago, and the one where Bond fights evil on the moon ("Moonwalker"? I don't know for it's been quite a long time since I've seen this one and I probably remember more from "The Spy Who Shagged Me"'s hilarious send up.) I've seen part of the Peirce Brosnan film, but that's also been ages ago and if I thought it was silly at age 11 then I probably think it will be silly now. Other than that, the Daniel Craig ones are the only Bond films I've seen.

I enjoyed "Casino Royale" quite a bit (I'd give it 8/10 if I were to review it right now) but I think what's charming about that movie is what f*cked up this one so badly. James Bond wasn't swarthy or cool in this movie. He was gritty. This movie had more of a dark undertone to it, which was also rather depressing. Nor was this film a thing of fantasy or adventure. It was just action and a lot of talking (and not that cool "Shaken, not stirred" suave talking, it was just a bunch of business bombast and legal jargon). It's as if the guys who did "Crank" wanted to do an artsy film.

Everything "Casino Royale" did right, "Quantum of Solace" over used. Except Daniel Craig, who is a damn fine Bond and works pretty well with what is given to him. I hate to say it, but I believe the best part of this movie was Alicia Keys' and Jack White's opening theme, which is probably the best theme since Paul McCartney and the Wings' "Live and Let Die" song. For the shortest Bond movie, it's quite a big mess. Maybe given more time, things could've been worked out more, and we may have even gotten to see another cool fight scene or two (the action in this movie is worth of praise, but really, would you expect that to suck?).

I'd give "Quantum of Solace" a 5/10. Adding a little humor to the movie wouldn't have killed anyone, and maybe it's time to go back to exploring James Bond's more light hearted yet equally badass roots. Think about it.

Also, congrats on having a vagina shot in your PG-13 movie Mr. Bond 22 Director. Way to spark kids puberty everywhere.

 

5 out of 10 Nerdism Nerds.