Not quite as good as Casino Royale, but still amazing.

Rating: 8/10 (9 November 2008)

After reading some mixed reviews about QoS, I went to the cinema fearing the worst, and came back with a big smile on my face.
Well first of all let me say this. It isn't quite as good as CR was. It slightly lacks depth and length. On the other hand, this feels like the most "Bourne-like" Bond so far, while also having some really unique visual styles we haven't seen before in Bond movies. It might look like Bourne at times, but its not. Its better, well, different.
QoS picks up right where CR stopped, and puts the viewer in the middle of what must be one of the best car-chase scenes ever. First comparison with Bourne, because it is the same thing as we have seen in the Bourne trilogy. But, it is better, harder and more intense. The way those poor little Alfa Romeo's meet their end against either trucks or down in a ravine is just spectacular. The foot-chase scene that follows delivers the same thrills again. It mixes two events that don't seem to be connected, but who come to a climax at the same time. You have to see this, but it works really well. The fighting scene in the opera house does the same this. Its beautifully filmed, very un-bondesque. Sounds get dull, shots of two events switch constantly and the camera-work is top notch.
This movie sees Bond at his rawest, while still keeping him emotional at some occasions. Without trying to spoil too much, the scenes with Mathis are good examples. Craig really delivers one of the best Bonds so far, again.
The climax of the movie is not quite what you expect it to be. Its still awesome, but it felt a little bit empty. There are more downsides to this movie. Greene is not that big of a villain as he should be. Some small things show off his evil, but he never seems like a big threat. The constant switching of locations in the first half of the movie also seems too forced.
From the scene's I mentioned before, to the unique "where are we?" shots (well unique in terms of style for a Bond movie), this movie is really well filmed. The scene in the opera house might well be the highlight of this movie. We finally get to see Bond do some proper spy-work, while the high pace of the movie isn't turned down. The movie leaves very few questions open, but a third movie in this story can certainly be made.
So in the end this is a Bond film you might not like instantly. Reverences to Goldfinger etc, are nice for older fans. But it feels different from earlier Bond movies. More like a action movie than The Dark Night did, with all respect, less of a Bond movie than Casino Royale did, and like a better version of Bourne. More depth in terms of story would have been nice. I sincerely hope the director stays for the next movie. He should take a look at Casino Royale and mix its best parts with this movie.
So, with two "new" Bond style movies, I can say Bond is back for good. Its down to earth again, believable, hard yet emotional at time. Yes the slapstick is gone, but I don't miss Q. I didn't even miss the barrel-scene, I didn't miss the Bond, James Bond phrase. This Bond is different, and its Bond at its best.
9/10