Casino Royale, Part II: 7 Out Of 10 Stars...

Rating: 10/10 (18 November 2008)

Daniel Craig as the titular 007 character is a force of nature. I saw Casino Royale at the theater and was so impressed by Craig's acting abilities and the high production value of the movie that I recommended 'Casino' to all of my friends. Craig brings vitality, depth and deadly menace to Britain's most successful commercial export. Despite the actor's blond locks, he is among the best to ever portray Bond on the big screen. I eagerly anticipated Craig's second attempt.
Unfortunately, Quantum Of Solace is not as successful as 'Casino'. Ian Fleming's 007 relies upon several factors for its success: Action, intrigue, location, paunch, wit, and wry delivery of sexually charged dialog. Unfortunately, we are given action, but little else in 'Quantum'. Editing is choppy, and the pace of the movie seems rushed. Action is filmed using a quick-take camera technique, reducing the movie's visual clarity (vis-a-vis 'The Bourne Supremacy') -- some action scenes are also quite dark, and difficult for the eye to follow. The plot of the movie also raises more questions than the story arc and finale are able to answer -- and the nearly non-existent epilogue does nothing to remedy the situation.
'Quantum' is a GOOD movie, but by no means great. Although I enjoyed the movie, and will no doubt be seeing it again on the big screen, it did not quite raise itself to the high expectations set by 'Casino'. The movie was not particularly innovative, and resorted to pyrotechnics and other big-bang gimmicks rather than offer a fresh take on the action sequences. I doubt that this gaffe can be laid at the feet of the actors and actresses, who all performed well. It seems as though the editing of the film pushes it along at such a pace that 'Quantum' is nearly finished before your brain begins to puzzle together its pieces.
What was good about 'Quantum'? The action scenes, although frenetically paced, are gut-wrenching and mostly exciting. Dame Judi Dench as M is pragmatic and believable -- even lovable as a steadfast supporter of her rogue agent, 007. Daniel Craig's performance is fantastic, once again. Although there are frightfully few love scenes in this movie, Craig's Bond is hell-bent on revenge, and he delivers with ruthless efficiency. Problematic though this film may be, it is still quintessential James Bond fare, and not to be missed by the true believer.

Chipper F. Xavier, Esq.