Underrated, Jagged Idea for a Sequel

Rating: 8/10 (24 February 2020)

I really like this movie. I've seen it like four times now and just now do I understand it fully. It's a DIRECT, aggressive sequel to Casino Royale and deals with its aftermath in some brilliant ways. You just have to pay close attention. It's also incredibly dark. Has some pretty cool cinematography, even if the movie is decidedly much less stylized than the others. I liked how it treks the globe too, and visits some rare locales.
But what I like most about it was Craig's performance and how human he played Bond. He's a complete wreck after the ending of Casino but never lets it really show. The final scene is so good. A poetic contrast to the end of Casino Royale.
Everyone's biggest problem with this movie is the lack of action and the villains. I think Bond movies are at their best when they use action very sparingly. Why I think Skyfall is a bit overrated. The action scenes in Quantum are OK overall but the opera scene was legitimately breathtaking. Amazing scene and set piece. I'd say it's a contender for the best scene in the entire franchise. As far as villains go, Greene is a contrast to the typical Bond villain, which was a neat idea. He's not disfigured or grandly diabolical, same with Madrano. They're just ruthless public eye dirtbags that really do exist out there.
Big ups to Jeffrey Wright again. Dude is just awesome in this movie and anything he does. I also think Dench had some truly great scenes with Craig.
It's not as exciting or iconic as Casino Royale but it's absolutely not the abomination most people make it to be. I'd say it's an underrated, misunderstood, jagged idea for a sequel.