little to no indication this is even a Bond film.

Rating: 5/10 (25 November 2008)

To make a Bond movie is actually quite difficult. Its a very fine line between action, suspense, one liners and Bond suave without going over the top and pulling a "Die Another Day" (which is credited with sickening Brosnan with so much cheesiness that he stopped doing them).
Quantum of Solace starts of nearly instantly after Casino Royale, as Bond slaloms tunnel traffic, trying to deliver Mr. White - infamous MI6 mole - for interrogation by M. And of course in an amazing spectacle of crunching trucks, and falling pursuit cars, Bond escapes unscathed. Unfortunately, just as the "cargo" is delivered, an accomplice not only sets Mr White free but hurts M.
A fast paced chase over and under the Italian ceramic tiled roof tops ensues ending with a dramatic upside-down grab for guns as Bond once again comes out a split second ahead in a heart gripping duel.
Afterwards, we are reminded of Bond's steely resolve to not feel a thing for Vespa. With help from Mathis Bond is on the trail of the gang who hurt mom - ie M. Arriving in Haiti, he assumes identity of an inside man, only to quickly discover he supposed to assassinate the beautiful Camille. After their quick fight, Bond follows her to discover Greene working at the docks with a Bolivian General at some no doubtingly nefarious plot to control "it". After a very long boat chase we also discover that Camille, after nearly dying in a tragic fire when young, is seeking to avenge death of her family by killing the General.
Unfortunately, this is also where things don't just turn confusing, rushed, or poorly directed, but utterly pointless. Bond discovers a big meeting of Quantum at an Opera. We are to believe they are an evil organization because they are "transferring" funds, setting milestones and drafting plans. But, after taking out some backstage help, the result is some grainy pictures of the guests leaving.
Bond does get a lead, but kills every person he chases is or being chased by. Yet, he's supposed to be the good guy? The surprising revelation is that Bond kills more people, and destroys more property than all the villains and henchmen of this movie. And even M's contribution is too cliché, reprising the "cant trust him" lines from Casino Royale.
The anti climatic plot twists continue. We are introduced to some American agents who may or may not be helping Greene and Quantum. Bond does take Camille for "romantic" sight seeing plane trip that's cut short by a dog fight. And then there are sad moments where the audience is asked to shed some tears for the very poor South Americans being deprived of water.
All in all, Quantum of Solace barely resembles a Bond movie, and even barely qualifies as a good action movie on its own. Numerous key elements are missing: - there are no gadgets. Unless flip flops in the desert counts. - other than opening sequence, no showcase of exotic cars. - lamest villain ever created. - no memorable henchman. Greene's assistant provides the single comedy moment when he trips and loses his toupee. - Bond is never really hurt or in jeopardy of dying. Swerving through traffic is dangerous, and so is running or roof tops, but I cant recall any memorable stunts. - intentionally dumbed down? Like Bourne, in Casino Royale Bond was very clever, quickly pulling info from cell, tracking location, and reading other people. - no atmosphere of impending doom. Whether Bond "succeeds" or not, doesn't really seem to matter. The evil transactions the villains are plotting may take months or years. And even if Bond saves, some girl or makes water a little more affordable for the Bolivians, why should the audience care? - finally the ending, was bland at best. A hotel in the middle of the desert blows up when Bond tries to see Camille gets her revenge.
In conclusion, Quantum of Solace is kind of like Batman Begins, but where Batman has no utility belt, only shortly uses the Batmobile once early on, has no vixen to seduce him, and is up against a sleazy used car salesman who writes bad checks. Its up to Batman to save the day and ensure the good folks who can't afford a new car, get a quality pre-owned vehicle and not a lemon.
All in all, considering the moans and groans at my local theater, a very generous 5/10.