The film's one big action scene...

Rating: 7/10 (26 May 2009)

The 22nd Bond -film Quantum of Solace (2008) continues right where the previous one, Casino Royale (2006) left off. James Bond (Daniel Craig) want's to find justice and reason for the loss of his love – and does everything in his powers to get to that point and reveal the people who are pulling the strings behind the scenes.
The film's one big action scene with some brief story moments in between; what sounds horrible on the paper actually works really well on the screen and Quantum of Solace races itself above all the previous instalments of the franchise – and seriously competes against other action/thriller movies, which is something unique and marvelous for a Bond movie to accomplish. Though I have to say that it doesn't hurt if you watch the previous film in advance or at least read through the plot synopsis of it to get into the movie's story from the get-go – but you'll do well also without it.
This is the second time Daniel Craig steps into the shoes of the legendary English secret agent and he really does a good job with it. As an character actor he's in a whole different level than the previous actors who have played the role before and in here - in some of the more mellow scenes - he get's to show those skills of his a bit. The role is still the same but he really has brought something different and refreshing into the character and it shows on the screen. And it's more than his blonde hair and blue eyes... Yeah, the movie is very different in all – and the director and the producers are the ones who call the shots – but still Daniel has found the best elements of the character and manages to make the movie that much more interesting.
The supporting cast is good. Olga Kurylenko (Camille) does a solid performance, as does Jeffrey Wright (Felix Leiter) and Gemma Arterton (Strawberry Fields) is a great flash of the old Bond girls from the 60's although she actually really isn't playing one – but she looks and acts the part. Judi Dench (M) is great as always – balancing nicely between the caring and malignant mother -figure. The bad guys are a bit of a let-down, I'm especially getting a bit bored of the ordinary looking, non-threatening master minds like Dominic Greene (played by Mathieu Amalric) here, he resembles Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) from Casino Royale a bit too much and I hope they go after another kind of an approach in the next film – before it get's too repetitive.
Also have to mention the great soundtrack: from Jack White's main theme to the scores for the most vicious action sequences, it all sounds good. This the first time I've ever said this about a Bond movie.
The film's a bit scarce when it comes down to the story (and it's lack of depth) but the great action sequences and performances from the cast make up for it. Also they've kept the running time just right; the film's a great ride to sit through. James Bond is for the first time really heading into the right direction. 3/4