A Solid Sequel

Rating: 8/10 (17 November 2008)

Let me get this out in the open right now. This is the kind of thing that makes me weep for the current status, and maybe the future of mankind. Honestly, some of the reviews on here must have been conducted by mentally incompetent individuals.
Is this one of the best Bond films made, NO! However, in no way, is it deserving of the cynicism and skepticism it has received. First of all, it is a sequel, and following what may have been one of the best Bond films in the series' existence. This, naturally, makes it hard for the film to live up to expectations once the audience enters the theatre.
I heard and read numerous complaints about the "reprehensible" action sequences supposedly "inserted", into the film. These people did not consider the sequences are provided for entertainment, and to set up Bonds character, for the film. The scenes where not merely inserted for grandeur affect, but placed strategically to show the maddening disregard, of Bond, for safety and order, in his pursuits. It was symbolic of his bloodthirsty quench for revenge. Apparently any action sequence is frowned upon now. We have reached a crossroads, where we have degraded action sequences, to a nauseating degree, that we forget action can tell stories. We only remember that we are immersed, in an era, of bad story telling due to a "technology crutch", but sometimes storytelling and action can co-exist in an acceptable realm.
Furthermore, to the dimwitted masses, who think this is an altered Jason Bourne, I suggest you do some research. The late Robert Ludlum was my favorite writer, by far, so I am well inclined, and versed, in Bourne lore to argue this point. However, that argument would last and infinite number of pages. I do want to say that the film does a tremendous job setting up the next film.
Quantum of Solace is the sorbet, if you will, of a steak dinner. Although plain and "supposedly" predictable at times, it soothes my movie pallet with new character and plot developments. The very fact we see Bond in an internal struggle over a previous woman is a leap forward, in the series. They are creating a Bond with emotional layers, and painting him as a human being, and not the unbreakable machine he was in past performances. In addition, the intricacy to weave through the movie stating an end with his emotional battle, and coupled with the beginning pursuit of an elusive organization was gratifying. I think people need to do a better job thinking and analyzing this movie, than just seeing what is provided on the surface.