Solid sequel, though not as good as its predecessor.

Rating: 9/10 (5 November 2008)

Quantum of Solace takes up where Casino Royale left off, marking this as one of the first real direct sequel to it, and compared meticulously to its previous entry in the James Bond series.
How does it hold up? Pretty well actually.
Everything done in Casino Royale has been given a bigger update for this movie. There are more action sequences almost in every turn, and while none of them are as great as the impressive Parkour chase sequence, it seems Bond has learned a trick or two when it comes to escaping and/or chasing down enemies. He's much less of a 'thug' now, although as cold-blooded as ever, smoother on his actions this time around, and even a bit more loose this time around, poking more fun at his enemies or allies (or himself) in an even manner.
The story here is a bit more expansive than Casino Royale. While this is a good thing, the film suffers from the fluff that continued to appear around the film, which I'll get on later. Its not as simple as MI6 trying to get a "banker for terrorists", but introduces a rather new opponent, Quantum. Remembering Mr. White, and now, Mr. Greene and their operation, and how they claim to have people everywhere, its a bit exciting to see how this organization in the shadows, and according to Mr. White, have people 'everywhere' sets up something akin to SPECTRE in the modern day era.
Unfortunately, this organization has been relatively left untouched, mostly focused on Dominic Greene, who like Mr. White, seems to be working on the up and up for Quantum... and honestly, I thought Le Chiffre was a better bad guy. Greene was the least intimidating person on the film, and even though he put up quite a fight, he didn't put up any long lasting impression. However, considering he also fits the profile as an average looking man IE. not dangerous which most of the Quantum members are , this can be forgivable.
Bond himself is in a crusade, very much becoming a really nasty fellow, but slowly mellows out when he meets Camille Montes, who also like, is on a vengeful quest to kill a certain man. The two share a rather special and unique relationship that no Bond and Bond-girl had shared before but even through all the seriousness, it isn’t bogged down by its grit. Quips, rightly thrown here and there gave this film a rather even tone, and I found myself smiling at a few points.
Also, Bond's relationship with M is now expanding. She still doesn't trust him, and with the sequence of events from the film, she finds it hard to even try, yet Bond seems to have a really invested his loyalty on her which gets through to M slowly, to the point that she began sticking up for him.
While Leiter was given a bigger role, conflicted on whether to 'serve his country' and ignore his conscience or stay true to his beliefs and help Bond this time around, the other's weren't really much memorable. Agent Fields came and went quickly, though her mannerisms and quirky personality did leave a rather good impression, she had too little screen time, or even any development to make us feel for her. Mathis was somewhat dependent on his role in Casino Royale. He does teach a thing or two to Bond along the way, but also quickly faded from the film. Dominic Greene's aide/henchman was just background noise, honestly.
While the characters and plot were solid, my biggest gripe is the somewhat loose direction and editing. Fluff here and there would appear, being more distracting than dramatic. Honestly, during a few chase scenes, the camera pans and switches to another scene, minor ones, and back again to the action. The action itself lost its crisp from Casino Royale, but thankfully, unlike Bourne series, you can still see what is going on, and not have a headache (I got three during the Bourne Ultimatum). Still, I'd like them to keep the action as clear as it was on Casino Royale in the future.
All in all, a solid sequel. Not as good as Casino Royale in many ways, but improved from it with a few. Pacing is pretty even, though more up than down, and isn't bogged down by being 'too long'. I still wish there was a few more down-time to explore and expand the personality of the cast more, but the finished product is still very good at the end.
+ Bond's character expanded, and now, really evolved from his early outings in Casino Royale + More action this time around + Plot's more complicated, yet not overly confusing + Pacing is pretty even + More M and Leiter

Editing and Direction seems somewhat loose - Supporting characters somewhat bogged down - Not much explained about Quantum. Hopefully next time?

9/10