If you liked "Casino Royale"...

Rating: 8/10 (15 November 2008)

Then odds are you will like "Quantum of Solace".
The fact is that these two movies are a complete re imagining of the Bond franchise. They focus on the character and the development thereof. They aren't as much about the villains and their huge world altering plots, as they are about the man and the job. It seems to me that this new Bond is young and just starting out. The focus of the opening of the first movie was on his completion of his 00 status. Young Bond, trying to figure out how to be a MI6 hitter and still be a human, a problem that anyone who has ever taken life in combat can sympathize with. This isn't Bond the super hero, it is Bond the broken, seeking redemption. A far more realistic Bond for a era of hyper-real media. And as long as the writing holds to the standard that they have set for it, I will continue to watch and enjoy.
Now, lest you think that I believe this movie to be perfect, a couple of issues. I think I speak for most film goers here when I say, ENOUGH WITH THE SHAKY CAM FIGHT SCENES!!!!! Sorry to shout, but I HATE those things. As a long time student of martial arts, I REALLY appreciate a well choreographed and executed scene, and the shaky cam makes it nearly impossible to follow the action. This leads me to believe that you are filming inferior product in a way to mask it. This is unacceptable, and I nearly left the theater fifteen minutes in, I was so put off. Daniel Craig has the best physicality of any Bond, and it is a shame to hamper him with sub par camera work.
Thankfully once the story began to roll, the characterizations took over and I found myself enjoying it. Second, what the **** is up with the PPK? We now show a freaking holographic display in M's office that shows phone calls, pictures, and the queens own porn collection for all we know, and Bond has stepped back to a gun with half the ammo capacity, and a less powerful cartridge? This makes no sense. His suits get more modern, his car certainly gets more modern (I love Aston, and who in the world thinks there is a Vauxhall out there that could even keep up in that race), but his gun goes the other way.
For those who miss Money penny and Q branch I do to, but this is not your fathers Bond. You don't have to like it or watch it. I enjoy it for some different resons than the earlier films. As for the Bond babes, how does Strawberry Fields not count?
Those are really my major beefs. Otherwise, a well done film and deserving of the high rating.
If you hated Casino Royale don't see it. If you liked it do.