Gold mine for action fans

Rating: 7/10 (17 November 2008)

Before I get too, far, I have to say that this film is a visual delight, and no one will be bored, despite the thin plot and all but non-existent characterization. If you like riding rollercoasters, this is your Bond movie. That's where most of my recommendation comes from.
But I think the time has come to pull the marketing department out of any decisions regarding Bond films. It is clear that demographic research has been factored into too many aspects of the Bond franchise, in particular the title music. Until now, I thought nothing would make my gorge rise faster or harder than the Madonna song from "Die Another Day," but with the hip-hop crap they dumped on "Quantum," they managed it.
On the writing end, one problem is that all the writers involved have only been writers. They know how to follow the formulas with which they are familiar, but they don't seem to know how to give Bond any real depth; a genuine disappointment, given Paul Haggis' script for "Million Dollar Baby." Never mind the obvious ignorance of anything resembling spycraft or more than casual consideration for real-world events as possible stories.
Bond should not be embracing his inner assassin so easily; this sacrifices his humanity and sets distance between the character and the audience. They could be exploring exactly what made this Bond the man he apparently is. Losing Vesper is only part of it. Previous Bonds recognized that killing is a nasty, but sometimes necessary, part of the job. I wonder why the British government hasn't objected to being depicted as having its own hit bureau.
On the whole, these creative talent has some work to do.