The Best non-Fleming Bond movie

Rating: 9/10 (9 November 2008)

The biggest mystery about Quantum of Solace is why are there so many negative comments about it? Yes, the editing of the action scenes is at times too fast paced and difficult to follow. Yes, there is a lot of action. But this is a James Bond film...how can you possibly have too much action?! Quantum of Solace is far more entertaining that Casino Royale...though of course the latter is a better film in terms of characterization and story. However, we are forgetting that Casino Royale was based on an original novel by Ian Fleming (as were the classic Connery films). Quantum of Solace is a completely original story and it certainly is the best non-Fleming film. It makes me cringe now even thinking about the Pierce Brosnan era of films. With Quantum of Solace, Daniel Craig continues to give a top-notch performance. His Bond is brutal, bitter and one hell of a nasty guy. You just wouldn't want to mess with him. This is as close to the original Ian Fleming Bond that you are going to get. Yes...there are comparisons with Timothy Dalton's serious approach. But what Dalton was lacking was real charm and charisma...and Craig definitely has this! The movie is a direct continuation of Casino Royale...but it is a completely different movie. Much shorter, much faster and altogether more grittier. Bond is simply angry...and on a mission to kill. He kills whoever gets in his way...which becomes a running joke between him and M (the ever excellent Judi Dench). He is simply out for the revenge for the death of Vesper. Nothing will stop in his way.
The film introduces us to the concept of a secret organization known as Quantum. This is reminiscent of SPECTRE from the early films. In one great scene, we realize the extent of the organization as one by one key villains are revealed during a performance of Tosca. Marc Foster's art-house vision is notably evident in this scene as Bond fights his way out of the opera house, edited in cuts with the similar operatic scene taking place on stage. A brilliantly executed sequence.
Quantum of Solace feels different to other Bonds...and this may be why some people have reservations about it. Gone are the gadgets and the dodgy CGI action (from Die Another Die). But there is still some humor (no cheesy one liners...but more subtle sarcasm which really fits well with the tone of the film). The story is not as complicated as everyone makes it out to be...but one word of warning...DO WATCH CASINO ROYALE BEFOREHAND, otherwise it could be a little hard to follow.
Overall, this is one hell of a ride...and quite simply one of the best Bond films ever!