A lot of bang for the buck but where's the Bond?

Rating: 4/10 (18 November 2008)

Yes, there's a spectacular opening car chase sequence. And, if you're into chases, this is a film for you. Every type of chase is here. But, there's nothing new. If you've been to only a few of the numerous spy thriller, mystery-suspense, superhero, race car, action adventure movies in the last decade, then you've seen this movie--over and over. Yawn. What's missing is that special James Bond element you get with Sean and Roger. There's nothing too memorable about Quantum. I saw the movie a few hours ago and the title still doesn't make much sense. The two villains are forgettable--a wimp and supposedly mean general straight out of central casting. Did I get that right that the general is from Russia but is now dictator of Bolivia? I've already forgotten their names. That's probably due to a confusing plot. Minor characters come and go for no good reason. Why is the CIA and that Italian guy in this thing at all? Where is the lovable psycho scientist vying for world domination? Where are the new gadgets? OK, I did like the eye popping touch screen computer but sensuality and laughs are out. OK, one of the girls looked cute--shrug--and I slightly chuckled once, maybe twice.