A Constant Rush Of Astounding Action

Rating: 7/10 (9 November 2008)

As expected "A Quantum of Solace" was reasonably comparable to its prequel "Casino Royale", featuring Bond in a reinvented way. Not only that Casino Royale showed her majesties agent much more edgy and serious, but also coming up with a new set of enemies and globally operating syndicates that had nothing to do with the classic Spectre Organistation of the Moore and Connery Era. This reinvention of Bond movies and a new modern setting of opponents succeeded overwhelmingly and the reactions to the first Craig-Bond were entirely positive. So much to the past, and whatever you predicted a "Quantum of Solace" to be, it will not be a letdown. It simply cannot be much of a failure since I'm firmly assured that it fulfills nearly every requirement of being an inspiring movie. There is a rush of car-wrecking, nerve-stressing, breathtaking moments that surpass the quality and quantity of every preceding Bond movie. There is a suitable modern setting, and for the most part a remarkably realistic one as well, a beautiful Bond girl and some story twists that will keep you in a constant state of suspicion. The only thing that causes QoS to fall behind its Prequel is far too hectic and short. Unfortunately QoS does not contain much of relaxing moments in which Craig could show his wittiness and charm or where the story-telling could have developed to the full extent. That's a pity for that is virtually all that this movie is lacking. In regard to script and acting there is on the contrary a whole lot of good ideas respectively performances. But as stated above they remain rudimentary. As for an example, the plot had some intriguingly written twists and moments of confusion which were never followed to the end of the movie and partly stayed unresolved. Maybe that was due to an intended cliff-hanger end? I'm not quite sure if that was the true reason, since Casino Royale explained itself thoroughly. As a sardonic remark one could assert that the director Marc Foster expended its entire budget on explosions and fighting scene and was thus not left with any money to pay the cast for a month longer. Well, on balance this movie is thrilling, suspense-packed and Craig outdid himself again but the patent lack of length and time for developing the otherwise well-wrought story cost some points in the rating.
Verdict 7/10.