Not darker: just action, action and more great action

Rating: Null/10 (7 November 2008)

When people started to compare "Bond Begins" (i.e. Daniel Craig's "Casino Royale") to "Batman Begins", it's inevitable that they will compare also the sequels ("The Dark Knight" and "Quantum of Solace"). Indeed the reinvented fictional icons start with a striking similarity: the dark side of the hero. But contrary to what you might have heard from some people, the respective sequels head towards exact opposite directions. Batman becomes even darker, but Bond does not. Instead of going into deeper layers of the reborn Bond, the movie makers pulls him back a little towards the predecessor Bonds, an icon hero designed to deliver the thrills and action. And that is not a bad thing if sheer entertainment is what you are looking for.
Yes, this new Bond seeks revenge. Yes, this new Bond kills without blinking. But all this is quite superficial and nowhere near to the agonizing character split that we see in Batman in "The Dark knight". While there is even a dual revenge plot (for both Bond and Camille, the "Bond girl" in this episode) it serves only as an anchor for action to piled upon action, unfolding on ground (all kinds of venue), in water and in air. Not only are these action scene designed and executed with high calibre, but they are also rich in cinematic context. The opening chase scene alone references movie classics from "Crouching tiger", "Vertigo" to "The Hunchback of Notre Dame".
Consistent with "Casino Royale" is a James Bond that is unrecognizable from the gentleman that fans are familiar with, gentleman even at perilous action scenes. Daniel Graig brings to the screen a gritty, earthy hero that is all blood, sweat and dirt in the action scenes. Not everybody likes what he is doing but it is difficult to deny him the credit of doing an admirable job. Top-notch French star Mathieu Amalric (best known for "The diving bell and the butterfly" but also superb in "Kings and queen") is cast as the chief villain. I wouldn't even say that this is a waste of talents because this seems to be a popular thing to do with block-busters (remember Philip Seymour Hoffman in MI3?) - just good business. Jeffery Wright reprising his role as US agent Felix Leiter from "Casino Royale" comes close to being a cameo appearance, but makes his presence noted whenever he appears, hallmark of an actor of his calibre. Olga Kurylenko, the "Bond girl" in this edition, is does not suffer in comparison with some of the bigger names than came in the previous 21 Bond movies. She offers a unique combination of youthful, spirited defiance and world-wearied, melancholy sadness.
Don't look for a psychological enigma as you would in the new Batman, or you'll be disappointed. Look for the traditionally entertaining Bond flick (albeit with a somewhat different flavour) and you will likely enjoy the ride.