A Black Tie Entertainment!

Rating: 8/10 (6 November 2008)

The trend of humanizing classic characters - such as Batman, Joker, and even Superman - by injecting more emotions continues. It was clearly expected that the James Bond being reintroduced by Mark Foster and Paul Haggis would be following this pattern. He is no longer a "superhero" that will save the whole world from a nuclear blast in the name of humanity. He is a brokenhearted agent in search of personal revenge.
Tacky it may sound, but Daniel Craig renders the fragility of Bond in a perfect gentleman manner. His every facial expression is true, and his every movement is well-choreographed. Craig carries his multiple tasks very well: an agent of masculinity, Tom Ford, Omega, and of pure entertainment. He cares even less about what kind of Martini he drinks, and he finds it unnecessary to introduce his "Bond. James Bond"-name. He's too busy, too masculine, and too troubled to follow the rules.
Pushing his character more the ground is M's tighter and tighter attachment to her beloved agent, whom she never addresses as a series of number - "007". Through a sinister remark, Bond spells out his son-mother relationship with M.
"Quantum of Solace" is a Bond with no sex, no gadget, and no mercy. (There's only one "Q" in this story, and it's not a good one!) Yet, the rather-simple storyline makes it accessible for every generation. The plot may seem to be paper thin, but the script actually is full of classy sensitivity that ascends every action sequence - which is plenty! "Quantum of Solace" is a black tie movie that holds the substance over style.