Quantum Of Solace
By C.J. Henderson
“Quantum of Solace” picks up 15 minutes after the last 007 picture. The action starts immediately (as it should in a Bond outing), this time with a car chase/gun battle along the winding roads of Italy. The chase ends in a rock quarry, concluding rather badly for the bad guys. And that is pretty much the way of the entire film.
A new organization has been detected by Britain, one so secret they did not even suspect its existence. And yet, it has people in place everywhere. Even M, Bond’s boss (Judi Dench), is taken in by a mole, her own bodyguard turning out to be a member of this shadow agency. And so, realizing it is this group that is responsible for everything that went wrong in the last movie, Bond sets out to bring the organization down.
Like “Rocky II,” this film is much more an extension of its predecessor than a stand-alone work. In it, Bond is basically out to avenge himself. In the previous movie, the woman he loved was killed. Now, he is going to make those responsible pay. But, it is more than her death he is grieving over. Bond believes he was betrayed by his lover. Thus, he is not so much out to avenge himself over the death of his love, but over the death of his ability to love. It is a powerful, gutsy plot line, something far more sophisticated than the standard 007 fare.
And, the plot line is not the only mature thing about this film. As in Craig’s first outing as Bond, all of the old rules have been thrown out. This time, Bond does not receive any new gadgets whatsoever. In fact, he spends the last half of the film without any governmental support, and must make his way forward through brain power and brawn alone. He does pretty good.
And, so does the whole film.
There is no denying that this latest relaunching of the Bond franchise is the best one yet. Yes, for my rapidly aging generation, nothing will ever top the first two Connery Bonds, “Dr. No” and “From Russia with Love.” After that, the lineup from top to bottom is a personal preference toss-up. Myself, I have to toss Mr. Craig’s Bond right up there in second place.
Now, this film does have some problems. One, if you do not remember how the previous film ended, you are going to be a bit lost. Watch it again if you can. Second, the sound is so loud that many in the audience were losing key bits of dialogue. And, those not in love with the hand-held camera being used during action sequences to make things seem more intense are going to be displeased from beginning to end.
Still, these are not massive complaints. “Quantum of Solace” is a good, solid action picture. It goes back to all that is best in the early Bonds, and for that matter, what was good about the original books as opposed to the films. The picture is intelligent, mature and filled with suspense. On top of that, Bond beats up a lot of guys, he shoots a bunch as well, drives really fast, has some sex, does some really great stunts, and comes to terms with his inner demons. What more do you want for your ten bucks?
Our final word: 4 stars out of 5.
