Rating: 5/10
Running Time: 106 minutes
US Certificate: PG-13 UK Certificate: 12
On DVD
After the Brosnan years petered out, Daniel Craig was a refreshing change as the new bond but Quantum of Solace unfortunately really does not build on the success of Casino Royale.
The pretty dull plot of Quantum of Solace mainly revolves around Bond’s unstoppable lust for revenge for the death of his latest love interest at the end of Casino Royale. In other news, Bond discovers a plot to install a military regime in Bolivia in exchange for a tract of barren land to be used for mysterious reasons by so-called green entrepreneur Dominic Greene (Amalric). Angry 007 has to go it alone as he is cast aside by an Mi6 who no longer trust his judgement.
Martin Campbell, who successfully directed Casino Royale, stepped aside and was replaced by Marc Foster (Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland) which is not exactly a big disaster. The difference in the two styles is noticeably different and unfortunately Quantum of Solace suffers because of it. The action is inadequately executed as there is too much shaky camera work and constant scene cutting but from big budget Bond we expect better, we expect to see the stunts and explosive action in all it’s glory. The character of Bond is far too gloomy and there’s not too much reason to root for the guy, especially as the trademark so-bad-it’s-good comedy moments from Bond past are completely omitted. Cheer up, laddy. Also the whole bad guy plot is just not far fetched or interesting enough and the weakling Dominic Greene isn’t all that when he is inevitably cornered by Jimmy.
With no more of Ian Fleming’s books to base the Bond’s on, it’s going to be a struggle to keep the franchise from slipping into a series of average generic thrillers with only the 007 brand to tie them together.
DVD Extras 2-Disc Special Edition - a largely dull collection of featurettes, cast interviews and movie trailers DVD Extras Rating: 5/10
Summary
Quantum of Solace fails to live up to the potential of Daniel Craig’s first outing and is so depressing that afterwards you may want to drown kittens for a bit of light relief.