11/15/08

007 - Quantum of Solace

So here's a review through the eyes of a 007 fan, as opposed to a film critic!

More action, less plot would be the best way to describe the flaws in this movie. As much as we are both fans and love a great action movie (like the Bourne movies & classic 007), this was dizzying, confusing and relentless in it's pursuit of thrills.

As a result the plot was hard to understand, even now I am still unsure as to what the bad guys master plan was and he wasn't at all threatening!? Some of the action sequences, and there were many, were so fast your eyes had trouble keeping up - quite literally they were confusing, because the camera jumped around so much.

The usual things you expect from a Bond were missing; there wasn't a single gadget, no Q, no Moneypenny, only a short scene with a super car and no romance to speak of, although Bond was getting over a broken heart to be fair. There was also no humour that I spotted and a Bond isn't a Bond, without at least one great double entendre! It was just a relentless pursuit of the ultimate stunt and special effect, with little real substance.

Having said all that, we were entertained, even if we were also confused at times. Daniel Craig is still great as 007, he has a raw energy and dangerous edge that really add to the character. He also looks entirely believable in the stunts, as he just exudes fitness and strength from every pore. So for me he still shows the greatest promise since Sean as 007 and he really deserves a better script on the next outing. He also has great chemistry with Judi Dench as M, probably the mark of them both being great character actors.

So just okay for us, possibly the worst Bond theme ever and nowhere near as good as Casino Royale. But having said all that, we'll still be queuing up for the next one, which I really hope returns to a less manic pace and re-introduces the classic Bond icons.

Here's a totally indulgent piccie of the luscious Mr Craig looking all 'rough and ready' just for the ladies ;-)

Worst thing in this movie - a weak plot

Best thing in this movie - Daniel Craig

12 comments:

vicki archer said...

I hear you but will probably still go - just to have a peak at the gorgeous Mr Bond!

Kay said...

I dunno... I'm still a Pierce Brosnan fan.

Mary (Bookfan) said...

Hubby and I saw it last night. I got on the Bond wagon with Casino Royale so I think DC is the best Bond ever. I'm in total agreement with your review. What it lacked in plot it made up for with action. I also agree with the speedy chase scenes. I had to look away a few times because I tend to get motion sick. It was fun and very fast. And now I wait for the next one.

Anonymous said...

Sarah, I could have written that review word for word except for one thing, I loved the theme song and graphics. But then I am a White Stripes fan too. I thought the camera work was horrible and like you, the DH and I left scratching our heads at the plot line. But saying all that, I can't wait to see it again.

Unknown said...

Vickie - I'd still tell you to go as it is entertaining and Mr Craig is well worth the investment!

Like I said, I'm still a big fan and will be there within the first few nights for the next one.

Winifred said...

Sarah you've said everything the critics here said about it, confusing, action packed, no humour or gadgets and definitely the worst theme music ever. Spot on.

Shame really, it turns it into just another action film. I think they said it's a one off so hopefully we'll get a real Bond film next time.

Tess Kincaid said...

Great review. Love Daniel Craig and can't wait to see it.

Sherri said...

I will still go to see the new 007 just to see the yummy Mr. Craig!!

Daryl said...

Husband has a man crush on Daniel ... and an aversion to going to a movie theatre where 'everyone talks as if they are in their own home' so we wont see it til its on NetFlix

:-Daryl

Pam said...

(FINGERS IN EARS).... lalalalalalalalla, not listening ... can only get my husband out of house to movies to watch Bond .... not gonna read this .... not gonna read this .... not gonna read this review until we see it!!!

The Factory said...

I haven't seem QoS yet, but I do know that the lack of gadgets and jokes is deliberate. The original books lack these things too, and that is the spirit they are trying to capture. As long as Daniel Craig remains in the role, expect this style to continue. I personally love this harder version of the character, but I don't think everyone realises that the films have been reinvented, the character started from scratch and that the old style Bond films may be gone forever. I think that's for the best, others may disagree,

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

I saw this at the cinema and completely agree with your opinion of the film. I really enjoyed Casino Royale and really hoped this would be as good...

It was certainly worth watching if only to drool over Mr Craig!

Victoria x