Quantum of Solace (2008)

I know, I know. I'm a bit of a Bond geek. But with a new film, the wonderfully-titled-no-matter-what-anyone-else-says Quantum of Solace, raking in cash at the box office, it seemed as good a time as any to share my thoughts.

Daniel Craig returns as the rebooted Bond, now transformed into a ruthless killing machine after the death of his beloved Vesper at Casino Royale's conclusion (Quantum of Solace is the first true Bond sequel). 007 sets off to expose the mysterious organisation that blackmailed Vesper and, in the process, discovers a plot to monopolise Bolivia's water supply.

Having spectacularly overcome the unjustified media taunts that accompanied his casting as Bond, Craig settles back into 007's battered shoes with ease. Quantum of Solace is one of the most action-packed entries in the series, but Craig energetically nails these sequences as well as he does the drama (i.e. very). The man is, quite simply, the best James Bond ever. Forgive me, Sean Connery, for I have sinned.

There are moments when Quantum of Solace exudes brilliance. The scene in which 007 eavesdrops on a gathering of baddies at an Austrian performance of Tosca is beautifully executed, while a dizzying fight on the collapsing scaffolding in an art gallery is a great set piece. Director Marc Forster strives to achieve a distinct feel for the film – from the cutaways that parallel the action taking place on-screen to the unique title cards announcing each location – that results in the Bond series gaining some welcome artistic integrity.

The film also contains terrific supporting performances. Special nods to Olga Kurylenko, as a genuinely different kind of Bond girl, and Dame Judi Dench, in an expanded role for her sixth appearance as spymaster M. Acclaimed French actor Mathieu Amalric gives a creepily understated performance as main villain Dominic Greene. Jesper Christensen's brilliant Mr White returns from Casino Royale, as does Giancarlo Giannini as Bond's faithful ally René Mathis.

The script, from Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Oscar winner Paul Haggis, is steeped in surprisingly murky politics. The villains operate in plain sight and the British and American governments are happy to get in bed with them so long as oil is promised. It's a refreshing development that gives Craig, Dench and Jeffrey Wright (back as CIA agent Felix Leiter) some meaty scenes to chew on. It's a shame that the strong writing is often drowned out by an abundance of action.

Unfortunately, Quantum of Solace's few flaws disappointingly keep it from reaching the dizzying heights of Casino Royale. The theme song and title sequence are letdowns, while the film itself is far too tightly edited. Quantum of Solace is the shortest Bond flick to date, despite the fact it contains just as much action. A few more dramatic scenes would have helped the audience catch their collective breath. The action sequences themselves also suffer due to overly tight editing. As much as I appreciate the attempt to throw viewers into the thick of the action, some wider shots to establish a context would have made it more engaging.

Despite these blemishes, Quantum of Solace admirably pushes James Bond even further away from the silliness of many of the pre-Craig films. It's a dark, intense and emotional journey and one that improves upon repeat viewings.