"Quantum of Solace" Review

Movie: Quantum of Solace * Official Site	In Theaters: Nov. 14, 2008
Runtime: 106 minutes	Directed by: Marc Forster
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some sexual content	Gecko Rating:

This is Daniel Craig’s second installment of the James Bond franchise, and this time, it’s personal. The story picks up where “Casino Royale” left off, with Bond seeking revenge on the people responsible for the death of his love Vesper.

The search leads him straight to a wealthy entrepreneur named Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), who’s part of an international crime syndicate out to manipulate the economy and gain control. Along the way, Bond gets some help from Bolivian Secret Service agent Camille (Olga Kurylenko) and CIA buddy Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright). And, of course, M (Judi Dench) is at times stern and at times like a mother hen.

Though some fans aren’t on board with Daniel Craig as the super spy agent, I immediately became a fan with “Casino Royale.” Sure, he’s not as smooth and suave as some of the other Bonds, but his brooding character lends a fresh take to the franchise.

Plus, he’s “real.” He’s a rough and tumble guy who chases bad guys like nobody’s business, doesn’t shirk from wild stunts (involving cars, feet, planes, boats and motorcycles – it’s all covered in this movie), and bleeds real blood. Nor does he shirk from romance. In this movie, he hops into bed with red-headed MI6 babe Strawberry Fields (Gemma Arterton).

Like any good Bond film, this one has plenty of action, pithy one-liners, and, as mentioned, chase scenes. But expect to be astounded by how these folks can get up and walk away after some of their back-breaking fight scenes. And sadly, the signature Aston Martin gets trashed in the first scene!

When I heard that Jack White and Alicia Keys would be singing the movie’s theme, “Another Way to Die” (check out their video here), I wasn’t too sure about it. But it plays over the opening credits and works really well.

Though a bit long – most of the audience got a little fidgety in the middle – this movie is a great addition to the Bond family, and I’ll look forward to the next one.

NOTE TO PARENTS: This movie includes a few passionate kisses and a scene with Bond and a woman in bed after having sex. The storyline includes non-stop action, including knife fights, gun fights, fist fights, and chase scenes involving cars, boats, planes, and motorcycles. A woman is tortured off camera in a cruel manner, and dozens of characters die in explosions or shootouts. Language is relatively mild, including “sh*t and “bastard.”

Images: Quantum of Solace, Columbia Pictures, 2008