What would you get if you made an action movie and just happened to include a character named James Bond? An opening weekend box office record breaker (for Bond movies) - as well as worldwide moneymaker, an exciting tale of espionage and revenge, and - according to several reviewers (and my wife) – a film decidedly lacking several key components required in a 007 movie.
Among the complaints unfairly leveled at Quantum is its lack of humor. While this movie isn’t gushing with the one-liners present in previous outings, it does toss a couple of sly pitches and I truly didn’t miss the gratuitous attempts at humor that have sometimes brought the series down. Anyone who remembers the later days of the Roger Moore era knows what I mean.
And why express surprise that this movie presents a grittier, harder hitting view of Bond’s exploits than some others have. The die was cast in Casino Royale 2006* when Daniel Craig, our newest James Bond, gave us a grimmer, more vulnerable agent. Mr. Craig, in interviews released last summer, stated he felt a strong need to close the door on the death of Bond’s Casino love, Vesper. And let me tell you, it worked for me.
Another characteristic of the Craig Bond, which audiences seem to react positively about, is the lack of unrealistic high tech gadgets. In the only “high-tech” scene of the movie, Bond has to provide for himself. Otherwise, he lives by his wits, his fists, and a little bit of luck. What more can you ask for?
How about a plot that “foreshadows” and pays homage to some of the Bond movies greatest villainy. Remembering that in the story’s chronology Craig’s Bond is prequel to movies featuring THE James Bond (Sean Connery), the introduction of a vast secret society (SMERSH?) and the death of a beautiful woman covered in a “rich”/expensive substance (re: Goldfinger) can’t be overlooked. These elements demonstrate forward thinking plotting (setting up the next "big bad") and reverence for what has come before.
Quantum of Solace, the newest, and apparently most controversial of the 007 movies, is an entertaining and positive addition to the Bond oeuvre. It moves deftly from one act to the next, never forgetting what audiences want to see - James Bond in action. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend you treat yourself to an escape to your local movie theater.
* year noted to avoid confusion with the original 1967 Casino Royale, a fun, psychedelic movie outing which is truly a product of it's time. Any Austin Power fans deserve to find the 1967 Casino Royale and enjoy a TRIP down memory lane.
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