Bond 22 (Quantum of Solace)
Bond movies hold a special place in our hearts as they are some of the longest running film series (although cheesy) always make for a great film. Quantum of Solace is the 22 James Bond Film and is the sequel to Casino Royale. The film makes another great addition to the huge line up of awesome action flicks; however, we are having to do a split review because of the terrible director. The story and film as a whole was awesome, however the terrible camera work and audio (this is due to the director, Marc Forster) is means for a two part review. One for the basic film with exception of Forster’s terrible work and One with his work.
Visually this film looked amazing, the camera work especially during actions scenes (which is sort of important being this is an action film) was so frantic it may have well been done with a hand held cam. Any time something moved, even something like that of a basket falling to the ground, the camera jumped to that. During an action scene where tons of things are exploding, bullets flying and bodies are dropping, the last thing the audience want’s to deal with his fast paced cuts and frantic up close camera work. Not only does it feel like you are going to have a seizure during most action scenes, but the audio seems very unfinished, like that of a cheap tape recorder you used as a child. With all this being said it may very well seem like Quantum of Solace would be a terrible film, much like that of the other big name critics will tell you, but the acting and story line surpasses any negative feature of this film.
Daniel Craig pulls yet again another amazing and memorable role as the newest James Bond. He plays a much more in depth, not just one liner Bond and pulls all of his own stunts. Sadly most of them can not be seen as the camera work is either to close to the action or out of focus. Craig, although he is no Connery, Craig is bringing Bond to a new, modern level.
Review:
Camera Work: While the action scenes may have been terrible by ways of what we could see, it seems that generally they were action packed and full of some pretty bad ass fighting. This is the single worst part of the film, but the special FX and explosions were of course grand. If we had included this, although a very large part of any movie, it would only get a 2/5. The story line and the areas filmed in however make Quantum have a great look, it was just way to jump. Thus giving the camera work without Forster a 4/5.
Audio/Sound FX: The music was as every bond film is. Full of instrumentals and of course a one of a kind opening theme, this one we were not so fond of as it was created by a mix of Jack White (white stripes) and Alcia Keys. One of the best Bond themes had to of been Chris Cornell’s rendition for Casino Royale (Hey it’s our opinion, deal). While the music was great, once again the after editing of the film had these annoying or terrible FX. While in the scene with Bond and his Companion Camilie, played by Olga Kurylenko they were speaking to each other through a head set. Forster for whatever reason decided to make it sounds more like they were speaking through a cheap walkie talkie during this scene. In several fight scenes the audio seems untouched or there is a lack of background sound while things are clearly exploding. Forster’s after touching editing gets a 2/5. While the music and instrumentals without his poor taste in filming gets a perfect 5/5.
Story/Plot: Quantum of Solace picks up just one hour after Casino Royale. Since the that time people have wondered why Bond has been transformed into the killing unattached man that he has been known to be, until now. Quantum of Solace is much like a Mafia type group of on epic proportions. Although Bond may not have cleared out the group, he has uncovered who they are and what they are planning to do. This film put together the pieces to the 20 other Bond films that seemed like he was just a killing/sex machine up until now. Craig plays a much deeper character and it’s hard to compare him to the others because of this. 5/5
Acting:
Daniel Craig once again does an amazing performance with his rendition of 007. He’s the perfect mix of character depth and bad ass killing machine. In this film you will be able to see the rogue side of Bond and what truly makes him tick. Craig surely surpasses that of his latest predecessor.
Olga Kurylenko is the newest Bond girl and does a hell of a job of it. Her latest roles in Hitman and Max Payne may go unnoticed, but this Russian babe is a complete bad ass. Her character is very similar to that of Storm in the X-men series. As a child she was in a fire which you will notice in the film how it paralyzes her. (Storm has a similar issue with claustrophobia).
Mathieu Amalric plays a rather weak villain and we’ve yet to see a villain to hold up to the classics like that of Goldfinger.
Jeffrey Wright although plays a small role is a continuation from Casino Royale. He most likely will seen in the next film and trys to balance out M16 with some American justice. Acting receives a 5/5
While Quantum of Solace may have received terrible reviews from most critics, Play This is giving it 5 burritos.
Plot posted from www.imdb.com
“‘Quantum of Solace’ continues the high octane adventures of James Bond from ‘Casino Royale’. Picking up literally hours after the previous film left off, after being betrayed by Vesper, the woman he loved, 007 fights the urge to make his latest mission personal. Having captured Mr. White, and in pursuing his determination to uncover the truth, Bond and ‘M’ interrogate Mr. White who reveals the organization which blackmailed Vesper to steal Bond’s casino winnings is far more complex and dangerous than anyone had imagined.
Forensic intelligence links an MI6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti where a case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful but feisty Camille, a woman who has her own vendetta. Camille leads Bond straight to Dominic Greene, a ruthless businessman and major force within the mysterious criminal organization known only as ‘Quantum’.
On a mission that leads him to Austria, Italy and South America, Bond discovers that Greene, conspiring to take total control of one of the world’s most important natural resources, is forging a deal with the exiled General Medrano. Using his associates in the organization, and manipulating his powerful contacts within the CIA and the British government, Greene promises to overthrow the existing regime in Bolivia, giving General Medrano control of the country in exchange for a seemingly barren piece of land which is, however, a main source of the South American water supply. In a minefield of treachery, murder and deceit, Bond allies with old friends in a battle to uncover the truth. As he gets closer to finding the man responsible for the betrayal of Vesper, 007 must keep one step ahead of the CIA, the terrorists, and even ‘M’ herself, to unravel Greene’s sinister plan and stop Quantum from getting its way.”
