Review: Quantum of Solace (2008)

[Homer Yen]

"Quantum" Provides Only Marginal Solace
by Homer Yen
(c) 2008

Ok, I like James Bond.  I really like James Bond.  Just hearing the
words evokes a certain picture in your mind.  And it's more than just
a vision of the rugged Daniel Craig.  It's a picture of being in
command yet having insouciance.  It's a picture of being suave and yet
being a rogue.  I can't really describe it with words.  But, if you're
following me along so far, then you know what I mean.  So far so good.
 But, something went awry with "Quantum of Solace".  As an action
film, it's fine.  But as a James Bond film, I just want to ask: where
did James Bond go?

What's the best way to sum up this movie?  The movie's DNA seems to be
a mixture of "Charlie Wilson's War" (but bereft of anything
lighthearted) and anything that featured Jason Bourne.  There are
essentially two forgettable villains.  One looks to stage a coup and
usurp the Presidency in Bolivia.  The other is looking to establish
control of the water utilities of that country. There is some banter
about dictatorships and oil interests and other geopolitical musings.
Completely uninteresting to me.

The real meat of the film is supposed to stem from a desire for
revenge.  "Quantum of Solace" picks up from the previous film with
Bond looking to avenge the death of his lover.  The Bond Girl, in this
installment, is Camille (Olga Kurylenko) who also harbors a wish to
avenge the death of her father.  You know, I can't even really say
that she can be labeled The Bond Girl, because it never appears that
this Bond has any interest in her as a meaningful pursuit or as a
disposable pleasure.  For both Bond and Camille to reach their
intended targets, they both have to go through Dominic Greene (Mathieu
Amalric), who is a ruthless businessman but is one of the wimpiest
villains of the Bond franchise.

In a recent article, Bond Alum Roger Moore expressed his concern that
James Bond films were becoming too violent.  I think that the James
Bond character evolves as the pop culture mindset of today's moviegoer
evolves.  Just look at how "The Dark Knight" completely transformed
the Batman image.  But, that film adjusted correctly to the changing
times.  I don't think that Bond is supposed to change.  Sean Connery
started out with 80% charm and 20% menace.  Today, Daniel Craig, the
fine actor that he is, is 20% charm and 80% menace.

Yes, this film does honor the first generation Bond.  One scene is
very reminiscent of Goldfinger.  And a new global network of villains
is emerging in the vein of SPECTRE.  But a lot of what makes James
Bond fun has been discarded, at least for this film.  How about the
tongue-in-cheek lines?  Remember when Pierce Brosnan miraculously
saved himself from going over a cliff by latching on to a bell?  His
response: "Heh, saved by the bell!"  Classic!  How about the crazy
Bond Girl names like Pussy Galore or Jenny Flex.  Here, the girl's
name is just Camille, which sounds like a type of tea.  Where's the
fun in that?  And, where's Q and the gadgets?  This is like watching
X-Men without Wolverine and Dr. Xavier.

Nonetheless, if you have a penchant for action, there is plenty of
that here. Bond outmaneuvers pursuers in his Aston Martin,
outmaneuvers pursuers in a speedboat, and even outmaneuvers pursuers
in a clunky plane.  And while he is very good at commandeering
vehicles, I missed the simpler times when he could charm a woman into
bed with him or just order an often-overlooked brand of wine to
compliment the chateaubriand.  This newer and grittier Bond is a
workhorse.  But all work and no play makes James a dull boy.

Grade:	C+

S:	1 out of 3
L:	0 out of 3
V:	2 out of 3