Film Review - Quantum of Solace

****

I remember leaving the cinema after watching Casino Royale. I felt mixed emotions. I knew I'd just seen an amazing film, one that had redefined the oldest of movie franchises and ensured its continued existence, at least for the foreseeable future. I also knew that in Daniel Craig, I'd seen the most physical, most intense and yes, most emotional 007 ever. Somehow though, I still had this pang of regret.....it just wasn't Bond was it?

After the fallout, the dust settling on the most successful box office return of any Bond instalment, I could see through my nostalgia. This was necessary, this was a good thing and despite my initial misgivings, this was a very good movie. Besides, I could always go back to 'View to a Kill' for my grey leather jacketed, eye brow raised kicks!!

As many critics have suggested, Quantum of Solace is not as good as Casino Royale (although you have to qualify that statement by asking, "what other Bond film is that good?") However, it's still brimming with all the elements that made us swoon before. There's the heartbroken Bond, seething and remorseful, the realistic action scenes pleasingly devoid of CGI, there's the plot, twisting and turning at all the right moments. There is humour too, although now it's pleasantly understated rather than preceded by imaginary drum rolls.

The mysterious 'Quantum' group provide intrigue as MI6 struggles to ascertain exactly who they are and what they're up to, but perhaps most enjoyable of all, is the relationship between Bond and M. On more than one occasion, allusion is made to M's maternal instincts and Craig and Judy Dench's scenes together are essential in adding depth. Dench is a revelation as M and the decision to keep her on from the Brosnan era is a masterstroke. It's almost as if M is Bond's one, true love!! Freud would have a field day!!

Ironically, I found I enjoyed Quantum of Solace far more than its superior predecessor, relaxing into this new era and reveling in the smouldering cool of Daniel Craig - He almost defies comparison with previous Bond's, his take on the character being so skewed from the historic portrayal.

Quite where 007 goes in the next film, I'm really not sure. There's only so long you can maintain the lovers revenge plot line and I do worry that, this being tied up by the end of 'Quantum', he may lose some of his raison d'etre. Still, that's for a couple of years down the line. For now I'll sit back and enjoy. I may even get 'Royale' out from Blockbuster. Perhaps it deserves another chance!