Review: Quantum of Solace Packs Action—but Lacks
Sony Pictures
Review in a Hurry: It's like Casino Royale with cheese: Daniel Craig's second outing as 007 has all the action it needs and then some, but lacks the focus of its predecessor.
The Bigger Picture: A lousy time for stocks should be a good time for Bond. In times of economic turmoil, there's no better escapism than the exploits of a British superspy who solves complex geopolitical problems with nothing more than murderous chutzpah and a dinky little gun.
This time he's out for some simple vengeance, looking for the baddies who robbed him of his one true love. James Bond's heartache doesn't stop him from seducing his way past a lovely bureaucrat, though he does show admirable restraint in his dealings with fellow traveler Camille (Olga Kurylenko), a rogue agent who has her own score to settle.
The course of true revenge never does run smoothly, and Bond promptly stumbles across a mysterious network of powerbrokers looking to—what else?—take over the world. And so 007's off on another jet-set adventure that looks terribly modern (the architecture on display might be worth the price of admission) but carries a few too many reminders of how silly the series can get.
The parts that aren't silly—lean, muscular brawls and seemingly improvisational chase scenes—are entertaining enough but packed more thrills when we saw them first (and second, and third) in the Bourne films.
But at least Quantum of Solace never gets bogged down in tedious gunfights, thanks mostly to Craig's "horribly efficient" secret agent. His Bond remains the deadliest; his flinty stare and capacity for sudden brutality keep things engaging, as you honestly wonder what he'll do next. Most of the time it isn't what you'd expect, which these days is about all you can ask for.
The 180—a Second Opinion: Quantum of Solace suffers from major sequilitis and middle-third syndrome, with director Marc Forster doing just barely enough to resolve the last film and a little advance work for another. The whole thing looks more like a collection of afterthoughts than a film in its own right.
Grade: B-
The Big Picture
Two Peas in a Pod Los Angeles Lakers fans Fergie and Will.i.am show their support for the home team in unison
More PhotosMost Commented
- Bitch-Back! Breaking News—Johnny's a Hottie (1026)
- Costars and Suits Give Robsten Their Blessings! (650)
- Blab Blab Blab: Is Twilight Sexist? (552)
- Truth, Lies & Ted: Twilight Special (478)
- Why Won't Sarah Palin Go Away? (440)
- Bitch-Back! What's Brad Got to Do With It? (426)
- Is New Moon Even Good? (455)
- Is Ugly Betty Ending? And Who Gets the Girl? (411)
- Review: New Moon Is Either Just Fine or Way Mopey, Depending On Who You Are (330)
- Ridiculous Twilight Hookups in an "All Taken" Cast (348)
Top 10 Stories
- Michael Jackson's Cash-Strapped Doctor Returns to Work
- Taylor Swift Tops Even Michael Jackson at American Music Awards
- Carrie Prejean the Hot Topic at Miss California USA Pageant
- New Moon Makes a Lot of Money (But Not Quite Batman Money)
- Jon (Plus Flowers) & Kate Reunite to Put Finishing Touches on Divorce
- New Moon Eclipses Dark Knight!
- Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray & More Continue Singing Oprah's Praises
- Michael Jackson's Doc Shipped Propofol From Vegas to L.A., Records Show
- Unleashed Fangirls Derail Justin Bieber Appearance
- Miley Cyrus' Tour Bus in Deadly Crash
Fashion Police
Green With Envy?Not quite, but we do give Kristen props for this shot of color during her New Moon press tour
More Photos
Latest Movie Reviews
Get Your E! News Now
14 Comments
-
Show the next 1 - 0 of 14 comments
Now loading...