The Bond Franchise was given a good kick up the behind with the release of 2006's Casino Royale. What is commonly termed as a 'reboot' should definitely be applied as they stripped away the stupid, far-fetched gadgets and cheddar-laden one liners for a raw and gutsy iteration. Bringin us an MI6 agent that gets battered and bruised, is shot and injured whilst fighting to save the world.
The contrasting changes made Casino Royale a marmite experience. Some of the veteran Bond fans did not want to lose all the gadgets of fantasy and the frivalous lusting with multiple women per film. Others; tending to be younger fans appreciated the raw action and violence scenes and the struggles and pains Bond is put through.
Quantum Of Solace is continuing this rehash of the typical movie formula. Bond doesn't say much, he's a man of actions and is thrown in to impressive car chasing, boating shenanigans and of course massive explosions! The story is based on Ian Flemming's short story of the same name, and with this in mind doesn't really give much substance to the lengthy run time.
The plot is simplistic and is just one long revenge ride with M cussing Bond continuously for his disapproved of behaviour.
The idea that an undercover organisation is starving world countries of water by buying up all their land is pure hokum and can only be taken on face value as an action laden romp with any contrived plot device imaginable as an excuse for the 007 agent to shoot someone, blow something up, and exchange glances with the ‘baddie’.
Solace is by no means a bad slice of cinema, it just is not nearly as special as it could have been, and lacks the depth and panache of its predecessor. Craig again is excellent as bond, performing some physically demanding stunts and really making his own interpretation of James. Mathieu Amalric is appropriately sinister and scary looking and well fitted as his main foe; Dominic Greene. Camille played by the beautiful Olga Kurylenk plays a fresh faced and fiery character, proving a good match alongside Bond on their quest for revenge.
If you liked Casino Royale, you will certainly find this worth a watch. It just will not be going down as one of the true classics in the series. From start to finish you will be impressed by the action, but possibly let down by the formulaic plot.
