There's a new Bond in town, and "Quantum of Solace" doesn't hesitate to showcase this fact. Making a distinct move from the Pierce Brosnan era, "Quantum of Solace" has a more realistic James Bond, quick-moving action sequences and, to the disappointment of almost every guy in the theater, no sex scenes with the lead actress (Olga Kurylenko).
That being said, there's unfortunately nothing novel in the plot. It's the same as every other James Bond movie: The creepy-looking bad guy (Mathieu Amalric) tries to force his way into more money and power but is eventually stopped by Bond. With environmental issues at the forefront, the plot is more contemporary, but that just makes things a bit confusing and adds nothing to the film. What can you expect? It's 007.
But this movie, unlike other Bond movies, is a direct sequel of the last. The continuity opens up a new palate of colors and allows Bond to be a more realistic character. It's interesting to see Bond the womanizer in constant agony over the death of his love, Vesper (Eva Green). This development comes as a welcome change to the character and makes him much more interesting as a person. However, the writers don't really deserve the credit for the new Bond - that goes to the actor himself.
Daniel Craig has instantly become the second-best Bond yet, and it's really a close second to Sean Connery. Craig plays the tougher side of Bond with a cold calculating face and stony, unrevealing eyes, but he always manages to show Bond's soft spots, making him very believable.
Also wonderful, as always, was Judi Dench playing the part of M. Dench has a way of making this character realistic without sacrificing humor or liveliness to do so. You believe she's the tough woman with a sympathetic heart who, unlike the new Bond, isn't above open displays of wit and charm.
It's an interesting take on the Bond movies, and after a long era of mostly the same thing, the change is welcomed. In and of itself, the movie wasn't the best Bond film. It could have done with less-nauseating action sequences and a better plot, but it's definitely worth seeing for the acting, the action and, of course, the Bond.
