 "Photo: MCT")
3.5 out of 5 stars
Well, it’s not as good as “Casino Royale.” Those are my first words in response to those who ask in eager anticipation about “Quantum of Solace.” It may not be, but it’s still worth seeing. “Solace” is one of the best action films you’ll see made today, but it’s just not redefining, like “Royale” was.
Daniel Craig is back as the dark, complex and troubled MI6 agent. The first scene picks up literally the moment “Royale” left off, approximately one hour later. The opening scene—usually thrilling in a Bond film—is a high-octane car chase, throwing us right into the heart-pulsing action and urgent pace that fuels and sometimes wears out “Solace.” After a clever Bond quip, we get a brief freeze frame, then straight into the famous opening credits sequence that’s a staple of the Bond genre.
Alicia Keys and Jack White offer “Another Way to Die” for Bond 22. Unlike just about every one else on the planet, I actually like this song. Keys’ and White’s voices mix well and White’s characteristic fuzzy guitar blends well with the recognizable Bond theme.
Speaking of recognizable, little of this film is, even to the Bond enthusiast. I understand writer Paul Haggis (“Casino Royale,” “Crash”) wanting to continue reinventing Bond, but there is a line where you start to get into heresy. Once again we only get a variation on the classic line “Shaken, not stirred,” and “Bond, James Bond,” sits this one out.
Craig absolutely owns Bond for this age. Connery still gets my vote for “Best Bond Ever,” but no one alive could reach the intensity, moral complexity and utter suaveness that Craig does. Also, no one else on Earth looks as cool in a tux.
Unfortunately, Olga Kurylenko is one of the worst Bond girls ever. Her acting and character are paper thin. Unlike Eva Green’s rich Vesper Lynd, Kurylenko’s Camille is not a real person. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Green is a real actress and Kurylenko is a Ukranian model.
Judi Dench is solid once again as M and Jesper Christensen returns as Mr. White to sinister effect. Jeffrey Wright shows up again, but barely. If you’re going to have a great actor like Wright in these films, he needs more than a glorified cameo. I’m hoping they are just setting him up to play a bigger part as Felix Leiter in the later films. I pray they give Hugh Laurie or Ricky Gervais a call for the part of Q.
I originally doubted director Marc Forster’s (“Finding Neverland,” “Stranger Than Fiction,” “The Kite Runner”) ability to stage action. I was wrong. This film features some downright awesome action scenes that feature impressive choreography and some flashy work from the cinematographer (see: falling through glass).
Forster’s Bond continues down the path of darkness, and rightfully so. This new Bond is complex. He feels anger and emotion, seeking revenge for the death of Vesper. Forster’s Bond, too, actually looks like he could be doing the stunts he is (thanks mostly to Craig actually doing them). He bleeds. He grunts. He doesn’t stick all his landings, and even falls sometimes.
Certain elements of the plot—the villain, his plan and the Bond girl—feel rather thin and cheap, but that’s because “Solace” is a direct sequel to “Royale.” This film finishes up its predecessor’s story arc, and in a rather satisfying fashion. All in all, “Solace” is a worthy addition to the Bond franchise, if not one of the best. It’s a quality action film and is definitely worth seeing, but don’t expect any of the genius of “Royale.” This film doesn’t have the freshness or the breathing room. But in the end, as the credits assured me (yes, I did stay to make sure it was there): James Bond will return. And once again, I can’t wait. I couldn’t always say that in the Timothy Dalton/Pierce Brosnan era.
