***SPOILERS***
_____________________________________________
Like many of you, I went to the local theatre tonight and battled the masses in order to catch the 22nd Bond film.
Once production on the film began, I tried my best to avoid spoilers of any kind, only remaining privy to the most basic of news. However, when the reviews started pouring in, I couldn't help myself. And after reading those reviews, I found myself heading into a Bond movie with lowered expectations for the first time in my relatively young life.
That said, I'm happy to report that my expectations were actually exceeded. As a Bond film, QOS stands up well. However, it is as a sequel to CR where it begins to disappoint.
I suppose that we, as Bond fans, were spoiled by the last movie. Those of us that consider our ideal Bond to be "Fleming's Bond" (I'm most definitely in this category) were floored by how closely the film followed its source in terms of tone and subject. Craig was perfect in the role and we all left the theatres anxiously awaiting the follow-up.
However, it seems that without Fleming as a source, the screenwriters and those at EON went back to the old formula of the Brosnan era. The same darker Bond returned, but rather than relying on story as in CR, the dialogue scenes are sandwhiched in between heavy action pieces. Becuase of this, the film's story just seems to get lost along the way. CR managed to perfectly balance action with drama and contain it all in one film. But with QOS, it feels as if you're watching two films spliced together.
Speaking of the action scenes, Bond is most definitely taking a run at Jason Bourne. This is especially evident during the scene in which a handcuffed 007 quickly disposes of his MI6 captors in an elevator.
Another gripe I have is the way in which Vesper's Algerian boyfriend was handled. I see no reason why he could not have played a bigger role in the next film, rather than being reduced to an after-thought in the closing moments of this movie. If he was to become a villain rather than just an unfortunate victim, then some explanation of his motives would have been greatly appreciated, particularly since this was not a part of Fleming's story. Instead, he remains mostly silent throughout the confrontation with Bond and we are left with more questions.
The acting is one area in which I can't complain. The entire cast performs well, particularly Giancarlo Giannini as Mathis. His death scene was extremely well done and very moving. Unfortunately, almost the entire audience during the screening I attended missed the entire point of the scene and laughed uproariously when Bond disposed of him in the dumpster and emptied his wallet.
As for Craig, I truly feel that he puts in an even better performance here than in CR. It's a shame that he wasnt given the same quality material to work with as he was in the previous movie.
I overheard some people complaining afterwards that they don't like Craig because he's "too crooked". Ignoring the fact that it simply wouldn't make sense for Craig to be overtly humourous given the plot, I admit that they may have a point. However, infusing more humour into the role creates a slippery slope that could lead to the cringe-worthy one-liners that marred the Moore and Brosnan eras. I'm all for a more sarcastic, witty Bond, but any resemblance to a comedian on a cruise must be avoided at all costs.
Despite its flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed QOS and am already counting the days until Bond 23. We will see if EON and company listen to the criticisms and get Bond back on the right path.
Edited by MystikTK, 15 November 2008 - 10:21 AM.
