Quantum of Suckage
#1
Posted 06 November 2008 - 04:39 PM
I doubt anyone will be interested to read this after the flood of member reviews since last Friday – anyway, I’m mainly typing this to collect my own thoughts.
Leaving the cinema in London last Wednesday, I felt extremely disappointed. As a few CBNers can testify, I called the film ‘rubbish’ repeatedly. The main thing was, though, that I had completely not understood the story at all. The film seemed to move so incredibly quickly I felt myself wanting to press ‘rewind’ many times when watching it, just so I could figure out what the hell was happening, and mostly, why.
I thought it a bit unfair to really judge the film when there was so much I’d seemingly missed, so today I took the opportunity to see it again, here, in Amsterdam.
The subtitles helped. The subtitles helped enormously. My English is fine, but there were some characters (coughMedranocough) that I just didn’t comprehend at all, so at last, today I found out what the hell Greene and he were up to. In fact, I finally understood pretty much all of the story (although there are still a few things…), and so the film didn’t seem to move so fast today anymore, and suddenly, unexpectedly… I found myself…
…bored.
Yes. There is so little about this film that interests me. The only scene that really does that is the final one, with Yusuf. Because that moves the story along. That shows us Bond’s resolving something. The rest of the film… seems so pointless somehow. Supposedly there is some progress made with finding out more about Quantum, but we miss most of that. And of course, a coup is stopped and precious water returned to a people, but it hardly feels important. And then what are we left with, exactly? Bond’s personal development? I only see some vague hints of that in the scenes with Mathis (some of the best in the film) and finally at the end of the film. But I missed it in the rest of the story – and I’m honestly jealous of other fans who seem to find that deeper level throughout the whole film. And then the whole ‘trust’ thing. I mean, we get it. Quantum is everywhere. They have moles in many secret services. The CIA is being naughty, etc. I like the realism of this, but I still don’t see what it is Bond takes away from all this, exactly. After Vesper, he’s already learned his lesson, hasn’t he?
THE ACTION.
I like my action. But I like it a lot more if I can understand what is going on. The film would definitely have benefited from some pulling back with the camera. Oh well, I guess it’s what all the cool kids are doing nowadays.
I do very much dislike it when action scenes appear to be thrown in just because the filmmakers think the audience needs another action scene. The boat chase comes to mind. What, exactly is the point of this? Camille tried to shoot him 30 minutes earlier, so now Bond rushes in to rescue her? And what is it, exactly, that makes him decide she’s in danger, anyway? He couldn’t hear what Greene and Medrano were saying. And even if, maybe it would benefit him to know why Mr. White’s organisation wanted Camille dead, so then why leave her again at the nearest harbour (‘seasick’)? I don’t get it. Also, the dogfight/freefall scene. Unnecessary, IMHO.
THE GIRLS.
I’m really, really, underwhelmed by the Bond girls. When I think they should have been one of the more interesting parts of the film. I was dying to see how Bond would act towards women after Vesper. And then something really strange happens when Bond and Fields are in the hotel room. “I can’t find the stationary. Help me look?” I’m sorry, what? That almost sounded like something Roger Moore’s Bond would say. Not Daniel Craig’s Bond. He’s just kissing her back and smiling at her a lot. Let us not forget, people, that this is the first woman Bond sleeps with after the love of his life breaks his ing heart. And no, I wasn’t expecting for him to break down in cry (oh please God no), but I would have liked to see SOME kind of… something. He should have been meaner to her. Not caring exactly what her name was or what she had to say. Just using her. I would have liked to see Bond consciously using her to make himself feel better for an hour or two.
Camille. I don’t know. I’m terribly excited to get the Gala Brand thing and have a Bond Girl that doesn’t sleep with Bond, but… did it have to be her? I like her backstory, it’s tragic, but I don’t exactly see the madness in her that she would have if she really wanted revenge that badly. And aside from that, we don’t really get to know her. She’s fine, but she could have been much more memorable, I think.
SO…
This film is a film of moments for me. Little moments that I loved. Cool moments, harsh moments, touching moments, funny moments.
LIKE…
Bond and M. Great chemistry.
Bond flipping over the motorcycle. Damn yes.
Bond preparing to shoot Camille.
Teachers on sabbatical.
The hard-edged professionalism that is perhaps professionalism just to put up a wall and not face the horror of reality – patiently waiting for Slate to bleed to death, dumping Mathis in the garbage, etc.
Bond drunk.
Opening the trunk after the car chase.
Etc.
BUT…
But as a whole, the story is terribly forgettable. I’m not sure yet how I’ll rank this film in time. I’ll probably still prefer it over stuff like Moonraker, just because I don’t like the silliness of the Moore era and because Daniel Craig is made of awesome – he’s the best thing about Quantum of Solace. But honestly? Give me some of the Brosnan films over this any day.
It’s just a shame. A real shame.
Bring on Bond 23.
#2
Posted 06 November 2008 - 05:03 PM
#3
Posted 06 November 2008 - 05:18 PM
#4
Posted 06 November 2008 - 05:23 PM
It intrigues me how one member can say the film lacks style, while another member can say the film has oodles of it.
Everyone has their individual perception of style.
#5
Posted 06 November 2008 - 05:23 PM
#6
Posted 06 November 2008 - 05:29 PM
It intrigues me how one member can say the film lacks style, while another member can say the film has oodles of it.
Me too, I REALLY want to see the film. There's so much love/hate about this film - I'm wanting to see this myself. Of course, I'm trying to avoid spoilers, so when reviewers starting discussing details, I stop reading. So, I know there's LOVE/HATE going on, but I'm not sure WHY - yet (since I haven't read the details and haven't seen the film).
#7
Posted 06 November 2008 - 05:31 PM
#8
Posted 06 November 2008 - 05:31 PM
It intrigues me how one member can say the film lacks style, while another member can say the film has oodles of it.
Everyone has their individual perception of style.
Agreed, however (and I haven't seen the film), I'm generally not a big fan of tight close ups, shaky cams and editing to the extreme, so I'm wondering whether I'll like the camera/editing work in this one. I guess I'll probably know next week.
#9
Posted 06 November 2008 - 05:36 PM
#10
Posted 06 November 2008 - 05:41 PM
Oh no.. So sorry to hear you didn't like the film, Joyce!! What a disappointment for you after waiting two years.. Never mind..perhaps sometime in the distant future you may decide to give it another chance and perhaps it'll start to grow.. As for me, I'm trying my very best not to be discouraged by the numerous negative reviews and it's very, very frustrating that we have to wait another week or so to catch it (sparing a thought for our chums in Australia who have even longer!). However, in a sense I'm glad that I'm being well warned of some of the nagging issues folks have with Quantum of Solace so that I'll have a better sense of judgement when I go see it.
I'm starting to think that the number of negative reviews I'm seeing in the press will hurt the overall numbers for Quantum in U.S. box office even more than if they had released it at the same time as the UK, even if it meant being a bit further out from the holiday weekend. Of course, I could be wrong, but what do you think?
#11
Posted 06 November 2008 - 05:44 PM
#12
Posted 06 November 2008 - 05:55 PM
Quantum Of Suckage-wish I had thought of that!
How 'bout "Quantum of SoLame"
Mind you, I haven't seen the film, so I'm NOT saying that I think it's lame, just giving a word play suggestion.
#13
Posted 06 November 2008 - 06:02 PM
Yes. There is so little about this film that interests me. The only scene that really does that is the final one, with Yusuf. Because that moves the story along. That shows us Bond’s resolving something. The rest of the film… seems so pointless somehow.
Yes I agree and I ask myself why some people think this movie is so great. Is it only because they are big Daniel Craig as Bond fans and they can't see through their rose-tinted glasses of him? I mean the movie was more shallow than a very bad Steven Seagal movie, and yet somehow we are supposed to believe it had emotional depth.
#14
Posted 06 November 2008 - 06:04 PM
Yes. There is so little about this film that interests me. The only scene that really does that is the final one, with Yusuf. Because that moves the story along. That shows us Bond’s resolving something. The rest of the film… seems so pointless somehow.
Yes I agree and I ask myself why some people think this movie is so great. Is it only because they are big Daniel Craig as Bond fans and they can't see through their rose-tinted glasses of him? I mean the movie was more shallow than a very bad Steven Seagal movie, and yet somehow we are supposed to believe it had emotional depth.
You think it's THAT bad?
#15
Posted 06 November 2008 - 06:05 PM
Yes. There is so little about this film that interests me. The only scene that really does that is the final one, with Yusuf. Because that moves the story along. That shows us Bond’s resolving something. The rest of the film… seems so pointless somehow.
Yes I agree and I ask myself why some people think this movie is so great. Is it only because they are big Daniel Craig as Bond fans and they can't see through their rose-tinted glasses of him? I mean the movie was more shallow than a very bad Steven Seagal movie, and yet somehow we are supposed to believe it had emotional depth.
No. It's because I enjoyed it. It's allowed.
"Some people", eh? Tchoh! Eh? Just can't be trusted, eh? Shocking.
#16
Posted 06 November 2008 - 06:05 PM
I'm starting to think that the number of negative reviews I'm seeing in the press will hurt the overall numbers for Quantum in U.S. box office even more than if they had released it at the same time as the UK, even if it meant being a bit further out from the holiday weekend. Of course, I could be wrong, but what do you think?
Nah, I think it'll do okay at the box office.. Since Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince was shifted to next summer, I really don't see any real competition for Quantum at the moment.
#17
Posted 06 November 2008 - 06:08 PM
Oh no.. So sorry to hear you didn't like the film, Joyce!! What a disappointment for you after waiting two years.. Never mind..perhaps sometime in the distant future you may decide to give it another chance and perhaps it'll start to grow.. As for me, I'm trying my very best not to be discouraged by the numerous negative reviews and it's very, very frustrating that we have to wait another week or so to catch it (sparing a thought for our chums in Australia who have even longer!). However, in a sense I'm glad that I'm being well warned of some of the nagging issues folks have with Quantum of Solace so that I'll have a better sense of judgement when I go see it.
I'm starting to think that the number of negative reviews I'm seeing in the press will hurt the overall numbers for Quantum in U.S. box office even more than if they had released it at the same time as the UK, even if it meant being a bit further out from the holiday weekend. Of course, I could be wrong, but what do you think?
I think it will do alright at the US box office. Casino Royale opened at 'only' $40m. I see this opening 50% higher. That head start and a strong Thanksgiving means it will outgross Casino total in around three weeks.
#18
Posted 06 November 2008 - 06:08 PM
Quantum Of Suckage-wish I had thought of that!
How 'bout "Quantum of SoLame"
Mind you, I haven't seen the film, so I'm NOT saying that I think it's lame, just giving a word play suggestion.
LOL!!
#19
Posted 06 November 2008 - 06:13 PM
I'm starting to think that the number of negative reviews I'm seeing in the press will hurt the overall numbers for Quantum in U.S. box office even more than if they had released it at the same time as the UK, even if it meant being a bit further out from the holiday weekend. Of course, I could be wrong, but what do you think?
Nah, I think it'll do okay at the box office.. Since Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince was shifted to next summer, I really don't see any real competition for Quantum at the moment.
Good point. It'll be the best thing going on at the theater for a while it seems.
#20
Posted 06 November 2008 - 06:18 PM
He reminds us that the DAD haters were in the minority at the beginning.
That is something we should consider. Yes of course many of us are thrilled to see the new Bond movie, but will they be so pleased with it later when they look back?
#21
Posted 06 November 2008 - 06:39 PM
I feel your pain. Some friends of mine, proper open-minded, non-tradionalist, non-oldthink Bond fans, did not enjoy Quantum Of Solace so much either. A shame. I hope you and they get to enjoy the next film (if there is one).
#22
Posted 06 November 2008 - 06:46 PM
I also realise I forgot to mention the villains. Probably because I didn't find them very memorable either. Amalric did fine with what he was given; sadly that wasn't much. He wasn't a very menacing villain. Medrano was just a bastard but not that interesting either.
No. It's because I enjoyed it. It's allowed.
It is, Jim, and I'm very glad you did. As I said, I'm jealous of everyone who's loving it so much!
#23
Posted 06 November 2008 - 06:47 PM
I find myself agreeing with you on this one,I cannot believe people are not protesting at the worst ever pre titles scene.there is just no thrill factor here...& there should be !
Personally, I think the PTS is awesome. It's balls-to-the-wall and charged with both real coolness and (unusually for Bond) real danger. There's a sobering sense (and not for the only time in the film) of how the spy shenanigans of 007 and co. can impact (pun intended) on ordinary members of the public.
I love the way it's shot and edited, and particularly how Forster and co. choose to open it. There's a really striking and unusual opening shot, and then there's some, erm, intercutting or somefink, and it isn't exactly how you might expect it to be (which is, of course, a big plus), and it all basically just kicks in a major, major way.
Still, as Jim so sagely points out, everybody has their own perception.
Good stuff, though, Joyce. Was looking forward to your reaction to this flick.
#24
Posted 06 November 2008 - 06:55 PM
I scored a pass to a sony-ericsson (private) early screening tonight at 9pm.
The wait was driving me insane.
EON, plz, one release date for B23.
Edited by bondrules, 06 November 2008 - 07:03 PM.
#25
Posted 06 November 2008 - 07:04 PM
Oh no.. So sorry to hear you didn't like the film, Joyce!! What a disappointment for you after waiting two years.. Never mind..perhaps sometime in the distant future you may decide to give it another chance and perhaps it'll start to grow.. As for me, I'm trying my very best not to be discouraged by the numerous negative reviews and it's very, very frustrating that we have to wait another week or so to catch it (sparing a thought for our chums in Australia who have even longer!). However, in a sense I'm glad that I'm being well warned of some of the nagging issues folks have with Quantum of Solace so that I'll have a better sense of judgement when I go see it.
I'm starting to think that the number of negative reviews I'm seeing in the press will hurt the overall numbers for Quantum in U.S. box office even more than if they had released it at the same time as the UK, even if it meant being a bit further out from the holiday weekend. Of course, I could be wrong, but what do you think?
I think it will do well here in the states. Short, violent, wall to wall action, little story development. Sounds like many of the top grossing US films Exactly what the teens want to see over and over again on their Holiday vacation.
#26
Posted 06 November 2008 - 07:04 PM
Yes. There is so little about this film that interests me. The only scene that really does that is the final one, with Yusuf. Because that moves the story along. That shows us Bond’s resolving something. The rest of the film… seems so pointless somehow.
Yes I agree and I ask myself why some people think this movie is so great. Is it only because they are big Daniel Craig as Bond fans and they can't see through their rose-tinted glasses of him? I mean the movie was more shallow than a very bad Steven Seagal movie, and yet somehow we are supposed to believe it had emotional depth.
Why do you persist in this nonsense that people who disagree with you don't know their own minds? Is it really so hard to grasp that others have their own opinions? I mean, I don't particularly like Thunderball; I think it's the dreariest of all the Eon Bonds. But that doesn't make me right or those who love it (possibly a majority of CBn-ers) wrong. I THINK QUANTUM OF SOLACE IS BLOODY FANTASTIC. AND THAT'S MY GENUINE OPINION TO WHICH I'M ENTITLED. HOW MUCH CLEARER CAN I MAKE IT?
What does intrigue me is the handful of posters on here (not the orgininator of this thread I hasten to add) who seem to be willing for QoS to fail - although they dress it up by claiming to be Bond fans - and glory in every negative review.
#27
Posted 06 November 2008 - 07:12 PM
I find myself agreeing with you on this one,I cannot believe people are not protesting at the worst ever pre titles scene.there is just no thrill factor here...& there should be !Just think of the truely exciting pre titles in past 007s,the jump from Goldeneye,the boat chase from World,the chateau fight from Thunderball..& the biggest & best ski jump from Spy.
I think that the PTS was fantastic, better than any of the Brosnan era ones, especially GoldenEye which I just found to be a complete bore tbf.
#28
Posted 06 November 2008 - 07:15 PM
#29
Posted 06 November 2008 - 07:47 PM
Why do you persist in this nonsense that people who disagree with you don't know their own minds? Is it really so hard to grasp that others have their own opinions? I mean, I don't particularly like Thunderball; I think it's the dreariest of all the Eon Bonds. But that doesn't make me right or those who love it (possibly a majority of CBn-ers) wrong. I THINK QUANTUM OF SOLACE IS BLOODY FANTASTIC. AND THAT'S MY GENUINE OPINION TO WHICH I'M ENTITLED. HOW MUCH CLEARER CAN I MAKE IT?
What does intrigue me is the handful of posters on here (not the orgininator of this thread I hasten to add) who seem to be willing for QoS to fail - although they dress it up by claiming to be Bond fans - and glory in every negative review.
I was careful to talk about "some people" seeing QoS through rose tinted glasses. Now if that doesn't include you, then no need for you to get upset. Also, on this very thread, I predicted Quantum would outgross the total of Casino in US in just three weeks - so I am not one wishing it to fail.
#30
Posted 06 November 2008 - 08:01 PM
The PTS wasn't bad. Although it's pretty crucial to be able to remember the end of CR to really enjoy it.
I plan on watching CR one more time, the night before I go and see QOS.