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[Matt_13]

Bond.

That's the only word that I think comes close to truly defining the 22nd installment of the James Bond franchise. Quantum of Solace, in short, is a pulse pounding action film with ferocity, wit, and, above all, style. Director Marc Forster has crafted a riveting spy thriller that provides visceral thrills, high emotions, and beautiful landscapes; a film that stands on its own yet manages to build on the blueprints laid out by it's prestigious predecessor (2006's Casino Royale). Thanks largely in part to the strong performances all around by the cast of this film, the characters we see on screen really do feel like real people, allowing us to really dial in on Bond's mind set and what he must be feeling. While the plot focuses around the dealings of crooked environmentalist Dominic Greene, this film really is about James Bond as not merely a number, but first and foremost a man. His heart has been broken and it shows, as Bond is chillingly ruthless yet coolly efficient, killing when he should subdue, and displaying an overwhelming motivation to do his job while simultaneously searching for the answers to his own dark past.

Quantum is nothing short of a full frontal assault, with Forster throwing the audience into the action right from the start with a pulse pounding pre-title sequence that sets the tone for what is to come. Following the satisfactory theme song by Jack White and Alicia Keys that is vastly improved thanks to the work of MK12 on the title sequence, the film really takes off, showcasing thrilling action scene after thrilling action scene at bullet pace, really keeping the audience riveted and involved. For those of you out there who detest the use of hand-held cameras in action scenes, however, be forewarned that this is how the action in this film is shot and can be a bit jarring at times. In fact, I think the fight scenes would have benefited from even pulling the camera back just the slightest bit more to give the fights and chases a less claustrophobic feel, but this is only a slight grievance that hardly changes the quality of the stunt work in this film, which in a word is astounding. There are multiple times when Quantum will have you saying "Wow, did they really just do that?". Don't be mistaken, though, the action despite being more grounded in reality is still fantastical and slightly over the top, but that's why we go to these sorts of movies, right? To get lost in a world outside our own for a few hours where anything and everything is possible, and Quantum of Solace certainly delivers everything.

The dialogue for Quantum is sly, natural, and funny. There are countless lines that will undoubtedly receive a good response from the audience, but don't get your hopes up for the memorable puns and innuendo of the past, however, because this film has replaced those elements with dark humor and wit, something I see as a plus. While the script definitely won't appeal to everyone, I thought it was intriguing and thought provoking while also being emotionally ambiguous and, most importantly, pure Bond.

Quantum of Solace is a more than worthy sequel to Casino Royale. Daniel Craig and Judi Dench do superbly as Bond and M respectively while Marc Forster provides top notch visuals and some truly classic Bond moments. This film is exciting, hard hitting, and emotionally satisfying. As with any film there are some minor weaknesses (in particular a free fall sequence that feels slightly out of place) but the film's good qualities easily outweigh the bad. Make no mistake, Quantum of Solace is a tremendous achievement for this aging franchise, and I can only hope that the producers continue down this bold, exciting new path.

8.5/10