Reel Life: Quantum of Solace
By Jane Louise Boursaw
Reel Rating: 4 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some sexual content
Released in Theaters: Nov. 14, 2008
Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller, Sequel
Runtime: 106 minutes
Directed by: Marc Forster
Cast: Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric, Judi Dench
SYNOPSIS: Seeking revenge for the death of his love Vesper, secret agent James Bond sets out to stop an environmentalist from taking control of a country's water supply. Along the way, he meets a woman who also has an agenda.
Sex/Nudity: A few passionate kisses and a scene with Bond and a woman in bed after having sex.
Violence/Gore: Non-stop action, including knife fights, gun fights, fist fights, and chase scenes involving cars, boats, planes, and motorcycles. A woman is tortured off camera in a cruel manner, and dozens of characters die in explosions or shootouts.
Profanity: Relatively mild, including “sh*t,” and “bastard.”
Which Kids Will Like It? Kids 14 and older who love spy movies with lots of action.
Will Parents Like It? Yes, but given the content, it’s best for kids 14 and older.
REVIEW: This is Daniel Craig’s second installment of the James Bond franchise, and this time, it’s personal. The story picks up where “Casino Royale” left off, with Bond seeking revenge on the people responsible for the death of his love Vesper.
The search leads him straight to a wealthy entrepreneur named Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), who’s part of an international crime syndicate out to manipulate the economy and gain control. Along the way, Bond gets some help from Bolivian Secret Service agent Camille (Olga Kurylenko) and CIA buddy Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright).
Though some fans aren’t on board with Daniel Craig as the super spy agent, I immediately became a fan with “Casino Royale.” Sure, he’s not as smooth and suave as some of the other Bonds, but his brooding character lends a fresh take to the franchise.
Plus, he’s “real.” He’s a rough and tumble guy who chases bad guys like nobody’s business, doesn’t shirk from wild chases (involving cars, feet, planes, boats and motorcycles in this movie–it’s all covered), and bleeds real blood. Nor does he shirk from the romance. In this movie, he hops into bed with red-headed MI6 gal Strawberry Fields (Gemma Arterton).
Like any good Bond film, this one has plenty of action, quippy one-liners, and, as mentioned, chase scenes (though there’s no way these folks would have gotten up and walked away from some of the back-breaking fight scenes–you’ve gotta suspend disbelief!). And sadly, the signature Aston Martin gets trashed in the first scene!
I wasn’t sure about the opening credit sequence featuring Jack White and Alicia Keys singing “Another Way to Die,” but it works really well in the film. Overall, this movie is a great addition to the Bond family, and I’ll look forward to the next one!
Jane's Reel Rating System:
One Reel: Even the Force can’t save it.
Two Reels: Coulda been a contender.
Three Reels: Something to talk about.
Four Reels: You want the truth? Great flick!
Five Reels: Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.
Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries. Visit her online at ReelLifeWithJane.com or email jboursaw@charter.net.