Rating of
3/4
Bond Takes a Page from Bourne with Mixed Results
Chris Kavan - wrote on 11/20/08
Right at the start, you know this Bond is going to be different. Gone are the days of the happy-go-lucky spy with a quick quip and charming smile. No, now we have a merciless spy, steely-eyed, cold, calculated and all business.
No, I'm not talking about Jason Bourne, however, for the first 45 minutes or so, you could be forgiven for mistaking Quantum of Solace for the 4th Bourne movie. With jump cuts, chases and fights, this Bond ups the ante action. Still, I hold a special place for the Bond of old, so while the change is refreshing, it's not always satisfying.
My main gripe isn't that they took out some old standbys - no gadgets, no "Bond. James Bond." heck, no martinis - I can handle that. What bothered me was the weak villain and female lead. Sure, our man was evil - shady, world-wide domination evil - but the fight scene between him and Bond was, to put it mildly, pathetic. I guess even the most evil-minded villain needs to remember to hit the gym, or hire some better grunts.
And while Olga Kurylenko's Camille has a great story to tell, there's just not enought chemistry to make her stand out. Gemma Arterton's character (amounting to little more than a glorified cameo) has a bigger impact in 15 minutes than Kurylenko managed for the whole movie.
Still, I have to say despite the changes, this Bond still managed to entertain. I don't think a return to the Bond of old is in order, but Craig could lighten up just a little next time around - humor does have its place.
