007: Quantum of Solace

A great action movie, but not at all a Bond film. Let’s be clear, there is little to complain about with QoS as an entertainment. The action sequences are breathtaking, the acting is top-notch, it has a reasonable, if somewhat convoluted plot. But it has almost nothing that makes it a Bond film. Bond has been stripped of all the things that make him Bond. The wit, the style, the gadgets, the locations (the action takes place in some glamorous spots, but due to the close cropped filming of the action we get to see very little scenery), the martinis, the cars (ok - there is an Austin Martin at the beginning but its pretty much destroyed before we get a chance to look at it). The irony is that Daniel Craig is a great (perhaps the best ever) Bond. I don’t believe that the impact of his performance would be diminished by lightening up a little. Previous Bonds, particularly Roger Moore, appeared to be enjoying themselves. It’s a hard job being a secret agent, but there was time for some enjoyment. Craig is all work and no play. He can hardly go to the loo without killing someone. There are plenty of secret agent movies that cater to the desire for hard action, character development and other sophisticated characteristics that QoS has in spades. But Bond does not need these things. He is unique and must remain so. I know that many Bond fans share my view on the latest instalment. I really hope that the holders of the franchise will take note and that Bond really will be back.