Quantum of Solace (2008) * *

Directed by:  Marc Forster

Starring:  Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Almaric, Jeffrey Wright

After a successful return to the Bond series with Casino Royale, Daniel Craig and company return with among the most lethargic films of the series.    Quantum of Solace (what exactly does that title mean?) has the car chases, gunplay, and exotic locales, but it is going through the motions.    Worse yet, there are no poker tournaments.

James Bond is dispatched to deal with a billionaire entrepreneur named Dominic Greene (Almaric), who wants to control the water supply of Bolivia.    After years of missions in which Bond is called upon to avert nuclear disaster, World War III, or the creation of an evil master race; saving Bolivia's water supply seems like a step down.    This sounds like something Bond can do in his sleep.    Maybe M should have assigned a less experienced agent and give Bond the time off.  

Quantum of Solace is well-made from a technical standpoint, as all Bond films are.    There is certain level of competence which Bond films simply do not fall below.    They may become boring, outdated, and overlong, but they will always look good.    There is also a Bond girl named Camille (Kurylenko), who is attractive but doesn't even sleep with Bond.    Getting laid is not a priority for this James Bond. 

Craig showcased his acting chops in Casino Royale.    Who can forget his response to the bartender who asks him, "How would you like your martini?"    Bond replies, "Do I look like I give a damn?" 
However, this type of Bond shows its limitations in this film.    He does not say a lot and shows emotion even less.    I am not expecting Craig to emote like Laurence Olivier, but how about playing Bond with at least a little personality?    It is ok to have some fun with a role in which ridiculous things are playing out around him.

Is the malaise that surrounds Quantum of Solace a reflection of Craig or a reflection of the rest of the film?    The energy level simply is not there.    We have seen enough car chases and shootouts in not just Bond films, but many others.    So much so that I don't care to see another one.    The stakes have to be high to justify the use of another chase.    They are no longer inherently exciting.

Because Bond films make beaucoup bucks at the box office, we will never finish seeing them.    There will always be more gadgets, evil villains, and James Bond adventures.   With every attempt to enliven and refresh the series, the more it simply seems the same.    A return to the poker table may not have been enough to save Quantum of Solace.