In Defense of 'Quantum of Solace'

2008's Quantum of Solace is often referred to as one of the lesser Bond films and, while it isn't my favorite, I think that it's better than a lot of people give it credit for. I love the Bond film franchise but it isn't without it's flaws; Bond once diffused a nuclear device while dressed as a clown in Octopussy. Bond parasurfs on a horrible looking CGI wave in Die Another Day. He snowboards down a mountain on a water ski while California Girls plays in A View to a Kill. In You Only Live Twice Bond to disguises himself (poorly) as a Japanese man despite being played by Sean Connery who is 6' 2" and makes no attempt to hide his accent. Moonraker… just all of Moonraker.

With regards to Quantum of Solace, I think the film gets a bit of a bad rap. It came out just two years after, what is considered by many, to be one of the best Bond pictures, Casino Royale. I remember as a fan having high, and maybe unrealistic, expectations for the follow-up to that film. There are some things I don't like about this entry in the series but I think there are plenty of positives too. I like Daniel Craig as James Bond and I like that this film builds off of the events of Casino Royale rather than being another one-off Bond adventure. Also, Judi Dench is always great as 'M' and the song "Another Way to Die" by Jack White and Alicia Keys is one of my favorites of all the Bond opening credits songs.

A criticism I hear a lot is that this movie is boring. Boring? The movie contains a car chase, a chase on foot across rooftops, and a boat chase all within the first 25 minutes. Later there is also an aerial action scene, and a shootout in an exploding hotel... I think the plot is a little underdeveloped and the villain's plan isn't incredibly interesting but, I personally haven't ever considered it a boring film. My only critique of these action scenes is that I feel the editing is a bit frantic. 

Overall, I don't think Quantum of Solace should be considered one of the great Bond films but, it's not one of the worst in my book either. I think more people should give this one another chance. 

It gets a solid 3 out of 5 from me.