James Bond 22: Quantum of Solace or (A Little Bit of Relief)

I have always liked James Bond movies. In fact, I have even read all the original books by Ian Fleming.  So… I was somewhat disappointed when Daniel Craig was announced as the “new” James Bond in Casino Royale.

Craig looks nothing like the descriptions of Bond from the novels. In the works of Ian Fleming, Bond, although Scottish in heritage, is described as “Latin looking”. This means dark hair, and a dark, even swarthy complexion…   Even the internet, before the opening of Casino Royale, had dubbed Craig as “James Blond”.

While I thought Casino Royalewas a good action/adventure movie… I did not feel it was (truly) representative of the Bond franchise. For me, Daniel Craig is an “everyman” Bond…Whereas, I have always felt that the character of James Bond, must be (at least) a cut above the rest.

There is no “Q”now, (Bond’s gadget maker) whose last bit of advice to Brosnan/Bondwas; “Never let them see you bleed…And, always have a way out”. Perhaps Craig should take this advice, since he returns from each encounter looking like raw hamburger.

And, in this post modern era of casual “hookups”, Bond doesn’t even have to seduce Female agent Chelsea Fields…His pick up line is neither clever or witty.

Now,QOSis the first direct sequel in the Bond franchise… Beginning just moments after Casino Royale ends.

Yes.. I’ll admit…He drives like Bond… But in this beginning action sequence, there is a decided lack of dialogue. No quips… No witty sayings… And, sadly no personality. This is one of the criticisms I had with Timothy Dalton as Bond. (The Living Daylights, and License to Kill)

…The beginning action sequence of QOS ends with Bond saying; ( to Mr. White in the “boot”)  “You can get in now”         …Huh…??

Segue into the opening credits with a theme song by  Jack White and Alicia Keys. (Another Way to Die)  Though some have criticized the theme as being “Hip hop”  it somehow reminds me of “Happiness is a Warm Gun“, by John Lennon on The Beatles White album.

Now,QOS is not without action… In fact ,some have compared this new incarnation of Bond to the Borne series of films. 

Yet, throughout this film,as Bond goes through his routines… I never sense any personality, (or fun) from the character.

The original (film) Bond, (Sir) Sean Connery had personality aplenty… And, a twinkle in his eye…   Even Roger Moore, had his own “tongue in cheek” personality readily apparent… Pierce Brosnan offered a very smooth,sophisticated interpretation of Bond.

Although Daniel Craig appears to be dynamite at the box office… I find my self musing…

Just who will be…. the next James Bond.

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