'Quantum of Solace' review

Daniel Craig and Gemma Arterton (Credit: Karen Ballard/Sony)

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Continuing the story of “Casino Royale,” James Bond (Daniel Craig) seeks revenge for the death someone close to him. He teams with a mysterious Bolivian gal (Olga Kurylenko) and eyes an environmentally conscious businessman (Mathieu Almaric) who may have his own interests in water and/or oil. Bond also needs to dodge the British government and CIA who are after him, and report to M (Judi Dench), who fears the spy may be bringing too many personal issues to work.

The buzz: “Casino” asserted Craig as the new, badass Bond that could wipe the floor with Pierce Brosnan’s version. We’ll see if “Quantum” can maintain the franchise’s high-stakes action while confronting real-world issues like dwindling resources. And featuring the first Bond girl who doesn’t sleep with the leading man!

The verdict: Nothing like a tough, physical action flick to knock you around and drop your jaw. Though it dials down the sexiness quotient, “Quantum” boasts plenty of killer sequences to distract from the lack of anything fresh—as the movie takes too long to establish its diabolical plan and focus its villain. But Almaric is terrific as a baddie who doesn’t need to raise his voice to get what he wants, and Craig continues to find something graceful and suave in 007’s sturdy exterior. No matter how hot the situation, he’s so very cool.

Did you know? For James Bond, this is the equivalent of a request for sex: “I can’t find the stationery. Will you help me look?” Too easy!

Get a second take on "Quantum of Solace."

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