Quantum of Solace Review and An Open Handed Slap to Critics Who Didn’t Like It

I have officially lost faith in professional movie critics. It was on shaky ground anyway, but after Quantum of Solace, there isn’t any trace of faith left. I read that the stars didn’t have any chemistry, that the opening song wasn’t “true” to the James Bond dynasty, that the lead actress was too tan (what?!?!) that the story was weak, and so on.

I have no explanation for what others get or somehow fail to get, but it’s a shame to think that people are paid to do this for a living and can’t even get in the ballpark!

First of all: The theme. Alicia Keys and Jack White do an outstanding job with the theme song. I honestly didn’t know what to expect out of such a collaboration, but it was incredible. The entire opening was dead-on what you’d expect from a James Bond movie. Sexy, stylish, breathtaking… What’s not to love?

Second of all: The leads – Daniel Craig and Olga Kurylenko – imo, had a very, very special chemistry. Generally speaking, whenever I’ve seen a Bond film, I walk away from it wondering who the next “Bond girl” will be. However, for the first time EVER, I walked away wondering if I begged hard enough and petitioned as though my life depended on it – would they, somehow, bring Olga back? She was, by far, my favorite Bond girl ever. In fact, she’s one of my favorite action female characters of all time. The character was a perfect blend of vulnerability and toughness – with just the right amount of each.

Olga Kurylenko actress is as talented as she is beautiful and I’ve loved every movie I’ve seen her in (Hitman, Max Payne, Quantum of Solace). Even so, I had no idea she’d be able to pull off being a Bond girl so effortlessly. I certainly didn’t see her becoming my favorite one ever!

Daniel Craig is perfect in the role as James Bond. As I’ve said on this blog a gazillion times, Pierce Brosnan has always been my favorite Bond. After seeing Quantum of Solace, however, I can say something I never thought I’d ever hear myself saying, “Pierce Brosnan is one of my favorite two James Bonds.” I love Daniel Craig in the role just as much. Never. Saw. That. Coming.

The chase scenes, action, fight scenes, emotional undertows, acting, chemistry, GORGEOUS scenery, sex appeal, Dame Judi Dench, the music…. it all gets straight A+s from me.

No action film fan could walk away from this movie without feeling pumped with excitement. That’s part of the beauty of the film, actually. It’s a movie that stands on it’s own two legs – whether or not the name James Bond was involved or not. It didn’t need “Bond. James Bond.” to stand and it didn’t need “…shaken, not stirred…”

Quantum of Solace is action film-making at its best. It just so happens to also be James Bond at his best as well. To be perfectly honest, Casino Royale wasn’t one of my favorite movies – Bond or otherwise. I didn’t like the relationships whatsoever. I hated the Bond/M relationship (or lack thereof) most of all. (I also wasn’t the least bit impressed with the Bond girl in that film. When she met with her fate, my face did more of a grin than a grimace.)

I’ve actually given Daniel Craig and Olga Kurylenko my ultimate nod of approval after seeing Quantum of Solace. See the Categories in the sidebar? Only a certain amount of names/subjects will fit. I have to make certain that I only include the stars, shows, etc. that absolutely send me over the moon. You’ll now find their names there.

Quantum of Solace is, in my opinion, a thousand times better than Casino Royale. It’s a mind-blowing movie that’s just beautiful front to back. Ignore the newspaper critics and see the movie. You won’t be sorry.

If, somehow you find something to hate about this fantastic movie, I only have one piece of advice. Quit your day job, you missed your calling. You were meant to be a professional movie critic. ;/

You may also be interested in: Trying to Make Sense of These Quantum of Solace Reviews