D.C. MOVIE GUYS

Just because James Bond has been revised far from his 1962 to 2002 (“Dr. No” to “Die Another Day”) versions doesn’t mean he can’t hit the villains or the box office with a nasty punch. Daniel Craig’s Bond is more visceral, coarse and perhaps a little more sadistic than any previous Bond and this edge is sharpened in “Quantum of Solace”. First time Bond director, Marc Forster (“The Kite Runner”), helps make the follow up story to 2006’s “Casino Royale” a reason to spend money at the Movies. Screenwriters Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade prove James Bond still has action hero blood in his veins to pump him beyond their “Casino Royale” adventure.

“Quantum of Solace” finds James Bond racing away from the ending of “Casino Royale”. Although not necessary, a refresh of the last Bond film at home will help the leap into “Quantum of Solace”. Theaters should come equipped with seat belts because the action starts right after a brief pause for opening credits complete with silhouettes of seemingly nude women. James Bond isn’t all about women, car chases, shootouts and fist fights, but this film doesn’t short him any of that either. James Bond has everything he needs including a new Bond Girl, Camille, played by Olga Kurylenko. 2007’s “Hitman” had future Bond Girl written all over Kurylenko and her pre “Quantum of Solace” appearance in “Max Payne” helps cement her as an actor to watch.

Equally as important to a James Bond movie as the Bond Girl is the Bond villain. Mathieu Amalric (“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”) as Dominic Greene steps up with a contemporary plot to gain control of natural resources in what is, no doubt, only a small step towards a larger plan of world domination. In an increasingly ecological sensitive society, water is the new oil. Greene may lack eccentric body guards with funny names, a strange fascination with animals or other odd habits of previous Bond baddies, but remains dangerous. The film does show Greene perhaps owes some of his darkness to the shadow of Goldfinger.

Even though “Quantum of Solace” hands out some typical Bond exploits, it also drives deeper into the character of James Bond and how he grows out of the last movie. While Bond is more a man of action than words, careful dialog from those around him help reveal his personality and motivations. Judi Dench’s “M” is fun to watch as she wrestles with her duty to rein Bond in and her instinct to let him run free. “M” could easily be reduced to a meaningless role but Judi Dench is not wasted as she continues to be an integral part of the new Bond’s story.

“Quantum of Solace” makes 2008 a buffet year for action films. Batman, Hellboy, Hulk, Iron-Man and James Bond have all brightened the future of the darkened theater. Hop on a bike or public transportation and get to a theater showing “Quantum of Solace” where your money will be well spent and you can sit back and let James Bond do the real driving.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some sexual content.

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