Two more tonight.
Quantum of Solace (2008)
I had actually seen this in theaters when it came out, but for some reason I didn’t remember any of it at all. Upon this second viewing, I think I know why. It felt like an older Bond film in terms of structure, but with none of the charm and no innovation (not to mention terribly-edited, Michael-Bay-esque action scenes and the worst theme song I’ve ever heard). It hits the usual Bond notes well, but that’s about all it does. It’s just there. Not amazing, not terrible, just… there. A fairly forgettable film.
2.5/5
Skyfall (2012)
I actually started Skyfall and had just gotten to the part where Q was introduced and realized that I didn’t remember anything of Quantum of Solace. I know it has no bearing on Skyfall, but it felt wrong to go into it not remembering what happened beforehand.
After mostly sleeping through Quantum and getting back into Skyfall, the difference was obvious. It had everything Quantum was missing. It had charm and wit and smart writing, wonderful characters, and great action. Silva is a great villain in the vein of Alec Trevelyan (a rogue agent with an eye on cybercrime, and my favorite villains are rogues), Bond is almost right-out-of-the-novel Bond, Q is a filthy Millennial but manages to be respectable and smart and humorous, M is just fantastic, and all the support are great as well.
Where Quantum hit all the Bond notes, Skyfall shows that you can take that same old dog and teach it new and very exciting tricks. Quantum was the Bond formula, but Skyfall was the Bond feel.
Spoiler time, again if you’re like me watching years-old movies.
I was initially sad about M’s death, but as it was happening, I began to realize that Judi Dench couldn’t hold the role forever, and that she’d served admirably as one of the best M’s in the series so far (certainly the most-developed character) and that her passing was very dignified and well done. A strong end to a strong character.
Early in the film I was thinking about Mallory’s name and thinking “Hrm, was one of the male M’s a Mallory?” and sure enough, who occupies the office and the title at the end of the film but Mallory himself. I think he’s a perfect fit and most definitely has a modern Bernard Lee appeal to him. I couldn’t be happier.
And, of course, Moneypenny. I think she’s perfect. I enjoyed the banter and I think that Naomie Harris is fantastic in the role. I really enjoyed this all being set up slowly during the film and then all falling into place in the final scene (and it was nice to see some people out in the field). The moment I saw the coat rack, I thought “so is James going to toss his hat up there?” and it took me a second to realize I was meeting the old gang again. The layout of the offices (especially M’s), was so classic. When Bond said they were going back in time on the way to his old family home, he meant it. Even the titles were miles better than recent entries. I love the return to form and I’m very excited to see Spectre now.
4.5/5