Spectre does finish strongly, however, thanks to the intimately thrilling spectacle of its London-based denouement. Also, the entire Sahara-based sequence is neither poignant nor thrilling enough – though the subsequent explosive set-piece is undeniably striking. One of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood prior to the film’s release, the reveal of Blofeld (played by Christoph Waltz) is nowhere near as impactful as it should have been. Unfortunately, Spectre’s story sags at the crucial moment. That’s a shame, because the follow-up to Skyfall opens with a memorably spectacular sequence set during Mexico City's Día de Muertos celebrations, before the plot plot picks up some of the three previous movies’ loose threads, and ties them together in fairly captivating fashion. And much like Quantum of Solace, Spectre fails to live up the lofty heights set by its predecessor. Returning director Sam Mendes’ second Bond flick has some stand-out moments, but there are simply better 007 flicks in Craig’s run. (Image credit: Sony Pictures/MGM Studios) Bond movies are supposed to be enjoyable affairs and, ultimately, Quantum of Solace isn’t. Quantum of Solace may have suffered from events outside of its control, as well as being the follow-up to the much lauded Casino Royale, but it loses sight of the series’ ‘license to thrill’ mantra. And as the shortest Bond flick ever made, Quantum of Solace also boasts a distinct but welcome lack of filler material and elaborate exposition. Judi Dench’s M delivers a memorable performance, too, as the moral counterpoint to Craig’s 007. Craig does a good job as an emotionally wounded Bond out for revenge after the events of Casino Royale. There are some things to like about Quantum of Solace.

The movie’s editing, too, hampers how its story plays out and makes for a disjointed entry in the series. It’s overstuffed with product placement, the film’s villain – Mathieu Amalric’s Dominic Greene – and theme song ('Another Way to Die by Jack White and Alicia Keys) are largely forgettable, and its plot is messy. Quantum of Solace’s development was hit hard by the 2008 Writers Guild of America strike, which led to some of the film’s major scenes being written and shot on the day they were filmed.Įven taking those mitigating circumstances into consideration, however, Quantum of Solace isn’t a top tier Bond movie. (Image credit: MGM Studios/Sony Pictures)Īn obvious choice for bottom spot, perhaps, though some may consider it be slightly unfair.

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