Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some sexual content.
Directed by Marc Forster (The Kite Runner, Stranger than Fiction, Finding Neverland and Monster’s Ball)
Starring Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Gemma Arterton
Quantum of Solace continues the high octane adventures of James Bond from Casino Royale.
Literally picking up hours after Casino Royale left off, Bond (who was betrayed by the woman he loved, is fighting to not make this mission personal) and 'M' interrogate Mr. White. As they interrogate him, Mr. White reveals that the secret organization, ‘Quantum,’ has people “everywhere” and their plans are far more complex and dangerous than anyone had imagined. After intelligence links an MI6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti, Bond meets Camille, a woman who has her own vendetta. Camille leads Bond straight to Dominic Greene, a ruthless businessman who plans on controlling the world’s most valuable resource. The mission leads him to Austria, Italy and South America, and more twists than I can remember.
I’m no Bond expert. Seriously I don’t think I could name all the Bond films without going to imdb.com, but I really enjoyed this movie. The story is complex and the pace is fast… but not as fast as the action. From car (and boat) chases to some of the coolest fight scenes ever, Quantum of Solace is a smart, wild ride that is much edgier and darker than we are used to.
It’s not Dark Night or Max Payne dark, but it’s clearly the darkest Bond we have seen so far. In the past we have seen James face certain death, insurmountable odds and a whole host or bizarre villains with a clever line and a smirk. In this installment, there is little time for women and those great one liners… even the classic: “Bond, James Bond” is missing.
All that being said, I didn’t miss those elements. This true sequel (unlike other 007 films) is very enjoyable and definitely “Theater Worthy.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Bond films are known for the “Bond girls” and sex, and although they are still there, they stay well inside the “not as bad as what I see on TV” PG-13 rating. The violence is still intense and pretty graphic, but the biggest difference is this darker tone of the movie.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
