In Quantum of Solace, James Bond must go rogue from Her Majesty’s Secret Service.  But it’s almost as if this one-man-army attitude has bled into the character from the newer, grittier direction the series has taken.  The most recent two films have abandoned many of the classic staples the world has come to expect from Bond for 46 years across 20 movies.  Purists may be disappointed with the departure, but everyone else will enjoy the fast-paced, hard-hitting ride contained in the shortest Bond film.

Gone is the snarky delivery of hokey one-liners; instead replaced with a rather humorless Bond who quickly commences with the raw action.  Moneypenny is absent for the traditional flirt and so is his black book of unbearable sexual puns (though Bond does get shaken, not stirred, with two stunning ladies).  He’s also ditched Q and his infinite gadgets, going it alone with just a handy cell phone and a trusty pistol.  This means no cars that flip, drive themselves, or fire missiles, and certainly no wristwatch with unlimited capabilities.  Just a well-oiled fighting machine with enough intense training.  Which might explain why the amazing adventures span the globe, taking to the land, air, and sea.

With the caped crusader leading the way, cinematic heroes have grown darker, and Daniel Craig’s brooding version of 007 seems to have adapted to the kind of hardened persona modern audiences want to see.  Less talking and more ass kicking.

The blond Bond has drawn comparisons to Jason Bourne in a heated “chicken before the egg” sort of movie debate.  But they’ve both clearly influenced the other, resulting in two beefed up super spies in the prime of their action franchises.  Bourne may have borrowed some plot devices, but the new Bond has picked up a few combat moves from his battle-ready brother.  Neither is afraid to leap between rooftops or smash furniture with their enemy’s torso to complete the mission, compliments of Gary Powell, the stunt coordinator on this and Bourne Ultimatum.  Craig said he was injured three times during the production and it shows on screen with the physicality of the fight scenes.

Quantum is a direct sequel to 2006’s excellent Casino Royale and picks up right where the story left off.  However, the problems start with an overcomplicated plot, especially for an action movie, that deviates too many times for a clear understanding of what Bond is trying to accomplish.

He’s chasing a French businessman named Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric) that much is certain.  But Greene’s motives and affiliations are unclear, a murky group of underground connections conspiring to control the world’s most valued resource.

Yet here’s another alteration to the typical Bond formula.  The villain isn’t a cartoonish caricature, complete with feline or eye patch accessories.  Greene is simply a sinister businessman with the desire to forcibly obtain power and fleece countries for unbelievable wealth.  Amalric plays him as expertly as Craig’s Bond and the two make for a compelling rivalry.

This is all brilliantly framed by underrated filmmaker Marc Forster.  The fluid camerawork thankfully dismisses the Bourne shaky cam trademark for its own follow style that puts you right next to Bond even when he’s falling off buildings.

Overall, Quantum of Solace is a fierce reinvention of the traditional, polished Bond character.  Craig still wears designer suits, but they take a pretty brutal beating.

3.5 out of 5.

(Oh, and the title still doesn’t make sense.)