007 (Daniel Craig) is out for revenge after the death of Vesper Lynd, the girlfriend who betrayed him in Casino Royale –– and if that movie introduced us to a colder, more brutal Bond, then Quantum of Solace takes the theme and runs with it.

Bond's bloody path leads him to confront the sinister Quantum organisation ultimately responsible for his lover's death, including General Medrano (Joaquin Cosío), who plans to stage a coup d'etat in Bolivia and the sinister Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), a not so eco-friendly businessman helping him.

Craig revels in the role, further enhancing his challenge to the crown of best ever Bond.

Not only does he do 'bad' better than any of the past Bonds, he quite capably shows the range of emotions you would expect from a growingly complex character, all the while skilfully avoiding becoming just another brooding action hero –– he is still definitely our favourite secret agent, just a bit less two-dimensional.

Unfortunately in parts the movie itself feels less like a true Bond flick.

Every Bond film needs spectacular action sequences and Quantum of Solace has them in spades –– but its to the point where you start to get a bit numb to it all –– rarely a criticism thrown at a typical 007 movie.

While Casino Royale was one of the more 'realistic' Bonds, the sequel has no such pretences –– just wait for the fantastical aeroplane chase before you begin to question anything else you see in the film.

But then again some of the sequences are truly awe-inspiring –– just wait for the amazing battle-to-the-death inside a fuel-cell powered eco-hotel.

In an unusual turn for a Bond movie, Quantum of Solace appears to be the second in a three-part story arc which will see our hero again face off against Quantum.

Here is hoping that the third film sees a return to the stellar story telling of Casino Royale to round off the series but this is a solid, interesting, action packed film and well worth a watch.
4/5