Movie Review – Quantum of Solace

Quantum of Solace

Directed by Marc Forster

Starring Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Matheiu Amalric, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, and Jeffrey Wright.

Backstory

Has it been that long already? I guess it’s time for a new James Bond film. After giving the series a shot in the arm with Casino Roayle, Daniel Craig comes along with his second Bond outing. Does he have what it takes to continue in the role? Will the second one maintain the momentum started with Craig’s first film?

Plot

Picking up mere minutes after the end of Casino Royale, Bond and M begin interrogating the mysterious Mr. White, the figure who blackmailed Bond’s lover Vesper Lynde into betraying him. When White breaks free and Bond is dusting through the destruction, he begins to learn more information about White’s mysterious organization, Quantum. Following the leads, Bond soon crosses paths with another Quantum operative, Dominic Greene, who’s plotting something big in Bolivia. Just what exactly is Greene after? Will Bond be able to stop Greene, or succumb to his desire for revenge?

What I Liked

I think Daniel Craig is settling into the role of James Bond quite nicely. There’s some truly spectacular fight scenes and action sequences. David Arnold delivers another solid Bond score.

What I Didn’t Like

There’s so much action that the plot becomes quite muddled…I often found several character motivations to be a big confusing.

Final Assessment

A fantastic, exciting entry to the Bond canon…too bad the plot takes a back seat.

3 Nibs

Movie Review – Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Directed by Kevin Smith

Starring Seth Rogan, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson, Jason Mewes, Jeff Anderson, Traci Lords, Katie Morgan, Brandon Routh and Justin Long.

Backstory

Kevin Smith. One of my heroes. Counting down to his new movies is something that I always do with great anticipation. So, when his latest film, Zack and Miri Make a Porno hit theatres, I knew I had to be there opening weekend. Couldn’t go opening night, because I had to to work, but I was there the next day.

Plot

Zack and Miri are lifelong friends and we currently see them as roommates. They’ve bounced from minimum-wage shit job to shit job for most of their life, and they’re just coasting. And then, several factors converge to change their lives. They can’t pay the bills, so they lose all their utilities. A video of Miri in her underwear goes viral and becomes an internet sensation. Zack meets a gay porn star at his 10-year high school reunion. Zack puts all these things together in his head and decides to make a pornographic film to solve all his financial woes. Zack discovers a newfound ambition as he gathers his friends together to make this film and re-discovers a zeal for life. But, as it comes time to film the climactic sex scene — Zack and Miri actually having sex with each other — will they be able to remain friends, or will they become more than friends?

What I Liked

Well, I’m definitely biased, because I like Kevin Smith’s films. Therefore, I found the film to be funny as hell. I also enjoyed Seth Rogan’s performance. I know that a lot of my friends are sick of Rogan and his schtick, but as I haven’t seen a lot of his films, I guess I’m not sick of him yet. Elizabeth Banks is also fantastic. The introduction to Jeff Anderson’s character is a highlight, as it has to be one of the most illegal moves in hockey. It’s just very funny.

What I Didn’t Like

The plot is rather cliched…in fact, it kind of struck me as being a mainstream Chasing Amy. And the end is rather abrupt.

Final Assessment

This fanboy is convinced that Kevin Smith has produced another winner. But then, as I said, I’m biased.

3.5 Nibs