I did a double feature last weekend.
Casino Royale:
This one starts great, with film noir sensibilities and dutch angles. While the first third is a little overlong and heavy on action scenes, the second third in the casino and the final third--the love story--make this the first great Bond movie since 1969, according to my scores. The slow burn action at the hold 'em table and the sparkling chemistry between Craig and Green elevate a rather conventional spy caper. The supporting cast is great, particularly Giancarlo Giannini as a weathered intelligence agent.
The only other con, apart from a drawn-out first act? Some egregious product placement.
8/10
Quantum of Solace:
I've always liked the idea of QoS: a coda of sorts to a previous Bond movie. And it starts strong, with a visceral car chase and an acrobatic airborne fight scene. Once in Haiti the wheels start to come off a bit. The villain's a bit bland and the supporting case doesn't leave much of an impression. There's also an unbelievable plane/parachute sequence that seems at odds with a mostly grounded, realistic movie. Still, Craig maintains his steely sexiness, Dench is a treasure (her rant comparing QUANTUM to florists is hilarious), and there is some good practical action.
6/10
Also: scores updated to this poin!
