- Craig is good in this one, seems to suit the level of action
- David Arnold's most complete work, awesome soundtrack
- Awesome locations
- DC3 and boat sequences are pretty incredible
- Olga as Camille, well acted, beautiful
- Film is not too long
- Slick, modern, original feel
- Usage of Alfa Romeos!
- Matthis is better than in CR
Cons:
- Plot is a bit blah
- US is portrayed in a silly manner
- First car chase scene is too manic (boat scene works better though)
- Title and title song
- Tanner
- The don't :x at end
- Product placement (Tom Ford sunglasses, Ford)
I do rate this as my favourite Craig performance, I've not seen Skyfall enough to rate it as well as other Bonds - but QoS works for me more than CR.
Pros:
Had a blast when I saw it initially. Mainly because I had looked at the countless spoilers and was prepared for what would have otherwise disappointed me. So I didn't leave the theatre feeling as though I had been kicked in the groin by Thumper.
It does utilize an Ian Fleming title.
Tight, short thriller. good length a'la Dr. No..
Craig's hair and clothes look the best in this film of all his Bonds.
This is one of the James Bond movies that features Felix Leiter.
Cons:
Those things that would have disappointed me really kick in on subsequent viewings.
The Gunbarrel at the end is a big no-no. In fact tampering with it in any form other than occasional re-arranging of the bond theme music, and I might as well just watch NSNA. I don't even really like that it was changed for CR. The whole Bond is beginning so we can't do the gun barrel yet is just rubbish. The GB is just a quick exciting logo to get the audience in the Bond mood. Putting at the end just calls attention to itself by it's absence. Who puts their Christmas tree up AFTER New Years? Okay, enough of my gun barrel rant.
Other cons:
QOS was, so far, the last time we have seen a Bond film on a 2 year cycle. I truly miss the reliability of a new Bond every two years. The Craig era is kind of like a gallon of milk in the fridge nearing it's expiration date, and only a few glasses worth have been used.
Judi Dench's M really does seem to mother Craig too much in this one. Bernard Lee was never all over Connery's Bond in every other scene like Dench is in this film. But still, this is Bond Begins Part Two....an idea I never really liked anyway.
I could randomly look at other cons of any member on this thread and, well, pretty much agree. Still, I did enjoy Quantum when I 1st saw it, but I sincerely hope the Bond producers never see it appropriate to make another film like this again.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
I truly miss the reliability of a new Bond every two years. The Craig era is kind of like a gallon of milk in the fridge nearing it's expiration date, and only a few glasses worth have been used.
Splendidly put {[]
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
The Gunbarrel at the end is a big no-no. In fact tampering with it in any form other than occasional re-arranging of the bond theme music, and I might as well just watch NSNA. I don't even really like that it was changed for CR. The whole Bond is beginning so we can't do the gun barrel yet is just rubbish. The GB is just a quick exciting logo to get the audience in the Bond mood. Putting at the end just calls attention to itself by it's absence. Who puts their Christmas tree up AFTER New Years? Okay, enough of my gun barrel rant.
Other cons:
QOS was, so far, the last time we have seen a Bond film on a 2 year cycle. I truly miss the reliability of a new Bond every two years. The Craig era is kind of like a gallon of milk in the fridge nearing it's expiration date, and only a few glasses worth have been used.
Since they are messing with the Bond formula they may as well change the position of the main title sequence and see what the "don't care where the Gunbarrel is" camp say.
Pros:
* Takes everything that was great about CR - the action, the character exploration, the world-building, and the intrigue - and ratchets it up several notches
* Introduces several elements of the franchise - humor (M's line about "We've got people everywhere" generally being hyperbole and James' response of "I'm sure they do" when Greene says that his friends call him Dominic, amongst others), charm (the way James interacts with and seduces Strawberry Fields is very evocative of the way the character behaves towards women in the pre-Craig era, and is also evocative of Indiana Jones' behavior towards women, something that was a direct 'homage' to the Bond films made prior to Raiders' release, as admitted to openly by both George Lucas and Stephen Spielberg), and over-the-top villainy (Dominic Greene and Quantum are VERY OTT in concept and are presented as such, although to the point where they come across as caricatures) - that are associated with a more 'classic' approach to the character than what we saw with Casino Royale
Cons:
* The film could've used a bit more overt exposition in terms of transitioning between Bond's final conversation with Camille and the concluding scenes in Russia where he tracks down Yusef and kills him
* There were some missed opportunities as far as Camille is concerned, since she pretty much disappears from the movie for a while without explanation, making her return feel kind of abrupt and the lead-in to the resolution of her storyline more 'rushed' than it should've been
Just watched this again, after not seeing it in a while.
Pros:
- It's Craig's best performance as Bond
- Despite the writers' strike, the dialogue is mostly better in this film than in Casino Royale
- Engaging action scenes, when you can see them
- Great score from David Arnold
- Down to earth version of some classic Bond plots
- Well-paced
- Camille is a strong character
Cons:
- Gun barrel at the end
- Despite being heartbroken and depressed, Bond seems more content here than when he was with Vesper in the previous film. I don't get the impression that Bond is upset, even when he is supposed to show that he is upset.
- M talks to Bond like a child.
- Poorly cut action scenes considerably detract from the great stunts
- Really awful theme. I hadn't listened to it in quite a long time, and it's even worse than I remember
Short and to the point at 105 minutes
I actually like the opening song. Especially at the start, i.e., "It's time to get out." Freeze-frame. Song starts.
When Bond flips the man's motorbike in Haiti.
Cons
The shaky camera and literally split-second cuts. My eyes hurt.
The custom title cards for city and country locations made me feel like I was watching a made-for-TV movie.
Gunbarrel at the end.
Wait, does that mean you agree with me, and that you don't like the gunbarrel at the end as well, or that you don't agree with me and that you liked the gunbarrel at the end?
"His character is cliched and weak - written too far on purpose to be an annoying prick."
I get it, I am nitpicking, but I do find the American and British government characters (including M) to be overdone stereotypes or simplistic in the film. Felix, one exception.
As much as I like QoS, the film seems to lack a bit of intelligence in its writing.
Wait, does that mean you agree with me, and that you don't like the gunbarrel at the end as well, or that you don't agree with me and that you liked the gunbarrel at the end?
I liked QoS a bit more on my latest viewing, it now went up a spot for me.
Pros:
-Craig looks tough, and has better delivery than in CR.
-The film has a warm feel to it (this is, of course, a subjective matter).
-Olga Kurylenko in the role of Camille.
-General Medrano.
-Some fun action.
-The score.
Cons:
-Greene is an okay villain, but not a great one (imo).
-The chopped-up editing.
-Elvis is arguably the worst Bond Henchman.
-The script feels incomplete.
Overall, I like QoS, and give it an 8/10.
"Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
Interesting that TWM and I have QoS at the exact same spot in our rankings, a toast to that. -{
Gotta love the way Craig's Bond says "Sit down!" with such authority, like a military officer.
"Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
Interesting that TWM and I have QoS at the exact same spot in our rankings.
In other words we have it at the correct spot.
{[]
"Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
Every 2 weeks on Reddit, I see highly voted posts saying "QOS is better than I thought it was". I think this movie is making a comeback. While it has some faults and it will probably never be a classic, it's still a good movie and it's easily on par with many of the other Bond films.
For years, as a slightly-pretentious avant-garde hipster, I've had to constantly endure the "Skyfall was a million times better than that piece of crap" thing. But it looks like it's slowly getting a re-appraisal.
Things I liked: Craig's acting, Amalric's portrayal of the villain (creepy and underrated), believable plot, Fields (the smart-sexy Bond girl), Camille (Bond's female foil), the score, smooth pacing, Tosca opera scene, opening chase scene, creative set pieces, emotional impact, subtle cheeky bits of humor and some really beautiful shots.
Things I disliked: Some fast-cut scenes are unintelligible, the Goldfinger-with-oil scene, hotel climax could have used more build-up, plot and dialogue overall could have been fleshed out more.
Every 2 weeks on Reddit, I see highly voted posts saying "QOS is better than I thought it was". I think this movie is making a comeback. While it has some faults and it will probably never be a classic, it's still a good movie and it's easily on par with many of the other Bond films.
One reason for that could be that there are no bad Bond films .... It is only when people start comparing that a particular film may appear good or bad .... However, when viewed for fun w/o trying to compare, all Bond films are good and do the job of entertaining
there are no bad Bond films .... It is only when people start comparing that a particular film may appear good or bad .... However, when viewed for fun w/o trying to compare, all Bond films are good and do the job of entertaining
{[] {[] {[]
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,845MI6 Agent
there are no bad Bond films .... It is only when people start comparing that a particular film may appear good or bad .... However, when viewed for fun w/o trying to compare, all Bond films are good and do the job of entertaining
{[] {[] {[]
I'll drink to that as well. It's still BOND at the end of the day! -{ {[]
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
Comments
well, I'd hate to be biased
- Craig is good in this one, seems to suit the level of action
- David Arnold's most complete work, awesome soundtrack
- Awesome locations
- DC3 and boat sequences are pretty incredible
- Olga as Camille, well acted, beautiful
- Film is not too long
- Slick, modern, original feel
- Usage of Alfa Romeos!
- Matthis is better than in CR
Cons:
- Plot is a bit blah
- US is portrayed in a silly manner
- First car chase scene is too manic (boat scene works better though)
- Title and title song
- Tanner
- The don't :x at end
- Product placement (Tom Ford sunglasses, Ford)
I do rate this as my favourite Craig performance, I've not seen Skyfall enough to rate it as well as other Bonds - but QoS works for me more than CR.
"Better make that two."
Had a blast when I saw it initially. Mainly because I had looked at the countless spoilers and was prepared for what would have otherwise disappointed me. So I didn't leave the theatre feeling as though I had been kicked in the groin by Thumper.
It does utilize an Ian Fleming title.
Tight, short thriller. good length a'la Dr. No..
Craig's hair and clothes look the best in this film of all his Bonds.
This is one of the James Bond movies that features Felix Leiter.
Cons:
Those things that would have disappointed me really kick in on subsequent viewings.
The Gunbarrel at the end is a big no-no. In fact tampering with it in any form other than occasional re-arranging of the bond theme music, and I might as well just watch NSNA. I don't even really like that it was changed for CR. The whole Bond is beginning so we can't do the gun barrel yet is just rubbish. The GB is just a quick exciting logo to get the audience in the Bond mood. Putting at the end just calls attention to itself by it's absence. Who puts their Christmas tree up AFTER New Years? Okay, enough of my gun barrel rant.
Other cons:
QOS was, so far, the last time we have seen a Bond film on a 2 year cycle. I truly miss the reliability of a new Bond every two years. The Craig era is kind of like a gallon of milk in the fridge nearing it's expiration date, and only a few glasses worth have been used.
Judi Dench's M really does seem to mother Craig too much in this one. Bernard Lee was never all over Connery's Bond in every other scene like Dench is in this film. But still, this is Bond Begins Part Two....an idea I never really liked anyway.
I could randomly look at other cons of any member on this thread and, well, pretty much agree. Still, I did enjoy Quantum when I 1st saw it, but I sincerely hope the Bond producers never see it appropriate to make another film like this again.
Splendidly put {[]
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Since they are messing with the Bond formula they may as well change the position of the main title sequence and see what the "don't care where the Gunbarrel is" camp say.
Somehow I feel 3 years is going to be norm now.
* Takes everything that was great about CR - the action, the character exploration, the world-building, and the intrigue - and ratchets it up several notches
* Introduces several elements of the franchise - humor (M's line about "We've got people everywhere" generally being hyperbole and James' response of "I'm sure they do" when Greene says that his friends call him Dominic, amongst others), charm (the way James interacts with and seduces Strawberry Fields is very evocative of the way the character behaves towards women in the pre-Craig era, and is also evocative of Indiana Jones' behavior towards women, something that was a direct 'homage' to the Bond films made prior to Raiders' release, as admitted to openly by both George Lucas and Stephen Spielberg), and over-the-top villainy (Dominic Greene and Quantum are VERY OTT in concept and are presented as such, although to the point where they come across as caricatures) - that are associated with a more 'classic' approach to the character than what we saw with Casino Royale
Cons:
* The film could've used a bit more overt exposition in terms of transitioning between Bond's final conversation with Camille and the concluding scenes in Russia where he tracks down Yusef and kills him
* There were some missed opportunities as far as Camille is concerned, since she pretty much disappears from the movie for a while without explanation, making her return feel kind of abrupt and the lead-in to the resolution of her storyline more 'rushed' than it should've been
Pros:
- It's Craig's best performance as Bond
- Despite the writers' strike, the dialogue is mostly better in this film than in Casino Royale
- Engaging action scenes, when you can see them
- Great score from David Arnold
- Down to earth version of some classic Bond plots
- Well-paced
- Camille is a strong character
Cons:
- Gun barrel at the end
- Despite being heartbroken and depressed, Bond seems more content here than when he was with Vesper in the previous film. I don't get the impression that Bond is upset, even when he is supposed to show that he is upset.
- M talks to Bond like a child.
- Poorly cut action scenes considerably detract from the great stunts
- Really awful theme. I hadn't listened to it in quite a long time, and it's even worse than I remember
More like an accurate manner.
"You know who Greene is... and you wanna put us in bed with him.
"Yeah. You're right. We should just deal with nice people..."
"Where do the Americans stand?"
"The CIA doesn't care about another dictator as long as they get their end."
"I was just wondering what South America would look like if nobody gave a damn about coke or communism."
"That's what I like about U.S. intelligence. You'll lie down with anybody.
"Including you, brother."
"South America is falling like dominoes. You don't need another Marxist giving national resources to the people, do you?"
AJB007 Favorite Film Rankings
Pros and Cons Compendium (50 Years)
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Short and to the point at 105 minutes
I actually like the opening song. Especially at the start, i.e., "It's time to get out." Freeze-frame. Song starts.
When Bond flips the man's motorbike in Haiti.
Cons
The shaky camera and literally split-second cuts. My eyes hurt.
The custom title cards for city and country locations made me feel like I was watching a made-for-TV movie.
Gunbarrel at the end.
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
mind No Gunbarrel at the start.
I'm talking about Greg Beam, the other CIA agent. His character is cliched and weak - written too far on purpose to be an annoying prick.
"Better make that two."
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
"Better make that two."
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Wait, does that mean you agree with me, and that you don't like the gunbarrel at the end as well, or that you don't agree with me and that you liked the gunbarrel at the end?
"His character is cliched and weak - written too far on purpose to be an annoying prick."
I get it, I am nitpicking, but I do find the American and British government characters (including M) to be overdone stereotypes or simplistic in the film. Felix, one exception.
As much as I like QoS, the film seems to lack a bit of intelligence in its writing.
"Better make that two."
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Pros:
-Craig looks tough, and has better delivery than in CR.
-The film has a warm feel to it (this is, of course, a subjective matter).
-Olga Kurylenko in the role of Camille.
-General Medrano.
-Some fun action.
-The score.
Cons:
-Greene is an okay villain, but not a great one (imo).
-The chopped-up editing.
-Elvis is arguably the worst Bond Henchman.
-The script feels incomplete.
Overall, I like QoS, and give it an 8/10.
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
I think QOS is one of those Bond films that gets better with each watch. I have a feeling SP will be the same.
Agree about QoS and I've also tested your theory on SPECTRE - def gets better!!
Gotta love the way Craig's Bond says "Sit down!" with such authority, like a military officer.
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
In other words we have it at the correct spot.
{[]
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
For years, as a slightly-pretentious avant-garde hipster, I've had to constantly endure the "Skyfall was a million times better than that piece of crap" thing. But it looks like it's slowly getting a re-appraisal.
Things I liked: Craig's acting, Amalric's portrayal of the villain (creepy and underrated), believable plot, Fields (the smart-sexy Bond girl), Camille (Bond's female foil), the score, smooth pacing, Tosca opera scene, opening chase scene, creative set pieces, emotional impact, subtle cheeky bits of humor and some really beautiful shots.
Things I disliked: Some fast-cut scenes are unintelligible, the Goldfinger-with-oil scene, hotel climax could have used more build-up, plot and dialogue overall could have been fleshed out more.
One reason for that could be that there are no bad Bond films .... It is only when people start comparing that a particular film may appear good or bad .... However, when viewed for fun w/o trying to compare, all Bond films are good and do the job of entertaining
{[] {[] {[]
I'll drink to that as well. It's still BOND at the end of the day!