BuzzSugar

Quantum of Solace: Just an Action Flick

BuzzSugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:34:39 -0800

Where Casino Royale was bright, shiny and breathtaking, Quantum of Solace is cold, steely, and flat. Don't get me wrong - the explosions, gun play, and dry quips are all present and accounted for. But where there might've been a compelling narrative there's just a string of action sequences and chase scenes, interrupted by the occasional heart-to- cold, mistrusting spy heart. It's not bad, it's just that it seems like there's no real pulse beating behind Bond's deadly calm veneer.

Daniel Craig reprises his role as superspy James Bond, who is still consumed by anger at having been betrayed by Vesper Lynd, the woman he loved. Still, he wishes to take revenge on the company that blackmailed Vesper and in his search, he and M (Judi Dench) uncover the plans of Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), the shady leader of an environmentalist company, to take control of Bolivia's water supply from the equally shady General Medrano (Joaquín Cosio). In the midst of all this, Bond meets Camille (Olga Kurylenko), who has her own vengeful plan in mind for General Medrano. Camille and Bond then become partners in crime (literally) in their efforts to take down Dominic and Medrano. For some more of my take on all this, read more.

One of the things I like best about this movie is that the "Bond Girl" (Camille) isn't just there to sexily wield a gun and sleep with Bond. In fact, she has her own past and her own agenda - and it never includes sleeping with Bond. It’s rather refreshing, really, and hers is the story that intrigued me the most, by far. While it’s fun to see Bond kick some butt and continuously lock and load, it might have been fun to have had some more mystery in this story of our "international man of mystery," so to speak. There is, however, plenty of the "international": we leap and soar and zoom from country to country (each with its own font, a quirky touch), with little breathing room in between each location's requisite fight scene.

In general, it would have been cool to have had some more scheming and more outwitting the opposition, and maybe less of a blindly rage-filled Bond just blowing away everyone and everything in his path. While that might have been the intention - to show how much Vesper’s death has messed with our hero and left him colder and crueler - it’s not altogether satisfying to watch for two hours. It is still a treat to see Daniel Craig onscreen, and the intense action scenes are sure to please many moviegoers, but expecting more than that may leave one disappointed.

Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures

Quantum of Solace Trailer Hits!

BuzzSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:30:45 -0700

"I think you're so blinded by inconsolable rage that you don't care who you hurt. When you can't tell your friends from your enemies, it's time to go." - M (Judi Dench)

The James Bond in this latest installment seems darker, wearier, and more grizzled than we've seen him. The brand-new trailer for Quantum of Solace, the next Bond movie due to hit theaters November 7, is totally intriguing. It's slow to rev up, with allusions to how rage-filled Bond is now, and only uses the signature horn-blasting 007 theme music toward the very end. There's something somber and very dark about the atmosphere of this movie, and while watching it I can't help but think of all the trouble this production has had.

I am insanely anxious to see the full movie and it's strangely relieving to see Daniel Craig's Bond back in action. I've missed him! Are you as psyched as I am for Quantum of Solace? To check out the trailer, read more.

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures

Buzz News Roundup, 4/4

BuzzSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:30:31 -0700

Has it really been that long? Fox has picked up King of the Hill for a 13th season, TV Guide reports.
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Judi Dench and Nicole Kidman may join Rob Marshall's film adaptation of the Broadway musical Nine.
According to ComingSoon, Werner Herzog will write and direct The Piano Tuner, a Victorian-era drama about one man's journey to war-torn Burma.
Reuters reports that the Stone Temple Pilots reunion tour is definitely a go.
Denzel Washington is attached to star as the hero in a film adaptation of the bestselling Robert Ludlum novel The Matarese Circle, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
USA Today writes that MySpace will be launching a full-fledged music service where people can buy music and concert tickets.
John Schneider and Molly Ringwald have been cast in ABC Family's Juno-esque teen pregnancy TV pilot from the creator of 7th Heaven, writes Zap2it.
Justin Long and Hayden Panettiere have been tapped to voice the lead characters in the animated family film Alpha and Omega, reports ComingSoon.

Photo courtesy of Fox

Oscar Poll: Who Should Win Best Actress?

BuzzSugar — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 16:23:16 -0800

The 2007 Oscars feature a truly great roster of women in leading roles. Though most everyone expects Helen Mirren to win for The Queen, all five nominees turned out outstanding performances. Who do you think deserves the award?

Movie Preview: Notes on a Scandal

BuzzSugar — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 12:45:03 -0800

Iris director Richard Eyre again teams up with Judi Dench in Notes on a Scandal, a psychological thriller about loneliness, lust, and betrayal. Cate Blanchett co-stars as a schoolteacher named Sheba who has an affair with her 15-year-old student. Sheba confides in Barbara (Dench), who harbors more-than-friendly feelings toward Sheba, and Barbara then uses her knowledge of the affair to manipulate their friendship. Creepiness ensues. Opening nationwide on December 27, the movie is getting Golden Globe attention, so check out the trailer below.