QOS-Any redeeming qualities?

discovolante

Greetings from L.A.! I respect everyone's opinion here at AJB, and these QOS reviews are not sounding so good. In order to not get thoroughly depressed in the 2 weeks I have to wait to see it, I'm wondering-what were the good qualities of QOS? I mean there's gotta be some things that were good, right? Also, if word of mouth out of the UK is bad enough, will it hurt the U.S. box office? Perhaps waiting 2 weeks between premieres was not such a good idea. Actually I think I just started 2 separate topics. Oops.

Loeffelholz

I was kind of wondering the same thing, disco

What some have praised as Forster's bold approach to making a different kind of Bond film has also been received---by others---as a steaming dog mess on a paper plate. I trust my own opinion will fall somewhere in the light-years of distance in-between.

Two weeks, in this climate, is quite intolerable.

Moonraker 5

Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad film. It's certainly not a bad action film, and had it been a rogue British agent of any other name it would be a decent enough hour and a half. The problem with it is, it's also trying to be a Bond film. And it's just not.

To tell the truth, I actually feel very guilty at being so disappointed. I was really looking forward to this film and the trailers and screen shots looked the bee's knees, and I just feel a bit winded. Casino had built my hopes up so high that I was knocked down with this one.

It does have redeeming qualities, there are some clever scenes, there are a few (albeit very, very few) Bond moments and some of the action scenes, like the Aston chase, the boat chase, are done very well (in isolation). I know there are many detractors of Judi's M, but for me she was a particular highlight in this film. She has some great dialogue. Mr White's brief scene is fantastic, he's a real slimey character who looks set to return.

The locations look good as well. Haiti looks like you'd imagine it to be. Sienna and Bergenz have a suitable classy feel, and Bolivia also has a great South American flair.

I'm still hoping I'm in the minority, and when I've been telling people at work today, and friends, what I thought of it, I've found myself compensating my expression of disappointment by saying "it's not a bad film, go see it."

Put it this way, I found myself using this analogy today - Bond films are a staple of British Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter, a film for all the family. This isn't it for everyone.

Thundernuts

Moonraker 5 wrote:

Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad film. It's certainly not a bad action film, and had it been a rogue British agent of any other name it would be a decent enough hour and a half. The problem with it is, it's also trying to be a Bond film. And it's just not.

To tell the truth, I actually feel very guilty at being so disappointed. I was really looking forward to this film and the trailers and screen shots looked the bee's knees, and I just feel a bit winded. Casino had built my hopes up so high that I was knocked down with this one.

It does have redeeming qualities, there are some clever scenes, there are a few (albeit very, very few) Bond moments and some of the action scenes, like the Aston chase, the boat chase, are done very well (in isolation). I know there are many detractors of Judi's M, but for me she was a particular highlight in this film. She has some great dialogue. Mr White's brief scene is fantastic, he's a real slimey character who looks set to return.

The locations look good as well. Haiti looks like you'd imagine it to be. Sienna and Bergenz have a suitable classy feel, and Bolivia also has a great South American flair.

I'm still hoping I'm in the minority, and when I've been telling people at work today, and friends, what I thought of it, I've found myself compensating my expression of disappointment by saying "it's not a bad film, go see it."

Put it this way, I found myself using this analogy today - Bond films are a staple of British Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter, a film for all the family. This isn't it for everyone.

I think you're doing yourself a dis-service, there. Your review is open and honest and you're allowed to have not enjoyed it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and want to see it again because I think I've missed loads.

I think this one will polarise the Bond fans - This film is Bond Marmite - You're either going to love it or hate it.

Personally, I loved it.

When I came out of the cinema after DAD - that made me angry. I couldn't believe such a steaming pile of cack was allowed to be made. This film's not better than CR, but it's pretty damn good.

I really would like Bond 23 to put everything back where it belongs now, though. PTS, Gunbarrel, Plush government office for a briefing etc etc.

It's definately the dark middle act of a trilogy...

Napoleon Plural

Okay, well here's another way to look at it. What's the best way to tee yourself up for this film?

A film to go beforehand (not CR it seems)

Some music

And a drink....

which ones?

The Bond Experience

I have heard from several UK brothers that they felt the editing was poor but that somewhere in there a good Bond movie was shot...just not released due to the choppy editing. One person went so far as to say that they felt the producers tried so hard to get away from the old Bond that they got away from Bond altogether.....although they ALL admitted it would take multiple viewings to truly understand how they felt.

Moonraker 5

Napoleon Plural wrote:

a drink....

A couple of. And not worry about going for a wee in the middle of the film because even if you were paying attention you probably would miss what was going on anyway.

Thundernuts

Napoleon Plural wrote:

Okay, well here's another way to look at it. What's the best way to tee yourself up for this film?

A film to go beforehand (not CR it seems)

Some music

And a drink....

which ones?

Do not watch CR. You will be immediately irked that he's not wearing the same powder blue shirt/tie combo that he had on at White's villa some "twenty minutes" beforehand.

I'm a bit of a geek for things like that and it annoyed me a little tiny bit...

Colonel Shatner

I'd say the editing was distracting in some places, while with the action scenes they should've pulled the camera out a bit and kept it level, but overall Quantum of Solace was not disappointing for the most part but struggles a bit as a stand alone.

discovolante

Napoleon Plural wrote:

Okay, well here's another way to look at it. What's the best way to tee yourself up for this film?

A film to go beforehand (not CR it seems)

Some music

And a drink....

which ones?

Actually I'll be seeing Casino and Quantum as a double bill on opening night. There will be a much needed 20 minute break in between. I guess it will be a great chance to compare and contrast the 2 films back to back on the big screen.

Loeffelholz

The Cinerama Dome, isn't it? B-) When I was in Hollywood (in May) to visit my brother, we caught Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull at the dome on opening day. What a great screen!

SiCo

That's the problem it's just not Bond as we know and love but it is a good film. I loved the locations, the acting I think is all good (except Fields), I agree Judi Dench is superb, Mr White as you say steals his scenes.

The various action scenes are well done, and I think whether you like the editing is really a personal thing. I went expecting it to be really bad, but I came out wondering what people had been moaning about. However the actual editing of the film as a whole leaves a little to be desired.

I liked the soundtrack, although I know people didn't (I'm not so much a fan of it without the film though!), even the title track is growing on me rapidly.

I am in the same boat as M5 I moan about it to people but then realise it's because I'm a Bond fan and not just seeing it as a film. I try to then tell them it's great in it's own special way!

It's not Die Another Day put it that way

cpoulos62

Colonel Shatner wrote:

I'd say the editing was distracting in some places, while with the action scenes they should've pulled the camera out a bit and kept it level, but overall Quantum of Solace was not disappointing for the most part but struggles a bit as a stand alone.

Could it have been made better by making the film longer and not leaving so much on the editing room floor?

Loeffelholz

After spending some time perusing some other Bond sites, I've learnt (with a considerable degree of relief) that there is far from a universally negative consensus, as it appeared in the early hours. Three out of five stars seems the overall average...and I can certainly live with that.

Now, if only I could fast-forward two weeks... X-(

cpoulos62

Loeffelholz wrote:

After spending some time perusing some other Bond sites, I've learnt (with a considerable degree of relief) that there is far from a universally negative consensus, as it appeared in the early hours. Three out of five stars seems the overall average...and I can certainly live with that.

Now, if only I could fast-forward two weeks... X-(

I am with you Loeffelholz. Seeing a poor new Bond film is better then not seeing none at all !!

Loeffelholz

cpoulos62 wrote:

I am with you Loeffelholz. Seeing a poor new Bond film is better then not seeing none at all !!

True...but I'm enough of a stubborn individualist that I might well enjoy it quite a lot. For every review---by professional or fanboy/fan-girl---that gives me pause, there is one that fills me with excited, gleeful anticipation.

Have my expectations been tempered somewhat by what I've heard in the last couple of days? Sure. But for me, it can be quite a bit less than CR (which I'm not yet ready to concede)...and still be one cracking good Bond picture! Some of the extreme spoilers I've gotten have created a very calm, sanguine feeling deep within---like a shot of brandy on a cold day.

I think the franchise remains in fine health

Bond Day, 2008 is coming. Life is good.

-{

discovolante

Loeffelholz wrote:

The Cinerama Dome, isn't it? B-) When I was in Hollywood (in May) to visit my brother, we caught Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull at the dome on opening day. What a great screen!

The Cinerama Dome it is! It is my favorite theater here in town.Does anyone agree that poor reviews from the UK could hurt US sales?

avekev

To all our American cousin's.
It must be absolute hell reading all these comments and having two weeks before you can make up your own minds. But please if there is any solace (no pun intended!) be patient, go along with an open mind and make up your own opinion. The film will divide our Bond community without a doubt. As for myself, I came out of the cinema simply amazed and wanting more, completely different to the way I felt when I came out from seeing Die Another Day!

Loeffelholz

discovolante wrote:

Does anyone agree that poor reviews from the UK could hurt US sales?

Possibly, although most of them aren't on Bond sites, and won't be exposed to some of these fanboy scathes, which can be far more brutal than many of those who are paid to give their opinion.

We tend to like what we like, despite critics' opinions, for the most part. Word of mouth from our friends and co-workers is a much bigger factor. CR's rousing success---and universal acclaim---should bring in a good opening weekend...but after that is anyone's guess two weeks out.

Prince Kamal Khan

Loeffelholz wrote:

Now, if only I could fast-forward two weeks... X-(

Don't wish that, Loeffelholz. Life's too short and that's two weeks of your life you'd never get back. QOS will arrive soon enough for those of us on the opposite side of the pond.

Good things come to those who wait.B-)

Moonraker 5

Loeffelholz wrote:

Have my expectations been tempered somewhat by what I've heard in the last couple of days? Sure.

Don't let them be. As you've seen, it's Bond Marmite, love it or loathe it. In fact, that's not even true as I wouldn't go so far as to say I loathed it.

It's dividing opinion, not polarising camps (I hope, doesn't seem to be at this moment in time), the more people that like it, the more people that stoke the Bond fire. That's the important thing. Me? Well, I'm just one of the few that, for the first time since 1983, when I saw my first Bond film at the cinema (and I was very, very young) walked out feeling I was one of the many stabbed by Bond during the film. And that's with Pierce Brosnan being my least favourite Bond.

It'll be interesting times in 2010, though.

Paperbill

I am waiting to see the movie in 2 weeks. I can say I have left the theater after a few Bond movies feeling disappointed. DAD, with the really bad CGi

Loeffelholz

Prince Kamal Khan wrote:

Don't wish that, Loeffelholz. Life's too short and that's two weeks of your life you'd never get back.

Oh, I've been there already. It was AVTAK, ...and the actual running time is supposed to be a mere 131 minutes

Prince Kamal Khan wrote:

Good things come to those who wait.B-)

Indeed. But the time it hits American screens, a great deal of the film's destiny will already have been written---without us having a say in the matter. At any rate, there will be little doubt as to whether it is a hit or a miss. Still, if it's a hit...I guess that doesn't matter...

HowardB

The ultimate box office success of QOS in the States will not be based upon what we the "hardcore Bond fans" think. We're gonna go see QOS no matter what. We may love it or hate it, but we will have plunked down our money just like we have for every other Bond film. Bond films are generally critic proof and QOS will not tank. But it will be a megahit only if it appeals to the more casual fan, the action movie fan, etc. who make up a much wider audience IMO.

blueman

Guessing the action-heavyness will hit with US audiences.

As for being a Bond film, that's in the eye of the beholder, innit? I'm still very much looking forward to Forster's take on Bond, as most the "bad" press seems to be of the "great action/suspence film, so-so Bond film" variety. Which again begs the issue, in who's estimation? Seems, many of the reviewers wanted more classic Bond, and didn't get it so rated accordingly. Also guessing quite a few Bond fans aren't likely to get their expected fill of Bondisms in this one...

Can it be two weeks in the future now?

Lexi

There are lots of redeeming qualities of QoS..and I think Forster is one of them, he is a master conductor, taking the orchestra of actors through high crescendo's and subtle string solo's.

Daniel is the absolute star of the show....followed closely by Mathis and M, and not forgetting Olga, who is just as capable as Daniel, and manages to keep her own.

The fight scenes are spectacular, and the stunts amazing, it's no wonder Craig got so hurt making this movie, but adds to his real portrayal of Bond.

I'm in the minority in regards to the score, I think it was fitting to the movie, although no real Bond theme throughout, which could be missed by fans.

I think this movie was filmed with a deep understanding how Bond should feel after being betrayed in the way he did. His brutality had to be shown in the way it did, but there are some amazing tender and subtle scenes that could be missed by many. That is a shame, as they are what glues the movie together and it's these subtle notes and quiet interludes which make this piece of film making one of my favorite Bond Movies.

However, like Greene says in the Movie, "Tosca, is not for everyone"

Alex

avekev wrote:

To all our American cousin's.
It must be absolute hell reading all these comments and having two weeks before you can make up your own minds. But please if there is any solace (no pun intended!) be patient, go along with an open mind and make up your own opinion. The film will divide our Bond community without a doubt. As for myself, I came out of the cinema simply amazed and wanting more, completely different to the way I felt when I came out from seeing Die Another Day!

Thank you avekev, for such a considerate and thoughtful statement.

I definitely plan on entering with open mind, and I absolutely loved CR. -{

Napoleon Plural

A strange and horrible thought occurred to me as to how Craig's revenge-filled movie may strike a chord with Americans who will see the film later...

You have your elections next week. And if Barack Obama doesn't get in as expected, and it's McCain and Palin, I reckon the o****ry will be in a dark mood, or at least the Democrat contingent!

(There is a darker alternative that's occurred to me but I won't post that...)

It's like someone said Pearl Harbor would have been great timing if it had been released a few months later - just after 9/11. Though the film would still have sucked, mind.

Alex

Other then being a wonderful diversion, I don't see what a new Bond has to do with the elections.

Napoleon Plural

Napoleon Plural wrote:

And if Barack Obama doesn't get in as expected, and it's McCain and Palin, I reckon the o****ry will be in a dark mood, or at least the Democrat contingent!
.

Am trying to figure out what this swear word was, or originally intended to be! ?:)

Blimey, it's a typo! I misspelt country! )

Lazenby880

There are lots of redeeming qualities. It is a magnificent film - stylish, intelligent and brutal. To our American friends, it must be hellish having to wait but don't take the reviews too seriously. QoS will divide opinion but it is, for me, an extremely high-quality piece of film-making.