James Bond in review - Quantum Of Solace (Marc Forster, 2008)

"I don't give a shit about the CIA or their trumped up evidence; he's my agent and I trust him!"

It was never going to be an easy task following up the unexpectedly brilliant Casino Royale, Daniel Craig's Bond debut, with the 22nd official outing in the series. Bond's heart has been broken by the woman he loved, he has been betrayed by a criminal organisation to which he has only one lead and, perhaps the toughest of all, Craig must show that's he's not a one 'Bond' hit wonder by pushing the envelope in the series' first direct narrative sequel.

Bond and Camille walking purposefully through the desert

Taking the helm on Solace is German-born Marc Forster, a director with a keen eye for character and making locations characters of their own. Solace is, in many respects, unlike any other Bond film in the series. The film is set to breakneck pace (blink and you'll miss the action) with the shortest run time of the series and the most abrupt, dynamic editing techniques are deployed. Craig's Bond is seeking vengeance and going against authority - it's Licence to Kill with Craig instead of Dalton. In fact, it's much more than that. Daniel Craig is yet to totally convince Judi Dench's ever steely M that he can be trusted out in the field; that his emotions won't interfere with his job. The pressure is definitely on Craig to nail his second performance as Bond after a decidedly brilliant debut and needless to say he surpasses expectations.

Bond and Greene fight to the death in the burning Hotel Perla De Las Lunas in the desert

Bond is essentially a bleak character by Fleming's pen and Craig personifies this better than perhaps any of his predecessors in the role. He has his brutal moments - stabbing a contact in Port au Prince and surveying him as he slowly dies, disarming MI6 guards in a lift or dispatching M's aide Mitchell in a dramatic chase. Paradoxically, we feel for this lonely character in his reflective moments - holding a dying Mathis in his arms, shielding Camille from a burning hotel. Bond is still a conflicted soul. As Camille delicately supposes, he is still imprisoned by his thoughts and feelings for Vesper.

"Take a deep breath, you only need one shot. Make it count."

In many respects, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace work brilliantly as an introduction to 007. We have seen the violent side of the character, we have seen the brief moments of solace and comfort and we now have the chance, with Bond 23 around the corner, to see a more playful side to Craig's Bond. As a stand alone film Solace succeeds in its own merits boasting stunning locations and some fine dialogue but more importantly, as a sequel and a character progression it is a vital addition to the series. James Bond, we 'need you back'.