I must confess I'm a bit surprised by some of the negative critical reviews of the new Bond adventure, Quantum of Solace. So much so, I'm inspired to reply, in some small measure.

Count me amongst the many fans of Casino Royale, a film that took the Bond spy mythos seriously for the first time in twenty one outings. Yes, Quantum has much to live up to, but this film must be examined as a direct sequel to its predecessor. I feel it succeeds admirably and efficiently, as the introduction to the new incarnation of our favorite British spy picks up right about where it left off last film.

Daniel Craig's performance is still magnetic, and Bond's actions are no longer fan service for those who are simply along for the franchise ride. While there is no elaborate plot, we must remember that Bond is a man bent on revenge after the events of Casino Royale. And who doesn't want to see a Bond revenge film?

The point here is that 007 doesn't have to remind us who he is with a signature line of dialogue written ages ago. He doesn't have to express a preference for a particular alcoholic beverage. He doesn't have to bed every woman he encounters. For this James, it's whatever gets the job done. Our introduction to this new Bond ends much as it began -- with the affirmation that if we turn on the lights to a darkened room and find him waiting for us, we did something to deserve it.

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