Bond takes Quantum leap

Two years ago the blonde-haired, blue-eyed, and big-eared Daniel Craig proved each of his critics wrong by turning in a remarkably raw and flawed take on the most serialized and, occasionally, serially overrated action hero of modern cinema. But with Casino Royale, Craig, like the rest of us, started over with James Bond, and that film’s rumination on revenge and murder continues unabated in this follow-up from screenwriter Paul Haggis of Crash fame. Picking up right where Casino Royale left off, Quantum of Solace follows 007 from Italy to Austria to South America as he uncovers an international conspiracy to control the planet’s natural resources. Dame Judi Dench reprises her role as Bond-busting boss M, and renowned French actor Mattieu Amalric of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly goes head-to-head with Craig as Bond’s new nemesis. With director Marc Forster on board, Quantum is a taught (read: under two hours) thrill ride that should continue the James Bond winning streak. Rated PG-13.

ALSO IN NOVEMBER: (11/7) Ben Stiller and Chris Rock in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott in Role Models. (11/14) Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson in Soul Men. (11/21) Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattisen in Twilight. Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. in The Soloist. (11/28) Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman in Australia. Charlize Theron and Viggo Mortensen in The Road.