Quantum leaps this Friday

Two years ago, a 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. 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 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 newfound winning streak. Rated PG-13. (Photo courtesy Columbia Pictures)