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"Quantum" is like the vodka to "Royale's" vermouth; the former hits your tongue with a bang, while the latter has a quiet substance that lingers in the back of your mouth. One would be incomplete without the other.

James Bond films have never been cinematic masterpieces, and the latest venture "Quantum of Solace" is no different. They have always been filled with cheesy and sometimes stiff dialogue, gimicky action sequences and flimsy plots. But that is exactly their charm. To try to elevate the series to the level of say a Sergie Leone film would be pointless--Bond flicks have always lived comfortably in the B-movie zone.

"Casino Royale" was in many ways markedly different from all other Bond films, slow, brooding, heavy on the dialogue and plot development. And it was fitting, for as the opening to the 007 saga, there was much need for introduction. But the salutations are long over in "Quantum of Solace," and its time for Bond to get back to work. Together the pair are like a perfect Bond martini. "Quantum" is like the vodka to "Royale's" vermouth; the former hits your tongue with a bang, while the latter has a quiet substance that lingers in the back of your mouth. One would be incomplete without the other.

Yet there is one strong and important distinction that separates "Quantum" from other Bond films. While there is a supervillian named Dominic Green attempting world domination, this time Bond (Daniel Craig) is not motivated by his duty, he is motivated by his rage. In a rare display of genuine emotion, Bond seeks revenge for the death of "Royale's" Vesper. The film is much of a one-note, heavily driven by Bond's often out of control actions, but so too is rage. Rage is a powerful emotion, violent, frantic, all consuming, absorbing all traces of rationale and morality. In his first fore into action films, director Marc Forster manages to mimic Bond's inner state in the structure of "Quantum," not an easy feat. Quantum, however, is not the first revenge Bond film. In 1981's "For Your Eyes Only" Bond (Roger Moore) teamed up with Melina Havelock, a woman seeking revenge for the death of her parents. Here Bond bands together with Camille (Olga Kurylenko), who like Melina also seeks revenge for the death of her family.

Craig is again in top form. Despite the infrequent dialogue, he still manages to bring a depth and complexity to Bond, previously unseen in the character. His oft silence makes his portrayal even more striking. Some may call him numb and ineffectual, but the characteristics fit a man who is a trained killer. He has no time or need for transparent emotions--he has a job to do.

A poignant scene occurs when he is traveling with Mathis (Giancarlo Giannini) in Bolivia. Mathis is beaten up then stabbed in the back by Bolivian police. As 007 comforts the dying man in the street, he coddles him like a child. Mathis dies in his arms, and Bond tosses him in a nearby ditch. Is this how you treat your friends? Bond girl Camille asks. He wouldn't have minded, Bond replies. The tough mask is back on.

Dame Judi Dench returns as M for her sixth Bond film and is a spectacular as ever. Quantum reveals her matronly role; we see her worrying over Bond like a mother. Even Bond, in a conversation with Camille, refers to her as such.

Forster brought along cinematographer Roberto Schaefer and editor Matt Chesse, whom he worked with on "Finding Neverland," but "Bourne Supremacy" editor Richard Pearson also comes along for the ride, which may account for the Bourne-esque editing that occurs throughout the film. Forster, unlike many of his Hollywood comrades, should be commended for returning to the tradition of action films, relying on practical effects and stunts rather than CGI. While there are obvious Bourne references, critics should remember that the Bond franchise is 46 years old and helped to popularize the modern action film.

Bond has grown a lot in 40 odd years. Technological advancements, cinematic acheivements and six actors. But it has remained ever familiar--the story of a tough man who doesn't take lip from anyone, who manages to escape death more than a cat with nine lives, and a womanizer who uses women to get what he wants. After softies like Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan, to some extent, the latest Bond adventure reminds us that while Bond may have a quantum of humanity, he is still the ultimate baddass.

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