Judi Dench is back as M, with the same snappy sarcasm we’ve come expect. She’s captures the strong, steadfast female role that would be missing without her. And I thank her for that.

But really, none of the other characters matter. Because these movies are all about Bond. Villains and women come and go, but Bond remains. Daniel Craig is strong, seductive and untouchable—a perfect Bond reminiscent of Heston’s days. And who could resist those ocean-blue eyes?

There’s no doubt that Quantum will do great in theaters when it opens on Friday. It is pleasure for the masses: beautiful, exciting and thrilling. It delivers exactly what we expect from a 007 film. And in this day and age, when so many films tend to disappoint, what more can we really ask for? So thanks, James Bond. I raise my shaken-not-stirred martini to you.

Movie Grade: A-

Synopsis:

Betrayed by Vesper, the woman he loved, 007 fights the urge to make his latest mission personal. Pursuing his determination to uncover the truth, Bond and M (JUDI DENCH) interrogate Mr White (JESPER CHRISTENSEN) who reveals the organisation which blackmailed Vesper is far more complex and dangerous than anyone had imagined.

Forensic intelligence links an Mi6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti where a case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful but feisty Camille (OLGA KURYLENKO), a woman who has her own vendetta. Camille leads Bond straight to Dominic Greene (MATHIEU AMALRIC), a ruthless business man and major force within the mysterious organisation.

On a mission that leads him to Austria, Italy and South America, Bond discovers that Greene, conspiring to take total control of one of the world’s most important natural resources, is forging a deal with the exiled General Medrano (JOAQUIN COSIO). Using his associates in the organisation, and manipulating his powerful contacts within the CIA and the British government, Greene promises to overthrow the existing regime in a Latin American country, giving the General control of the country in exchange for a seemingly barren piece of land.

In a minefield of treachery, murder and deceit, Bond allies with old friends in a battle to uncover the truth. As he gets closer to finding the man responsible for the betrayal of Vesper, 007 must keep one step ahead of the CIA, the terrorists and even M, to unravel Greene’s sinister plan and stop his organisation.