James Bond Retrospective: Quantum Of Solace (2008)
Gadgets 
Quantum Of Solace is practically gadget free and it is left to the agents at MI6 to have all the cool gadgetry and technology in the film. Created by the team behind the opening titles sequence, MK12, the most eye-catching piece of equipment in the film is the touch screen computer desk and wall shown in the MI6 offices; a design that was later used for menu screens in Activisions James Bond video games Quantum Of Solace and Blood Stone. James Bond Will Return.. Casino Royale took over $590 million at the box-office, making it the highest grossing of all Bond films to date. Quantum Of Solace managed to rise to the challenge and while not quite beating the record set by the previous film still took $586 million worldwide. Shortly after the films release, MGM announced that it was close to bankruptcy and would potentially have to sell off its assets to pay off the film companys massive debts. The future of the James Bond franchise was once again in doubt and reports in the press seemed to suggest time had run out for the series. Two years later however in early 2011, Sony Pictures finalised a deal with MGM for distribution rights for all the Bond films including any future releases. As Albert R. Broccolis EON Productions celebrate the 50th anniversary of the James Bond franchise in 2012, it is fitting that the highlight of the year long commemoration should culminate in the release of a new film. Skyfall, which sees Daniel Craig return to the lead role for the third time, will be the 23rd official James Bond film and is looking likely to be the best yet with director Sam Mendes at the helm. Over the course of 50 years and 23 films Bond has survived six actors in the leading role each bringing their own interpretation of Fleming's creation, lawsuits and court cases, personal loss and endured several dips in popularity not to mention bedded countless women, performed incredible stunts and put a stop to numerous villainous plots for world domination but has always managed to come out on top. I think Carly Simon put it best when she sang Nobody Does It Better.....she couldnt have been more right. Heres to another 50 years. Thanks to everyone who has followed my retrospective look at the James Bond series over the past year. Thanks particularly to those who have commented, liked and tweeted my articles. Look out for my thoughts on Skyfall in November as well as a bonus look at the three non-Eon Bond films, Casino Royale (1954 & 1967) and Never Say Never Again before the end of this year. To catch up on previous installments of the James Bond Retrospective click here: Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, On Her Majestys Secret Service, Diamonds Are Forever, Live And Let Die, The Man With The Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, A View To A Kill, The Living Daylights, Licence To Kill, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day, Casino Royale