On the surface, “Quantum of Solace’s” title is ironic. Its meaning beyond that is not explained in the film. Quantum is simply the organization that Bond is up against, and solace is what there isn’t any of. The action almost never ceases, and there are few respites from quick cuts and death-defying stunts. It is an Action Film.

But to say that “Quantum of Solace” relies on its action, as many have done, is unfair. “Casino Royale” simply couldn’t be this kind of movie, since so much revolves around men in suits sitting a table. If “Casino Royale” was about a card game, “Quantum of Solace” is about oil and water. Besides religion, nothing else has spurred so many wars in the history of humankind.

True, the opening of the movie made me feel like I was playing Burnout: Revenge. Seriously. The locations were almost identical. But the elaborate mountain road/European city car chase soon gave way to a quick interrogation of Mr. White (remember him from the last one?). “Quantum” picks up right where “Casino” left off, literally hours after Bond tracked down the man who was responsible for ruining Vesper’s life.

The interrogation leads to a disturbing discovery: that there is an organization called Quantum, that the British Secret Service knew nothing about, and that they literally “have people everywhere.” M’s personal bodyguard had been in their employ for seven years. Their exact motive is unclear, but they are most certainly a threat to peace and prosperity. And so Bond goes on a hunt to find out who they are, what they want, and how he can stop them.

Generally speaking, Bond films are nothing if not patriotic - towards both the U.K. and the U.S., the countries that have supported Bond so happily over the years. Perhaps because of Tony Blair, “Quantum of Solace” marks the first time that Bond (and some members of his government) have found themselves at odds with higher-ups in the CIA. Sure, he went rogue in “Licence to Kill,” but M was right to refuse aid to his personal vendetta. In this case, Bond must go rogue in order to serve his country.

“Quantum” also deals with greed, poverty, and environmentalism. This is hardly the first time that a Bond film has been topical, and while prices have been falling at the pumps, it’s best we don’t forget how much we depend on oil. And how some countries’ biggest worry is not fuel, but clean water.

(And let me speak to complaints that there wasn’t enough Ms. Fields - played by Gemma Arteron - in the film. As adorable as she was, we definitely didn’t need more of her. Maybe it’s the “little girl voice” that got to me, but, a little bit of Ms. Fields goes a long way.)

The film has been criticized, but having watched it, I can’t put my finger on anything that was done badly. As a whole, it’s not the same as “Casino” and it never will be, but it has things that “Casino” didn’t - like a truly menacing villain. It took me a few minutes to realize that Mathieu Amalric was just playing Peter Lorre, but he did it so perfectly and subtly that I didn’t mind. He’s what I like to call “rock star ugly.” He’s hideous, but you would still do him.

As Dominic Greene, he is a very believable psychopath. The silent cat-and-mouse game between him and Bond is perfection itself, and Bond’s final dealings with him indicate a change in his character. Since the beginning of the film, when he was leaving a trail of dead bodies behind him, he has learned moderation. And he has learned that, oftentimes, a quick death is too merciful. Bond has matured; ironically, into the kind of person Greene would probably be thrilled to have in his employ. As Rene Mathis explains earlier in the film, as you grow older, the roles of heroes and villains tend to get all mixed up.

As “Quantum of Solace” draws to a close, James Bond has learned many things. When it comes to Vesper it’s not clear if he’s learned how to forgive, or just how to forget. But at least he understands now, as Mathis urged him to, that she died for him. Perhaps this was the solace he was seeking all along.

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