AGENT 007 returns, all guns blazing, in the action-packed follow-up to Casino Royale, set in the immediate aftermath of the blockbusting 2006 film.

Quantum Of Solace opens with a spectacular car chase through the historic streets of Siena, Italy, culminating in a pursuit over the rooftops which recalls the breathtaking Morocco sequence from The Bourne Ultimatum.

It's no surprise that many of the behind-the-scenes crew have close ties to the Bourne franchise, including co-editor Richard Pearson, second unit director Dan Bradley and stunt co-ordinator Gary Powell.

At times the similarities become more of an imitation, and unfortunately for Bond, his American counterpart does it far better.

Director Marc Forster ensures the pace doesn't slacken for the opening hour, including a fist-fight on a series of ropes and pulleys, a high-speed boat chase and an aerial dogfight.

Once audiences finally catch their breath, the ramshackle plot unfurls with no sense of urgency and all of the adrenaline pumping through the film's veins dissipates, building to a deeply disappointing final showdown in Chile.

Perhaps for the first time ever, Bond's arch-nemesis dies off screen.

Quantum Of Solace is also the first film where the principal lovely doesn't disrobe and succumb to James' charms.

Amusingly, there is more sexual tension between M and her headstrong protege. Bond is evidently losing his touch.

Following the death of Vesper Lynd, Bond (Craig) joins M (Dench) to interrogate Mr White (Christensen), part of a secret organisation responsible for his beloved's demise.

“The first thing you should know is that we have people everywhere,” smirks Mr White, who has good reason to feel cocky.

The trail of evidence leads to beautiful Haiti, where Bond meets the enigmatic yet alluring Camille (Kurylenko), a woman pursing a secret vendetta against ruthless businessman Dominic Greene (Amalric) and his associate, exiled General Medrano (Cosio). Greene and his allies plan to sweep Medrano back into power, overthrowing an entire Latin American regime, in exchange for a seemingly worthless piece of desert. As the vengeful British agent edges closer to discovering the identities of the men responsible for Vesper's death, he takes justice into his own bloody hands.