Well I'm not a Roger Moore fan so I'm probably not the best opinion here, but I didn't like OCTOPUSSY.
Jimmy, there are three kind of Moore fans:
a) you grew up with him as Bond so you can't help but have a soft spot
b) you like 60's Flint & Helm spy spoofs, so by comparison his stuff seems serious
c) you demand serious in your Bond, so you are a not-a-fan fan )
You're right, I didn't really grow up with Moore, I grew up with Brosnan and Connery. The only Roger Moore films I really enjoyed as a kid were THE SPY WHO LOVED ME and GOLDEN GUN. Although my opinion on both films has been tainted as of late. The rest are just a blur and rewatching them all recently I realized they just weren't good films.
But hey, I know plenty of people who dislike Brosnan and think all his films are weak (even GOLDENEYE) which really makes my blood boil. But I just accept that everyone has a different opinion on the character, so we can all amiably agree to disagree.
But hey, I know plenty of people who dislike Brosnan and think all his films are weak (even GOLDENEYE) which really makes my blood boil.
Brosnan & Connery are my tie for 2nd favourite Bond, that how much I like him.
I like Bond serious myself. That's why TMWTGG is my favourite Moore; the reason I say the OP is his most excellent is because of overall scope & entertainment value. And if I go to the bathroom at just the right times it's a pretty serious movie too! )
But hey, I know plenty of people who dislike Brosnan and think all his films are weak (even GOLDENEYE) which really makes my blood boil.
Brosnan & Connery are my tie for 2nd favourite Bond, that how much I like him.
I like Bond serious myself. That's why TMWTGG is my favourite Moore; the reason I say the OP is his most excellent is because of overall scope & entertainment value. And if I go to the bathroom at just the right times it's a pretty serious movie too! )
Hold up...you like your Bond serious and that's why you like TMWTGG? That film is only slightly less silly that OP/MR IMO. Car stunt slide whistle, karate schoolgirls, Fight with a midget, JW Pepper, Car/Aeroplane hybrid are all examples of this. I prefer my Bond serious as well, and that's why FYEO is my favorite Moore film, closely followed by LALD.
Hold up...you like your Bond serious and that's why you like TMWTGG?
No, that's not what I said... "That's why TMWTGG is my favourite Moore" meaning that it's IMO the closest to being serious.
I prefer my Bond serious as well, and that's why FYEO is my favorite Moore film, closely followed by LALD.
FYEO is no more serious than any other, with its bad disco music, the "stainless steel delicatessan" plea from Blofeld, the Bibi bs, the Thatcher & the talking parrot gag.... and in LALD the main villain dies by turning into a baloon & flying to cieling before a bloodless *POP*. Please, a Loony Tune end in a Bond movie??? )
Isn't OP the one where Bond gets a Bengal tiger to sit by talking Barbara Woodhouse to it?
I rest my case.
All the films after Thunderball has their goofy crap in them. DAF is when it really got bad: Bambi and Thumper, Blofeld in drag, the pretty offensive "haha the assassins are fairies" running gag (sorry if my use of the term offends, but in 1971 I think that's what they were aiming for, including Bruce Glover's disgusting "woo-ooo-OOOO!" when James jams the bomb up his bum), etc. I think they toned it down in LALD because they had a serious problem: establishing "Roger Moore IS James Bond 007" after bringing back Connery one last time. I think FYEO at least has some humor without whimsy or comical inanity like the other Moore flicks. Hey, doesn't TLD have some wit and humor from time to time? GOLDFINGER had a lot, as did THUNDERBALL.
I haven't seen OP in a while, so I probably should, but when I saw it on release, I thought, OOPS, they came down to earth with FYEO, and couldnt' stay the course. Another craptastic Bond flick with goofy "shave & a haircut, two bits" comic relief. :P
Isn't OP the one where Bond gets a Bengal tiger to sit by talking Barbara Woodhouse to it?
Of ALL the gags in Moore Bond movies, THIS is the ONE I love- has this ever been tried in the wild? Studied? NO? Outrageous Bond excellence! It WORKS!!! Ha Ha!! Who would have thought? Barbara, I conjure... )
I understand Moore's films are more campy and outlandish, but they just take it too far in this film. It almost feels like INDIAN JONES when he's in the marketplace in India.
Hold up...you like your Bond serious and that's why you like TMWTGG? That film is only slightly less silly that OP/MR IMO. Car stunt slide whistle, karate schoolgirls, Fight with a midget, JW Pepper, Car/Aeroplane hybrid are all examples of this. I prefer my Bond serious as well, and that's why FYEO is my favorite Moore film, closely followed by LALD.
FYEO is no more serious than any other, with its bad disco music, the "stainless steel delicatessan" plea from Blofeld, the Bibi bs, the Thatcher & the talking parrot gag.... and in LALD the main villain dies by turning into a baloon & flying to cieling before a bloodless *POP*. Please, a Loony Tune end in a Bond movie???
These arguments are a good example of why we should all agree that A View to a Kill is the most serious of the Roger Moore films. (Even Rog thought it was too violent! )
AVTAK contains virtually no gags and no comic relief characters. No J.W. Pepper, No Jaws falling in love, No Bibi Dahl, No gorilla suits or tarzan yells, No clown costumes, No slide whistles, No laser pistols, No tennis jokes, No goofy antics or endless supply of gags as seen in Octopussy.
Ok Ok I admit California Girls song was a poor choice, but that's no reason to dismiss the film completely. Besides the old-school snowboarding action is highly entertaining. The firetruck chase was a bit silly, but I quickly forgive it considering they had to offset the hard edged violence of Howe's murder in City Hall.
Despite his age, Roger Moore delivers his most dynamic and believable performance as Bond. Kind of like a cross between FYEO and TSWLM. Watch how he switches between the charming and outgoing Singeon Smyth to a somber deadpan Bond once the gig is up and Tippet has been murdered.
I'm glad he had a chance to redeem himself after Octopussy. Unfortunately, only a handful of 007 fans seem to appreciate this.
My current 10 favorite:
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
I understand Moore's films are more campy and outlandish, but they just take it too far in this film. It almost feels like INDIAN JONES when he's in the marketplace in India.
Hold up...you like your Bond serious and that's why you like TMWTGG? That film is only slightly less silly that OP/MR IMO. Car stunt slide whistle, karate schoolgirls, Fight with a midget, JW Pepper, Car/Aeroplane hybrid are all examples of this. I prefer my Bond serious as well, and that's why FYEO is my favorite Moore film, closely followed by LALD.
FYEO is no more serious than any other, with its bad disco music, the "stainless steel delicatessan" plea from Blofeld, the Bibi bs, the Thatcher & the talking parrot gag.... and in LALD the main villain dies by turning into a baloon & flying to cieling before a bloodless *POP*. Please, a Loony Tune end in a Bond movie???
These arguments are a good example of why we should all agree that A View to a Kill is the most serious of the Roger Moore films. (Even Rog thought it was too violent! )
AVTAK contains virtually no gags and no comic relief characters. No J.W. Pepper, No Jaws falling in love, No Bibi Dahl, No gorilla suits or tarzan yells, No clown costumes, No slide whistles, No laser pistols, No tennis jokes, No goofy antics or endless supply of gags as seen in Octopussy.
Ok Ok I admit California Girls song was a poor choice, but that's no reason to dismiss the film completely. Besides the old-school snowboarding action is highly entertaining. The firetruck chase was a bit silly, but I quickly forgive it considering they had to offset the hard edged violence of Howe's murder in City Hall.
Despite his age, Roger Moore delivers his most dynamic and believable performance as Bond. Kind of like a cross between FYEO and TSWLM. Watch how he switches between the charming and outgoing Singeon Smyth to a somber deadpan Bond once the gig is up and Tippet has been murdered.
I'm glad he had a chance to redeem himself after Octopussy. Unfortunately, only a handful of 007 fans seem to appreciate this.
I completely agree. I was gonna suggest this but you beat me to it :007)
Hold up...you like your Bond serious and that's why you like TMWTGG?
No, that's not what I said... "That's why TMWTGG is my favourite Moore" meaning that it's IMO the closest to being serious.
I prefer my Bond serious as well, and that's why FYEO is my favorite Moore film, closely followed by LALD.
FYEO is no more serious than any other, with its bad disco music, the "stainless steel delicatessan" plea from Blofeld, the Bibi bs, the Thatcher & the talking parrot gag.... and in LALD the main villain dies by turning into a baloon & flying to cieling before a bloodless *POP*. Please, a Loony Tune end in a Bond movie??? )
Shame we can't agree on everything buddy! I just feel like LALD/FYEO has darker undertones that TMWTGG/MR/OP and that's why I prefer them. Like you pointed out previously every Moore film has it's silly moments and with any Roger Moore film you need to time your toilet breaks wisely if you want it to pass as a seriously Bond outing.
I understand Moore's films are more campy and outlandish, but they just take it too far in this film. It almost feels like INDIAN JONES when he's in the marketplace in India.
Hold up...you like your Bond serious and that's why you like TMWTGG? That film is only slightly less silly that OP/MR IMO. Car stunt slide whistle, karate schoolgirls, Fight with a midget, JW Pepper, Car/Aeroplane hybrid are all examples of this. I prefer my Bond serious as well, and that's why FYEO is my favorite Moore film, closely followed by LALD.
FYEO is no more serious than any other, with its bad disco music, the "stainless steel delicatessan" plea from Blofeld, the Bibi bs, the Thatcher & the talking parrot gag.... and in LALD the main villain dies by turning into a baloon & flying to cieling before a bloodless *POP*. Please, a Loony Tune end in a Bond movie???
These arguments are a good example of why we should all agree that A View to a Kill is the most serious of the Roger Moore films. (Even Rog thought it was too violent! )
AVTAK contains virtually no gags and no comic relief characters. No J.W. Pepper, No Jaws falling in love, No Bibi Dahl, No gorilla suits or tarzan yells, No clown costumes, No slide whistles, No laser pistols, No tennis jokes, No goofy antics or endless supply of gags as seen in Octopussy.
Ok Ok I admit California Girls song was a poor choice, but that's no reason to dismiss the film completely. Besides the old-school snowboarding action is highly entertaining. The firetruck chase was a bit silly, but I quickly forgive it considering they had to offset the hard edged violence of Howe's murder in City Hall.
Despite his age, Roger Moore delivers his most dynamic and believable performance as Bond. Kind of like a cross between FYEO and TSWLM. Watch how he switches between the charming and outgoing Singeon Smyth to a somber deadpan Bond once the gig is up and Tippet has been murdered.
I'm glad he had a chance to redeem himself after Octopussy. Unfortunately, only a handful of 007 fans seem to appreciate this.
I must also submit a seperate reply to this post, which I feel makes some very good points. I actually really like AVTAK, and I feel silly for disregarding it when I was dicussing darker Moore movies. The only thing which let's it down for me is Moore's age and perhaps the lack of interesting henchmen for Zorin. I think that this film, minus California Girls, would have sat quite comfortably in the Dalton catalogue.
As most of you know, I have been pretty hard on AVTAK. In fact, it's at the bottom of my list as far as Bond films go. But it had been a while since I saw it and I decided to give it another go this weekend to see if my opinion has changed. I'm sorry to report to all the AVTAK fans that it's still rock bottom Bond for me. I agree that it is a more serious entry in the run of Roger Moore Bonds, and that is a good thing. But overall I found the film to be boring and poorly executed. For some reason, the producers seem determined to undermine the film's good qualities. For example, the opening ski chase is exciting and works spectacularly until they ruin it with that "California Girls" nonsense. It's even more shameful because the AVTAK soundtrack is one of the best and the background music really enhanced the scene before the unfortunate interruption. Also, Zorin was an interesting villain, a true psychopath and May Day in the form of Grace Jones was a great compliment as the main henchman (henchwoman?) But was it really necessary to have Bond bed May Day? Not only was it unnecessary and completely off the wall, but it was also cringe-worthy because we are so used to seeing Bond in bed with BEAUTIFUL women. I realize beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but still..............And the less said about Stacy Sutton, the better. Tanya Roberts' constant screeching wipes out any positives she brought to the movie (she's pretty, but I have a hard time coming up with anything else). The stuff about the horses is a bore and the action scenes are unremarkable for the most part (with the firetruck chase being a particular dud). The stunts and fights are done in by the fact that Roger's age is so apparent and the use of a stunt double is even more obvious than usual. AVTAK is beautiful to look at, with some terrific views of San Francisco and Paris, and I really like the score, but overall AVTAK is still the weakest entry for me.
I understand Moore's films are more campy and outlandish, but they just take it too far in this film. It almost feels like INDIAN JONES when he's in the marketplace in India.
Hold up...you like your Bond serious and that's why you like TMWTGG? That film is only slightly less silly that OP/MR IMO. Car stunt slide whistle, karate schoolgirls, Fight with a midget, JW Pepper, Car/Aeroplane hybrid are all examples of this. I prefer my Bond serious as well, and that's why FYEO is my favorite Moore film, closely followed by LALD.
FYEO is no more serious than any other, with its bad disco music, the "stainless steel delicatessan" plea from Blofeld, the Bibi bs, the Thatcher & the talking parrot gag.... and in LALD the main villain dies by turning into a baloon & flying to cieling before a bloodless *POP*. Please, a Loony Tune end in a Bond movie???
These arguments are a good example of why we should all agree that A View to a Kill is the most serious of the Roger Moore films. (Even Rog thought it was too violent! )
AVTAK contains virtually no gags and no comic relief characters. No J.W. Pepper, No Jaws falling in love, No Bibi Dahl, No gorilla suits or tarzan yells, No clown costumes, No slide whistles, No laser pistols, No tennis jokes, No goofy antics or endless supply of gags as seen in Octopussy.
Ok Ok I admit California Girls song was a poor choice, but that's no reason to dismiss the film completely. Besides the old-school snowboarding action is highly entertaining. The firetruck chase was a bit silly, but I quickly forgive it considering they had to offset the hard edged violence of Howe's murder in City Hall.
Despite his age, Roger Moore delivers his most dynamic and believable performance as Bond. Kind of like a cross between FYEO and TSWLM. Watch how he switches between the charming and outgoing Singeon Smyth to a somber deadpan Bond once the gig is up and Tippet has been murdered.
I'm glad he had a chance to redeem himself after Octopussy. Unfortunately, only a handful of 007 fans seem to appreciate this.
I must also submit a seperate reply to this post, which I feel makes some very good points. I actually really like AVTAK, and I feel silly for disregarding it when I was dicussing darker Moore movies. The only thing which let's it down for me is Moore's age and perhaps the lack of interesting henchmen for Zorin. I think that this film, minus California Girls, would have sat quite comfortably in the Dalton catalogue.
Although it's true that it is a FAR cry from Bond in the 60's and Bond now, to me it's the most entertainning Bond.
Roger almost takes the price for best Bond with this one (I'm certain he eventually will).
Maud Adams is the epitome of the 'concept' of woman in this film- a bar set so high it's almost unfortunate.
Ms. Wayborn takes your breath away in every scene, especially in the 'out the window' scene. (This is probably the BEST scene in the entire Bond series in my opinion not only because of Wayborn's exit, but for the way that Roger SOOOO convincingly watches her 'fly' away so non-chalantly.... I most absolutely scream and cry and reach out with my hands when i watch this scene.)
Kahn's character is equal measures sinister and cartoon, a blast to watch him in his scenes.
The suits were excellent, the setting of India was exotic, the chase scenes were fantastic, love the John Barry score, and you have to love that title name and the fact that they got away with it.
Oh and the theme, "All time high" is my fave Bond song for ummm...secretive reasons..
As most of you know, I have been pretty hard on AVTAK. In fact, it's at the bottom of my list as far as Bond films go. But it had been a while since I saw it and I decided to give it another go this weekend to see if my opinion has changed. I'm sorry to report to all the AVTAK fans that it's still rock bottom Bond for me. I agree that it is a more serious entry in the run of Roger Moore Bonds, and that is a good thing. But overall I found the film to be boring and poorly executed. For some reason, the producers seem determined to undermine the film's good qualities. For example, the opening ski chase is exciting and works spectacularly until they ruin it with that "California Girls" nonsense. It's even more shameful because the AVTAK soundtrack is one of the best and the background music really enhanced the scene before the unfortunate interruption. Also, Zorin was an interesting villain, a true psychopath and May Day in the form of Grace Jones was a great compliment as the main henchman (henchwoman?) But was it really necessary to have Bond bed May Day? Not only was it unnecessary and completely off the wall, but it was also cringe-worthy because we are so used to seeing Bond in bed with BEAUTIFUL women. I realize beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but still..............And the less said about Stacy Sutton, the better. Tanya Roberts' constant screeching wipes out any positives she brought to the movie (she's pretty, but I have a hard time coming up with anything else). The stuff about the horses is a bore and the action scenes are unremarkable for the most part (with the firetruck chase being a particular dud). The stunts and fights are done in by the fact that Roger's age is so apparent and the use of a stunt double is even more obvious than usual. AVTAK is beautiful to look at, with some terrific views of San Francisco and Paris, and I really like the score, but overall AVTAK is still the weakest entry for me.
I understand Moore's films are more campy and outlandish, but they just take it too far in this film. It almost feels like INDIAN JONES when he's in the marketplace in India.
Hold up...you like your Bond serious and that's why you like TMWTGG? That film is only slightly less silly that OP/MR IMO. Car stunt slide whistle, karate schoolgirls, Fight with a midget, JW Pepper, Car/Aeroplane hybrid are all examples of this. I prefer my Bond serious as well, and that's why FYEO is my favorite Moore film, closely followed by LALD.
FYEO is no more serious than any other, with its bad disco music, the "stainless steel delicatessan" plea from Blofeld, the Bibi bs, the Thatcher & the talking parrot gag.... and in LALD the main villain dies by turning into a baloon & flying to cieling before a bloodless *POP*. Please, a Loony Tune end in a Bond movie???
These arguments are a good example of why we should all agree that A View to a Kill is the most serious of the Roger Moore films. (Even Rog thought it was too violent! )
AVTAK contains virtually no gags and no comic relief characters. No J.W. Pepper, No Jaws falling in love, No Bibi Dahl, No gorilla suits or tarzan yells, No clown costumes, No slide whistles, No laser pistols, No tennis jokes, No goofy antics or endless supply of gags as seen in Octopussy.
Ok Ok I admit California Girls song was a poor choice, but that's no reason to dismiss the film completely. Besides the old-school snowboarding action is highly entertaining. The firetruck chase was a bit silly, but I quickly forgive it considering they had to offset the hard edged violence of Howe's murder in City Hall.
Despite his age, Roger Moore delivers his most dynamic and believable performance as Bond. Kind of like a cross between FYEO and TSWLM. Watch how he switches between the charming and outgoing Singeon Smyth to a somber deadpan Bond once the gig is up and Tippet has been murdered.
I'm glad he had a chance to redeem himself after Octopussy. Unfortunately, only a handful of 007 fans seem to appreciate this.
I must also submit a seperate reply to this post, which I feel makes some very good points. I actually really like AVTAK, and I feel silly for disregarding it when I was dicussing darker Moore movies. The only thing which let's it down for me is Moore's age and perhaps the lack of interesting henchmen for Zorin. I think that this film, minus California Girls, would have sat quite comfortably in the Dalton catalogue.
Even though our views on that film differ, kudos to you for giving it another go. I remember you saying that it is bottom by quite some distance... is this still the case for you, or is it (even though still bottom) not too far behind whatever's next to bottom?
As most of you know, I have been pretty hard on AVTAK. In fact, it's at the bottom of my list as far as Bond films go. But it had been a while since I saw it and I decided to give it another go this weekend to see if my opinion has changed. I'm sorry to report to all the AVTAK fans that it's still rock bottom Bond for me. I agree that it is a more serious entry in the run of Roger Moore Bonds, and that is a good thing. But overall I found the film to be boring and poorly executed. For some reason, the producers seem determined to undermine the film's good qualities. For example, the opening ski chase is exciting and works spectacularly until they ruin it with that "California Girls" nonsense. It's even more shameful because the AVTAK soundtrack is one of the best and the background music really enhanced the scene before the unfortunate interruption. Also, Zorin was an interesting villain, a true psychopath and May Day in the form of Grace Jones was a great compliment as the main henchman (henchwoman?) But was it really necessary to have Bond bed May Day? Not only was it unnecessary and completely off the wall, but it was also cringe-worthy because we are so used to seeing Bond in bed with BEAUTIFUL women. I realize beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but still..............And the less said about Stacy Sutton, the better. Tanya Roberts' constant screeching wipes out any positives she brought to the movie (she's pretty, but I have a hard time coming up with anything else). The stuff about the horses is a bore and the action scenes are unremarkable for the most part (with the firetruck chase being a particular dud). The stunts and fights are done in by the fact that Roger's age is so apparent and the use of a stunt double is even more obvious than usual. AVTAK is beautiful to look at, with some terrific views of San Francisco and Paris, and I really like the score, but overall AVTAK is still the weakest entry for me.
I must also submit a seperate reply to this post, which I feel makes some very good points. I actually really like AVTAK, and I feel silly for disregarding it when I was dicussing darker Moore movies. The only thing which let's it down for me is Moore's age and perhaps the lack of interesting henchmen for Zorin. I think that this film, minus California Girls, would have sat quite comfortably in the Dalton catalogue.
Even though our views on that film differ, kudos to you for giving it another go. I remember you saying that it is bottom by quite some distance... is this still the case for you, or is it (even though still bottom) not too far behind whatever's next to bottom?
Sorry, but most of the Roger Moore Bond films just rub me the wrong way. Always have.
Just kidding, I understand.
I agree with everything you said chris apart from the fact that I think FYEO's action scenes are a bit better....overall though a good solid film which knows when to be campy and when to be deadly serious
....and the best he ever managed was a sermon on the mount.
Truthfully, if you magically switched the scores for OP & FYEO, OP would be unwatchable for me & FYEO would be my favourite Moore flick.
Objectively speaking, soundtrack aside, FYEO is the superiour film.
For me, a great score can make a film a lot better. A bad one can kill it for me.
Sorry to disappoint you, friend, I really tried to like it more. But I will say this - it's a James Bond film, and for that reason alone I enjoyed it more than most other escapist movies I could have popped into the old Blu-Ray player! -{ .
But I will say this - it's a James Bond film, and for that reason alone I enjoyed it more than most other escapist movies I could have popped into the old Blu-Ray player! -{ .
I just finished watching Octopussy and I have to say I was shocked at how good it was. I've heard nothing but bad things about it so I had zero expectations coming in. There was tons of action though and even some of the slower scenes were good.
The funniest scene for me was probably Bond trying to hitch hike LOL. You just don't think Bond would ever be in a situation like that.
The only problems I had was obviously the Tarzan swing and then they could have done a little less with the circus stuff. Maybe the bomb should have stayed on the train.
1: Casino Royale 2: Goldeneye 3: Skyfall 4: Octopussy 5: Goldfinger 6: Tomorrow Never Dies 7: The World Is Not Enough 8: The Living Daylights 9: From Russia With Love 10: The Spy Who Loved Me
Comments
a) you grew up with him as Bond so you can't help but have a soft spot
b) you like 60's Flint & Helm spy spoofs, so by comparison his stuff seems serious
c) you demand serious in your Bond, so you are a not-a-fan fan
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
But hey, I know plenty of people who dislike Brosnan and think all his films are weak (even GOLDENEYE) which really makes my blood boil. But I just accept that everyone has a different opinion on the character, so we can all amiably agree to disagree.
I like Bond serious myself. That's why TMWTGG is my favourite Moore; the reason I say the OP is his most excellent is because of overall scope & entertainment value. And if I go to the bathroom at just the right times it's a pretty serious movie too!
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Hold up...you like your Bond serious and that's why you like TMWTGG? That film is only slightly less silly that OP/MR IMO. Car stunt slide whistle, karate schoolgirls, Fight with a midget, JW Pepper, Car/Aeroplane hybrid are all examples of this. I prefer my Bond serious as well, and that's why FYEO is my favorite Moore film, closely followed by LALD.
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
I rest my case.
All the films after Thunderball has their goofy crap in them. DAF is when it really got bad: Bambi and Thumper, Blofeld in drag, the pretty offensive "haha the assassins are fairies" running gag (sorry if my use of the term offends, but in 1971 I think that's what they were aiming for, including Bruce Glover's disgusting "woo-ooo-OOOO!" when James jams the bomb up his bum), etc. I think they toned it down in LALD because they had a serious problem: establishing "Roger Moore IS James Bond 007" after bringing back Connery one last time. I think FYEO at least has some humor without whimsy or comical inanity like the other Moore flicks. Hey, doesn't TLD have some wit and humor from time to time? GOLDFINGER had a lot, as did THUNDERBALL.
I haven't seen OP in a while, so I probably should, but when I saw it on release, I thought, OOPS, they came down to earth with FYEO, and couldnt' stay the course. Another craptastic Bond flick with goofy "shave & a haircut, two bits" comic relief. :P
“It reads better than it lives.” T. Case
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Hold up...you like your Bond serious and that's why you like TMWTGG? That film is only slightly less silly that OP/MR IMO. Car stunt slide whistle, karate schoolgirls, Fight with a midget, JW Pepper, Car/Aeroplane hybrid are all examples of this. I prefer my Bond serious as well, and that's why FYEO is my favorite Moore film, closely followed by LALD.
FYEO is no more serious than any other, with its bad disco music, the "stainless steel delicatessan" plea from Blofeld, the Bibi bs, the Thatcher & the talking parrot gag.... and in LALD the main villain dies by turning into a baloon & flying to cieling before a bloodless *POP*. Please, a Loony Tune end in a Bond movie???
These arguments are a good example of why we should all agree that A View to a Kill is the most serious of the Roger Moore films. (Even Rog thought it was too violent! )
AVTAK contains virtually no gags and no comic relief characters. No J.W. Pepper, No Jaws falling in love, No Bibi Dahl, No gorilla suits or tarzan yells, No clown costumes, No slide whistles, No laser pistols, No tennis jokes, No goofy antics or endless supply of gags as seen in Octopussy.
Ok Ok I admit California Girls song was a poor choice, but that's no reason to dismiss the film completely. Besides the old-school snowboarding action is highly entertaining. The firetruck chase was a bit silly, but I quickly forgive it considering they had to offset the hard edged violence of Howe's murder in City Hall.
Despite his age, Roger Moore delivers his most dynamic and believable performance as Bond. Kind of like a cross between FYEO and TSWLM. Watch how he switches between the charming and outgoing Singeon Smyth to a somber deadpan Bond once the gig is up and Tippet has been murdered.
I'm glad he had a chance to redeem himself after Octopussy. Unfortunately, only a handful of 007 fans seem to appreciate this.
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
I completely agree. I was gonna suggest this but you beat me to it :007)
1 - Moore, 2 - Dalton, 3 - Craig, 4 - Connery, 5 - Brosnan, 6 - Lazenby
Shame we can't agree on everything buddy! I just feel like LALD/FYEO has darker undertones that TMWTGG/MR/OP and that's why I prefer them. Like you pointed out previously every Moore film has it's silly moments and with any Roger Moore film you need to time your toilet breaks wisely if you want it to pass as a seriously Bond outing.
I must also submit a seperate reply to this post, which I feel makes some very good points. I actually really like AVTAK, and I feel silly for disregarding it when I was dicussing darker Moore movies. The only thing which let's it down for me is Moore's age and perhaps the lack of interesting henchmen for Zorin. I think that this film, minus California Girls, would have sat quite comfortably in the Dalton catalogue.
Although it's true that it is a FAR cry from Bond in the 60's and Bond now, to me it's the most entertainning Bond.
Roger almost takes the price for best Bond with this one (I'm certain he eventually will).
Maud Adams is the epitome of the 'concept' of woman in this film- a bar set so high it's almost unfortunate.
Ms. Wayborn takes your breath away in every scene, especially in the 'out the window' scene. (This is probably the BEST scene in the entire Bond series in my opinion not only because of Wayborn's exit, but for the way that Roger SOOOO convincingly watches her 'fly' away so non-chalantly.... I most absolutely scream and cry and reach out with my hands when i watch this scene.)
Kahn's character is equal measures sinister and cartoon, a blast to watch him in his scenes.
The suits were excellent, the setting of India was exotic, the chase scenes were fantastic, love the John Barry score, and you have to love that title name and the fact that they got away with it.
Oh and the theme, "All time high" is my fave Bond song for ummm...secretive reasons..
anyhow, can u tell I'm an Octopussy fan?? -{
Even though our views on that film differ, kudos to you for giving it another go. I remember you saying that it is bottom by quite some distance... is this still the case for you, or is it (even though still bottom) not too far behind whatever's next to bottom?
1 - Moore, 2 - Dalton, 3 - Craig, 4 - Connery, 5 - Brosnan, 6 - Lazenby
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
I agree with everything you said chris apart from the fact that I think FYEO's action scenes are a bit better....overall though a good solid film which knows when to be campy and when to be deadly serious
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
Objectively speaking, soundtrack aside, FYEO is the superiour film.
For me, a great score can make a film a lot better. A bad one can kill it for me.
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Blackleiter- Cheers for giving AVTAK another try. At first you got my hopes up that you were going to love it.
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
The funniest scene for me was probably Bond trying to hitch hike LOL. You just don't think Bond would ever be in a situation like that.
The only problems I had was obviously the Tarzan swing and then they could have done a little less with the circus stuff. Maybe the bomb should have stayed on the train.