Why Roger Moore's films are the best - A Top Ten

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  • HalconHalcon Zen TemplePosts: 487MI6 Agent
    Firemass wrote:
    I just finished a Bond doubleheader of From Russia With Love and Octopussy. aka The most serious of the Connery films vs. the goofiest of the Moore films. I expected FRWL to win by a landslide, but there's just something so entertaining and enjoyable about the RM era. Perhaps it was the Bond film crew being so skilled at their profession. Octopussy's amazing pre-title sequence, the mesmerizing title sequence and song, and all the great action/suspense scenes that followed. Classic.

    -{

    two completely different movies with only the name James Bond to tie them together. (did Bond even wear a Tux or gamble in FRWL??)

    Both excellent movies.
  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    I agree with you about FYEO, and for those reasons it's my top Roger Moore Bond film.
    Firemass wrote:
    ...and what makes FYEO the most Fleming-esque?

    Can I recommend that you read For Your Eyes Only, if you haven't already?

    What I liked about the film was that it incorporates and amalgamates two of Fleming's short stories from For Your Eyes Only ("For Your Eyes Only" and "Risico") seamlessly into the storyline. It's not completely faithful to the book, and I can't exactly quantify it except to say when I watch the film, I see Fleming's story coming to life. It's also Moore's most serious film, in my view.

    It's been a long time since I've read the book myself, and I could probably give a more detailed response if I re-read the book and re-watched the film to do a comparison.
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,062MI6 Agent
    I just watched OP last night, wow, one forgets how blatantly sexist Bond movies have been in the past... on the ship rowing the girl calls out "IN... OUT... IN.... OUT!"
    But it still holds up really well, and the only dumb stuff was in the sound (Tarzan, Bond theme on flute...). The Woodhouse sit is STILL hilarious because it goes by so fast!
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    chrisisall wrote :
    I just watched OP last night, wow, one forgets how blatantly sexist Bond movies have been in the past... on the ship rowing the girl calls out "IN... OUT... IN.... OUT!"

    Well a lot of then were Blondes, so are inclined to Forget. :))
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 37,868Chief of Staff
    Halcon wrote:

    10- Moore wears the Navy coat and cream/grey pant combo like no other Bond.

    3-Moore also wore the Tan suit like no other Bond.

    No denying it, Moore wears clothes (esp jackets/blazers) really well; his only rival here is Brosnan, aka Mr Suit. Dalton definitely looks uncomfortable in some outfits and Connery simply ignores whatever he's wearing.

    2-Unlike other Bond films, watching Moore's Bond give you a sensation of nostalgia (even though i was introduced to Bond in Goldeneye at age 13).

    What, you don't get nostalgia from, say, watching Connery in FRWL? Maybe it's an age thing but I certainly do!

    My tuppenceworth (two cents) - you may not like Moore's Bond when watching his movies, but you can't help liking Moore!
  • FiremassFiremass AlaskaPosts: 1,910MI6 Agent
    chrisisall wrote:
    I just watched OP last night, wow, one forgets how blatantly sexist Bond movies have been in the past... on the ship rowing the girl calls out "IN... OUT... IN.... OUT!"

    hmmm I don't consider that to be sexist. No more than the All Time High lyrics about being "in so strong and so deep". Bond films are loaded with that stuff. Like Magda saying "I need another refilling" or Bond telling MoneyPenny "I'll fill you in later"
    My current 10 favorite:

    1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,062MI6 Agent
    Firemass wrote:
    hmmm I don't consider that to be sexist. No more than the All Time High lyrics about being "in so strong and so deep". Bond films are loaded with that stuff. Like Magda saying "I need another refilling" or Bond telling MoneyPenny "I'll fill you in later"
    It's all so disgusting, this stuff! Like when M said PUMP her for information... it's revolting!
    But Hatcher was pretty hot... :D
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • Nick37Nick37 Posts: 270MI6 Agent
    M: "Tell him to pull out.....Immediately!"
    "I've had a few...Optional extras installed."
  • FiremassFiremass AlaskaPosts: 1,910MI6 Agent
    chrisisall wrote:
    Firemass wrote:
    hmmm I don't consider that to be sexist. No more than the All Time High lyrics about being "in so strong and so deep". Bond films are loaded with that stuff. Like Magda saying "I need another refilling" or Bond telling MoneyPenny "I'll fill you in later"
    It's all so disgusting, this stuff! Like when M said PUMP her for information... it's revolting!
    But Hatcher was pretty hot... :D

    and what did Money Penny say... "You'll just have to decide how much pumping is necessary"
    :p
    My current 10 favorite:

    1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
  • RogueAgent007RogueAgent007 Corn-fed central USPosts: 154MI6 Agent
    he definitely strikes me as a fan of the series which a guy like Connery or Brosnan really aren't

    Couldn't agree with you more about Connery. He is primarily only a fan of himself. But you gotta be kidding about Brosnan. Didn't you ever hear him interviewed when he talked about seeing GF in the theaters with his dad? He was almost giddy! He was delighted with the role, felt it a privilege. At least, that's what he said.

    As to Sir Rog, I, too, thoroughly enjoy his films. The only reason I rank him 4th is I don't like his portrayal as well as Connery, Dalton, and Brosnan(in that order). But I can watch him all day long.
    Beg your pardon, forgot to knock...
  • Nick37Nick37 Posts: 270MI6 Agent
    "As to Sir Rog, I, too, thoroughly enjoy his films. The only reason I rank him 4th is I don't like his portrayal as well as Connery, Dalton, and Brosnan(in that order). But I can watch him all day long."

    I'm in a similar boat. I like Moore better than Brosnan and Lazenby (Brosnan was hampered I think because he never really got to play the role the way he wanted to) I just like Dalton, Connery, and Craig's performances (In that order) better than Moore's.

    I didn't realize until reading some of his comments after the fact that EON kept a tight leash on Brosnan's portrayal of Bond.
    "I've had a few...Optional extras installed."
  • RogueAgent007RogueAgent007 Corn-fed central USPosts: 154MI6 Agent
    Nick37 wrote:
    "As to Sir Rog, I, too, thoroughly enjoy his films. The only reason I rank him 4th is I don't like his portrayal as well as Connery, Dalton, and Brosnan(in that order). But I can watch him all day long."

    I'm in a similar boat. I like Moore better than Brosnan and Lazenby (Brosnan was hampered I think because he never really got to play the role the way he wanted to) I just like Dalton, Connery, and Craig's performances (In that order) better than Moore's.

    I didn't realize until reading some of his comments after the fact that EON kept a tight leash on Brosnan's portrayal of Bond.

    Yeah, but he still was able to get some really good stuff in there. His intro in GE is just tops, and he is just so natural in the role. Exactly the way I pictured Bond to be, he voiced things the way I heard them voiced as I read. The only reason I have him 3rd is the scripts he had to work with weren't as good as Connery or Dalton for the most part.
    Beg your pardon, forgot to knock...
  • FiremassFiremass AlaskaPosts: 1,910MI6 Agent
    funny sign I saw last night:

    P1100782_moore1927w.jpg

    (Rog was born in 1927)
    My current 10 favorite:

    1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
  • FiremassFiremass AlaskaPosts: 1,910MI6 Agent
    i But the backstory with Havelock's parents being murdered and her seeking revenge (from "For Your Eyes Only") as well as the Kristatos/Columbo power play ("Risico") were from the book, albeit with a few modifications.

    Defiant,

    Thanks for pointing me in the right direction on this one. I just finished reading For Your Eyes Only and Risico and both were outstanding. As it so happens those Fleming short stories are my favorite sections of the film version of FYEO. Risico especially turned out well with the dinner with Kristatos, Lisl and Columbo setting a trap, Bond taking Lisl home, meeting her on the beach, the warehouse fight, and finally shooting the oncoming car. Fleming describes the climactic scene "Bond stood in the classic pistol-shooting pose and took careful aim."

    I am impressed by how cleverly they incorporated these Fleming elements into the feature length film. This definitely raises FYEO in my personal rankings. Looking forward to re-watching it from a higher plane of knowledge!
    My current 10 favorite:

    1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
  • James SuzukiJames Suzuki New ZealandPosts: 2,406MI6 Agent
    I have to agree that I love Roger Moore!
    I agree that Moore played the oldest Bond in the sense that his Bond seemed to be the most intelligent and wise.
    He also seemed the most English as well.
    “The scent and smoke and sweat of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning. "
    -Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    I agree that Moore played the oldest Bond in the sense that his Bond seemed to be the most intelligent and wise.

    Sorry old man, but he was the oldest in more than just that sense! I'm reminded of that every time I see him in an action scene.
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • zaphodzaphod Posts: 1,183MI6 Agent
    I have to agree that I love Roger Moore!
    I agree that Moore played the oldest Bond in the sense that his Bond seemed to be the most intelligent and wise.
    He also seemed the most English as well.

    Roger Moore is fantastic, but as James Bond he is almost 180 degrees from the character in almost every way.It's true that Fleming did humanise Bond as the Novels progressed, but at no point did he get anywhere near as charming and funny as Roger. Roger never was anything like physical enough to convince me as Bond he is a pleasure to watch, as long as I don't associate the character he plays with James Bond.
  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    That's a good way to put it, Zap. My problem with Roger Moore has never been about Moore. It's Moore as James Bond that I can't buy.
    zaphod wrote:
    I have to agree that I love Roger Moore!
    I agree that Moore played the oldest Bond in the sense that his Bond seemed to be the most intelligent and wise.
    He also seemed the most English as well.

    Roger Moore is fantastic, but as James Bond he is almost 180 degrees from the character in almost every way.It's true that Fleming did humanise Bond as the Novels progressed, but at no point did he get anywhere near as charming and funny as Roger. Roger never was anything like physical enough to convince me as Bond he is a pleasure to watch, as long as I don't associate the character he plays with James Bond.
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,062MI6 Agent
    That's a good way to put it, Zap. My problem with Roger Moore has never been about Moore. It's Moore as James Bond that I can't buy.
    After OHMSS Bond went comic book & stayed that way until TLD- I like Moore a LOT, I enjoy most of his films immensely, but they're just fun mostly. The reason TMWTGG is my favourite of his is that it creates a bizarre reality for Bond, removes it from the rest, it's its own unique animal. :D
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • FiremassFiremass AlaskaPosts: 1,910MI6 Agent
    I'd say Roger Moore nailed Risico perfectly in FYEO. While I was reading it I couldn't imagine any other actor in the role.
    My current 10 favorite:

    1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
  • James SuzukiJames Suzuki New ZealandPosts: 2,406MI6 Agent
    They almost feel like a different Film Series.
    Moore's character is so different to the others but also so enjoyable.
    I would like to see a new Film Series with a Moore like character in it again.
    “The scent and smoke and sweat of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning. "
    -Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    I watched FYEO again last night ( it's been a while ) and think
    it really is One of Moore's Best Bond films. -{
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • DEFIANT 74205DEFIANT 74205 Perth, AustraliaPosts: 1,881MI6 Agent
    Firemass wrote:
    i But the backstory with Havelock's parents being murdered and her seeking revenge (from "For Your Eyes Only") as well as the Kristatos/Columbo power play ("Risico") were from the book, albeit with a few modifications.

    Defiant,

    Thanks for pointing me in the right direction on this one. I just finished reading For Your Eyes Only and Risico and both were outstanding. As it so happens those Fleming short stories are my favorite sections of the film version of FYEO. Risico especially turned out well with the dinner with Kristatos, Lisl and Columbo setting a trap, Bond taking Lisl home, meeting her on the beach, the warehouse fight, and finally shooting the oncoming car. Fleming describes the climactic scene "Bond stood in the classic pistol-shooting pose and took careful aim."

    I am impressed by how cleverly they incorporated these Fleming elements into the feature length film. This definitely raises FYEO in my personal rankings. Looking forward to re-watching it from a higher plane of knowledge!

    I'm glad to have helped you see For Your Eyes Only in a different light. I was also impressed by the film's storyline which seamlessly incorporates the Fleming elements. This is what makes it a great Bond film (and in my view, Moore's best Bond film by far). Kudos to the writers of For Your Eyes Only.
    They almost feel like a different Film Series.
    Moore's character is so different to the others but also so enjoyable.
    I would like to see a new Film Series with a Moore like character in it again.

    If, by a new film series, you mean something other than James Bond, I wouldn't mind.

    If, by that you mean James Bond should return to the over-the-top jovialness of the Moore era, then I'm against it. I want the literary Bond to be portrayed on screen as he was written by Fleming.
    "Watch the birdie, you bastard!"
  • Agent SidewinderAgent Sidewinder Posts: 223MI6 Agent
    Firemass wrote:
    i But the backstory with Havelock's parents being murdered and her seeking revenge (from "For Your Eyes Only") as well as the Kristatos/Columbo power play ("Risico") were from the book, albeit with a few modifications.

    Defiant,

    Thanks for pointing me in the right direction on this one. I just finished reading For Your Eyes Only and Risico and both were outstanding. As it so happens those Fleming short stories are my favorite sections of the film version of FYEO. Risico especially turned out well with the dinner with Kristatos, Lisl and Columbo setting a trap, Bond taking Lisl home, meeting her on the beach, the warehouse fight, and finally shooting the oncoming car. Fleming describes the climactic scene "Bond stood in the classic pistol-shooting pose and took careful aim."

    I am impressed by how cleverly they incorporated these Fleming elements into the feature length film. This definitely raises FYEO in my personal rankings. Looking forward to re-watching it from a higher plane of knowledge!

    I'm glad to have helped you see For Your Eyes Only in a different light. I was also impressed by the film's storyline which seamlessly incorporates the Fleming elements. This is what makes it a great Bond film (and in my view, Moore's best Bond film by far). Kudos to the writers of For Your Eyes Only.
    They almost feel like a different Film Series.
    Moore's character is so different to the others but also so enjoyable.
    I would like to see a new Film Series with a Moore like character in it again.

    If, by a new film series, you mean something other than James Bond, I wouldn't mind.

    If, by that you mean James Bond should return to the over-the-top jovialness of the Moore era, then I'm against it. I want the literary Bond to be portrayed on screen as he was written by Fleming.

    So Defiant, given the choice between a well-made and well-written "jovial" Bond film and a poorly-made, dull Fleming film (no names, no pack drill....), which would you choose?
  • DEFIANT 74205DEFIANT 74205 Perth, AustraliaPosts: 1,881MI6 Agent
    So Defiant, given the choice between a well-made and well-written "jovial" Bond film and a poorly-made, dull Fleming film (no names, no pack drill....), which would you choose?

    I wouldn't know. The words "dull" and "Fleming" don't go in the same sentence.
    "Watch the birdie, you bastard!"
  • Agent SidewinderAgent Sidewinder Posts: 223MI6 Agent
    So Defiant, given the choice between a well-made and well-written "jovial" Bond film and a poorly-made, dull Fleming film (no names, no pack drill....), which would you choose?

    I wouldn't know. The words "dull" and "Fleming" don't go in the same sentence.

    "Despite its pretensions of maintaining the spirit of Fleming, Quantum of Solace is still monstrously dull."

    There, I did it. ;)
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,062MI6 Agent
    "Despite its pretensions of maintaining the spirit of Fleming, Quantum of Solace is still monstrously dull."
    There, I did it. ;)
    Dull??? It is in my opinion the BEST of Craig's films so far. :007)
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • zaphodzaphod Posts: 1,183MI6 Agent
    chrisisall wrote:
    "Despite its pretensions of maintaining the spirit of Fleming, Quantum of Solace is still monstrously dull."
    There, I did it. ;)
    Dull??? It is in my opinion the BEST of Craig's films so far. :007)

    both statements could be true at the same time :p
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Apart from NSNA. QOS was the only Bond I got bored watching.
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • DEFIANT 74205DEFIANT 74205 Perth, AustraliaPosts: 1,881MI6 Agent
    "Despite its pretensions of maintaining the spirit of Fleming, Quantum of Solace is still monstrously dull."

    There, I did it. ;)

    Ah, but Quantum of Solace doesn't count. It only "pretends" to be Fleming-esque without quite pulling it off :p
    "Watch the birdie, you bastard!"
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