Fine points CA -{
Every time I watch OP it goes up in my estimation.
I have even got to the stage where the so called comedy moments don't bother me too much anymore - but if those comedy moments were taken out, and the film was played more seriously it would possibly be Moore's best. Although the scene in which Bond goes to check his watch whilst wearing the gorilla outfit cracks me up everytime.
Great characters, locations, music, action, great film!
Yes. The circus for example. Yes, it was full of clowns, but it really was a tense moment. Hundreds of people looking for some escapist fun realize that there is a bomb about to go off. Octopussy in conflict. Kamal on the run. Etc.
-Excellent PTS (Love that Acrostar mini-jet!! :007) )
-Both circus and Indian milieus add to the Bond canon culture
-Intriguing Cold War story
-Nice gallery of villains in this film
-Both Maud Adams and Kristina Wayborn look gorgeous here
-John Barry's score is terrific
-Roger Moore in excellent form here
Cons:
-Moore really should have quit after this film; it would have made for an excellent swansong for him
"Well, he certainly left with his tails between his legs."
If Moore skipped MR and retired after OP in 1981, he would have a sterling Bond filmography.
Moonraker brought the franchise on new levels in so many regards - it was absolutely important that EON made it.
And it was important that the established actor pulled the movie - just like Connery with TB ,Brosnan with DAD and Craig with SF.
President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
If Moore skipped MR and retired after OP in 1981, he would have a sterling Bond filmography.
Moonraker brought the franchise on new levels in so many regards - it was absolutely important that EON mad it.
And it was important that the established actor pulled the movie - just like Connery with TB ,Brosnan with DAD and Craig with SF.
True. Moonraker was influential, which is different from being good. People tend to remember a standout a scene or two from a movie rather than how it coalesces together as a whole.
True. Moonraker was influential, which is different from being good. People tend to remember a standout a scene or two from a movie rather than how it coalesces together as a whole.
We should keep in mind that the audiences often have very much different opinions than us 007 NERDS.
I am pretty sure that the normal guy connects Connery more with GF than TB and I am sure that the majority has very positive memories for MR and the Roger Moore association. I don't want to use the term "Casual Audiences" in that context X-(
For decades, 007 talk meant dopey girls (oh, James... 8-) ), explosive cars and gadgets - elements which are not appreciated very much by the 007 diehards
President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
If Moore skipped MR and retired after OP in 1981, he would have a sterling Bond filmography.
Moonraker brought the franchise on new levels in so many regards - it was absolutely important that EON mad it.
And it was important that the established actor pulled the movie - just like Connery with TB ,Brosnan with DAD and Craig with SF.
True. Moonraker was influential, which is different from being good. People tend to remember a standout a scene or two from a movie rather than how it coalesces together as a whole.
I have to disagree. Moonraker is actually a very good film. It has a simple story, but it's effective. It has some of the best locations of any Bond film, and it uses the locations most effectively. The visuals are great, and the film has very high production values. These days it insults Bond fans because it doesn't take James Bond seriously. But that in no way prevents it from being a good film. I agree with Higgins on its importance. It kept the Bond series alive and relevant. Bond fans, casual moviegoers and critics at the time loved it.
OP is a great watch and a solid 6 in my rankings. There's not much I don't like about it. Location work like all Glen films is not as great as others in the series but it's a hoot throughout.
The serious and humorous bits clash but I like the mix, you get a bit of both.
Comments
Every time I watch OP it goes up in my estimation.
I have even got to the stage where the so called comedy moments don't bother me too much anymore - but if those comedy moments were taken out, and the film was played more seriously it would possibly be Moore's best. Although the scene in which Bond goes to check his watch whilst wearing the gorilla outfit cracks me up everytime.
Great characters, locations, music, action, great film!
AJB007 Favorite Film Rankings
Pros and Cons Compendium (50 Years)
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
AJB007 Favorite Film Rankings
Pros and Cons Compendium (50 Years)
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Urban, Jungle, Ocean, Desert, Snow, Underground, Outer Space, etc
"Thank you!"
+1
AJB007 Favorite Film Rankings
Pros and Cons Compendium (50 Years)
-Excellent PTS (Love that Acrostar mini-jet!! :007) )
-Both circus and Indian milieus add to the Bond canon culture
-Intriguing Cold War story
-Nice gallery of villains in this film
-Both Maud Adams and Kristina Wayborn look gorgeous here
-John Barry's score is terrific
-Roger Moore in excellent form here
Cons:
-Moore really should have quit after this film; it would have made for an excellent swansong for him
Moonraker brought the franchise on new levels in so many regards - it was absolutely important that EON made it.
And it was important that the established actor pulled the movie - just like Connery with TB ,Brosnan with DAD and Craig with SF.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
True. Moonraker was influential, which is different from being good. People tend to remember a standout a scene or two from a movie rather than how it coalesces together as a whole.
AJB007 Favorite Film Rankings
Pros and Cons Compendium (50 Years)
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
We should keep in mind that the audiences often have very much different opinions than us 007 NERDS.
I am pretty sure that the normal guy connects Connery more with GF than TB and I am sure that the majority has very positive memories for MR and the Roger Moore association. I don't want to use the term "Casual Audiences" in that context X-(
For decades, 007 talk meant dopey girls (oh, James... 8-) ), explosive cars and gadgets - elements which are not appreciated very much by the 007 diehards
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
I have to disagree. Moonraker is actually a very good film. It has a simple story, but it's effective. It has some of the best locations of any Bond film, and it uses the locations most effectively. The visuals are great, and the film has very high production values. These days it insults Bond fans because it doesn't take James Bond seriously. But that in no way prevents it from being a good film. I agree with Higgins on its importance. It kept the Bond series alive and relevant. Bond fans, casual moviegoers and critics at the time loved it.
It's fine, but pales in comparison to the songs before and after.
I think the title Octopussy f***ed it over because no one in their right mind would make a song called that, so they had to go a safer route.
AJB007 Favorite Film Rankings
Pros and Cons Compendium (50 Years)
I can't listen to this song now without imagining Mark Wahlberg sining it.
" I don't listen to hip hop!"
Well Mark is a talented guy.
Very true, and not far from John Barry's own thoughts when advising Tim Rice.
Something tastefully, along those lines.
Fake bubbles vs. a Tarzan yell....
Okay, back to OP! -{
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Have you seen this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl_QWkvtCXI
Very funny, " They don't like to take chances. They've worked with John Barry too long "
The serious and humorous bits clash but I like the mix, you get a bit of both.
Hey Barbel, maybe you could use your musical skills to produce lyrics from some of the other Bond films in the style of Stanley Rogers