As soon as someone mentioned Indiana Jones-like bond, I knew it would be Octopussy. I have always thought this myself. It's the most adventure-like bond film by far
True. However, it almost seems like Temple of Doom (1984) has more in common with Octopussy than Raiders.
Bond was a big influence on the Raiders films, so perhaps Octopussy had a direct influence on Temple of Doom. Though I'm not sure how much of that is possible since Temple of Doom came out only the next summer and I'm sure most of the film must have been planned by the time Octopussy was released.
Although Sir Roger's portrayal of Bond is not my favourite (although it was at one stage) and he didn't take the role too seriously (ie close to Flemmings' character), the films he stars as Bond in are enjoyable romps. Even AVTAK is enjoyable (admittedly, this used to be my favourite Bond film, probably, in hindsight, because of Barry's brilliant score). Unlike Connery, who was obviously bored in YOLT and DAF, Moore always put in a good performance. He was certainly the most gentlemanly of the actors to play Bond, and really knew how to play a quip. More than that, he kept the series alive for 14 years, for better or worse, which is by far the longest innings of any actor to play Bond.
How I rank Moore's films:
1. For Your Eyes Only (5)
2. The Spy Who Loved Me (7)
3. The Man With the Golden Gun (9)
4. Live and Let Die (13)
5. Octopussy (15)
6. Moonraker (18)
7. A View to a Kill (20)
Although Sir Roger's portrayal of Bond is not my favourite (although it was at one stage) and he didn't take the role too seriously (ie close to Flemmings' character), the films he stars as Bond in are enjoyable romps. Even AVTAK is enjoyable (admittedly, this used to be my favourite Bond film, probably, in hindsight, because of Barry's brilliant score). Unlike Connery, who was obviously bored in YOLT and DAF, Moore always put in a good performance. He was certainly the most gentlemanly of the actors to play Bond, and really knew how to play a quip. More than that, he kept the series alive for 14 years, for better or worse, which is by far the longest innings of any actor to play Bond.
How I rank Moore's films:
1. For Your Eyes Only (5)
2. The Spy Who Loved Me (7)
3. The Man With the Golden Gun (9)
4. Live and Let Die (13)
5. Octopussy (15)
6. Moonraker (18)
7. A View to a Kill (20)
That's a fantastic list!
FYEO is my fav film of all time. It's so good.
Moore is the best bond IMHO, but they are all great.
“The scent and smoke and sweat of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning. "
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
I feel like AVTAK, OP, Moonraker and FYEO all deserve to have more love and respect then what what it gets.
Well, we all like what we like.
Both MR and OP make my Top 10, and OP is in my Top 5, so I dunno how much credit that will give me.
"Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
and he didn't take the role too seriously, the films he stars as Bond in are enjoyable romps.
This is the #1 misconception about the Moore era.
Roger DID take the role seriously, and the films are more than just enjoyable romps.
Endlessly debatable, naturally. I can't presume to know how seriously he personally took the role, and I've no doubt he treated his craft seriously overall...but I honestly don't feel that calling his Bonds 'enjoyable romps' is a slight in any way. They were that, to be sure, but whether they were more than that (and by how much) must be judged individually. He had many excellent moments in the role, and a couple of really good films, to be sure {[]
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Moore simply tended to be heavier on the humor as Bond than Connery.
Plus, I think it was easier for the former to handle heavy humor.
I think that one of the reasons why Connery is probably liked by most Bond fans is because he appeals to fans of both serious and campy 007.
Moore just doesn't have that sort of wide appeal that Connery has. Then again, no Bond actor has a wider appeal than Connery.
But yes, Moore was capable of playing the role seriously as well, it's just that his reputation is that of being "the funny Bond".
Craig has succesfully courted non-Bond fans, but I don't think he appeals as widely within Bond fandom as Connery.
"Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
Moore's funny Bond was a choice of the producers / directors and writers.
Bond had already become funny. By the time of YOLT Connery was adopting a very laid back approach to the role - with a permanent smirk on his face. They tried to tighten it up with OHMSS and it didn't work. The result was DAF - almost a comedic parody of Bond. LALD was actually less humorous. After that, they decided to let the Moore Bond be more comic and Roger Moore simply continued Connery's approach - replacing the smirk with a raised eyebrow.
You don't have to look too far to find proof that Moore is more than just a comedian: watch The Man Who Haunted Himself, Gold, Wild Geese, The Sea Wolves, Shout at the Devil. They're all played dead straight.
And then Brosnan sort of repeated the role, but struggled - as per numerous threads - because it wasn't always clear whether to play it straight or with a smile in his eyes. As time seems to be showing, Moore's Bonds work because they're consistent and Brosnan's struggle, because they're not.
And then Brosnan sort of repeated the role, but struggled - as per numerous threads - because it wasn't always clear whether to play it straight or with a smile in his eyes. As time seems to be showing, Moore's Bonds work because they're consistent and Brosnan's struggle, because they're not.
A very good point. But I would say that Moore's films are not consistent in tone - but the way he adapts to the change of tone between his films is the best out of any of the actors.
I wish that Brosnan was given more consistent screenplays to work with - TWINE IMO is the best example of what he was capable of with good writing and direction to get the most out of him, plus he really owns the role of Bond in it. IMO his other films could've been played by anyone else.
and he didn't take the role too seriously, the films he stars as Bond in are enjoyable romps.
This is the #1 misconception about the Moore era.
Roger DID take the role seriously, and the films are more than just enjoyable romps.
Endlessly debatable, naturally. I can't presume to know how seriously he personally took the role, and I've no doubt he treated his craft seriously overall...but I honestly don't feel that calling his Bonds 'enjoyable romps' is a slight in any way. They were that, to be sure, but whether they were more than that (and by how much) must be judged individually. He had many excellent moments in the role, and a couple of really good films, to be sure {[]
My (so-called) Objective Ranking Of Moore's Movies:
#1 The Spy Who Loved Me
#2 Octopussy
#3 For Your Eyes Only
#4 Live And Let Die
#5 A View To A Kill
#6 The Man With The Golden Gun
#7 Moonraker
Well, that's trying not to be 'me' but it's imperfect at best. My Positively (of this I am sure) Subjective Ranking Of Moore's Movies:(with reasons)
#1 The Man With The Golden Gun- just a strange movie (I like that) with Moore in great shape & some of the best lines of his run. Christopher Lee and Brit's bikini cement it for me.
#2 Octopussy- despite a few questionable gags this is a solid espionage thriller with Moore at his thespianically finest. Adams & Jordan rocked the casbah!
#3 For Your Eyes Only- Seriously, I loved the PTS!
#4 Live And Let Die- This would be #2 for me if only the final showdown with Kananga was less Looney Tunes.
#5 The Spy Who Loved Me- Just a bit too silly in spots for my personal taste, still, grand entertainment!
#6 A View To A Kill- Way more watchable than some would lead you to believe. The age thing is noticeable, but not a deal-breaker.
#7 Moonraker- A nearly GREAT film marred irreparably (IMO) by cheesy slo-mo weightlessness, cartoon lasers & the Dolly-turning-Jaws-away-from-the-Dark-side nonsense.
I think that TSWLM and OP are his most flawless performances. OP is probably his best too, in terms of humour and seriousness balance. Plus, he looks in great shape.
Great point from you TP about Roger never, ever putting in a bad performance.
Thanks for the heads up. I'll try it again as soon many people who's opinions I respect rate it and I have not seen it for some time. Up until now I have mostly avoided the Moore Bonds as I genuinely don't recognise enough of the character in the performance. For me this goes beyond nuances and differing interpretations into ' who is this Bafoon I don't know him' territory.
Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
001: He looks great in this, and does his best fighting.
002: John Barry soundtrack- definitely his most unique.
003: Great title song (It's no LALD, but it's 2nd best during his tenure (no flack will be accepted for this opinion)).
004: No Jaws.
005: Christopher Lee.
006: Fantastic locations.
007: Brit's bikini.
OMG, my fondness for this Moore Bond is endless. :x
Moore plays a darker Bond, still a few jokes but like the story, closer to Fleming's character.
Stunning leading lady, beautiful Locations and some amazing set pieces. The climbing
Stunt is jaw dropping, still can't believe they did it. -{
"I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
While it isn't my favourite of the Moore's, I believe TSWLM to be the best Moore Bond. While I agree with Chrissal about Moore's looks in TMWTGG - Moore looks nicely aged (!) in this, there's ultimate chemistry between the two, the plot is fantastic and Moore is so, so comfortable and almost bragging to be in this film. He owns it like SC in GF.
AVTAK. (by the way the name is' James St. John smythe' I'm English.
LALD. ( sheer magnetism darling )
OP. ( sexual discrimination! I'll definitely have to pay it a visit )
FYEO. ( yes well... You get your clothes on and I'll buy you an ice cream )
TSWLM. ( can you play any other tune?)
TMWTGG ( phu yuck!!)
MR. ( A "woman")
By the way' the name is "James St. John smythe" I'm English
001: He looks great in this, and does his best fighting.
002: John Barry soundtrack- definitely his most unique.
003: Great title song (It's no LALD, but it's 2nd best during his tenure (no flack will be accepted for this opinion)).
004: No Jaws.
005: Christopher Lee.
006: Fantastic locations.
007: Brit's bikini.
OMG, my fondness for this Moore Bond is endless. :x
I agree with all of the above, except number 004. For one, I really like Jaws. For two, Jaws didn't even exist yet.
My current 10 favorite:
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
Comments
Bond was a big influence on the Raiders films, so perhaps Octopussy had a direct influence on Temple of Doom. Though I'm not sure how much of that is possible since Temple of Doom came out only the next summer and I'm sure most of the film must have been planned by the time Octopussy was released.
How I rank Moore's films:
1. For Your Eyes Only (5)
2. The Spy Who Loved Me (7)
3. The Man With the Golden Gun (9)
4. Live and Let Die (13)
5. Octopussy (15)
6. Moonraker (18)
7. A View to a Kill (20)
8. TSWLM 9. TMwtGG 10. AVtaK 11. SF 12. TND 13. LtK 14. NTtD
15. MR 16. LaLD 17. YOLT 18. GF 19. DN 20. SP 21. TWiNE
22. TB 23. DAD 24. QoS 25. DaF
FYEO is my fav film of all time. It's so good.
Moore is the best bond IMHO, but they are all great.
-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
All of the Moore films are superb. The reason I was so happy is because FYEO was number one
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
So does MR!
"Better make that two."
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
Well, we all like what we like.
Both MR and OP make my Top 10, and OP is in my Top 5, so I dunno how much credit that will give me.
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
This is the #1 misconception about the Moore era.
Roger DID take the role seriously, and the films are more than just enjoyable romps.
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
Endlessly debatable, naturally. I can't presume to know how seriously he personally took the role, and I've no doubt he treated his craft seriously overall...but I honestly don't feel that calling his Bonds 'enjoyable romps' is a slight in any way. They were that, to be sure, but whether they were more than that (and by how much) must be judged individually. He had many excellent moments in the role, and a couple of really good films, to be sure {[]
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I would say the same thing about the Connery era too. Connery had his blend of "serious" and "romp".
"Better make that two."
Plus, I think it was easier for the former to handle heavy humor.
I think that one of the reasons why Connery is probably liked by most Bond fans is because he appeals to fans of both serious and campy 007.
Moore just doesn't have that sort of wide appeal that Connery has. Then again, no Bond actor has a wider appeal than Connery.
But yes, Moore was capable of playing the role seriously as well, it's just that his reputation is that of being "the funny Bond".
Craig has succesfully courted non-Bond fans, but I don't think he appeals as widely within Bond fandom as Connery.
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
Bond had already become funny. By the time of YOLT Connery was adopting a very laid back approach to the role - with a permanent smirk on his face. They tried to tighten it up with OHMSS and it didn't work. The result was DAF - almost a comedic parody of Bond. LALD was actually less humorous. After that, they decided to let the Moore Bond be more comic and Roger Moore simply continued Connery's approach - replacing the smirk with a raised eyebrow.
You don't have to look too far to find proof that Moore is more than just a comedian: watch The Man Who Haunted Himself, Gold, Wild Geese, The Sea Wolves, Shout at the Devil. They're all played dead straight.
And then Brosnan sort of repeated the role, but struggled - as per numerous threads - because it wasn't always clear whether to play it straight or with a smile in his eyes. As time seems to be showing, Moore's Bonds work because they're consistent and Brosnan's struggle, because they're not.
A very good point. But I would say that Moore's films are not consistent in tone - but the way he adapts to the change of tone between his films is the best out of any of the actors.
I wish that Brosnan was given more consistent screenplays to work with - TWINE IMO is the best example of what he was capable of with good writing and direction to get the most out of him, plus he really owns the role of Bond in it. IMO his other films could've been played by anyone else.
"Better make that two."
+1
8. TSWLM 9. TMwtGG 10. AVtaK 11. SF 12. TND 13. LtK 14. NTtD
15. MR 16. LaLD 17. YOLT 18. GF 19. DN 20. SP 21. TWiNE
22. TB 23. DAD 24. QoS 25. DaF
#1 The Spy Who Loved Me
#2 Octopussy
#3 For Your Eyes Only
#4 Live And Let Die
#5 A View To A Kill
#6 The Man With The Golden Gun
#7 Moonraker
Well, that's trying not to be 'me' but it's imperfect at best.
My Positively (of this I am sure) Subjective Ranking Of Moore's Movies:(with reasons)
#1 The Man With The Golden Gun- just a strange movie (I like that) with Moore in great shape & some of the best lines of his run. Christopher Lee and Brit's bikini cement it for me.
#2 Octopussy- despite a few questionable gags this is a solid espionage thriller with Moore at his thespianically finest. Adams & Jordan rocked the casbah!
#3 For Your Eyes Only- Seriously, I loved the PTS!
#4 Live And Let Die- This would be #2 for me if only the final showdown with Kananga was less Looney Tunes.
#5 The Spy Who Loved Me- Just a bit too silly in spots for my personal taste, still, grand entertainment!
#6 A View To A Kill- Way more watchable than some would lead you to believe. The age thing is noticeable, but not a deal-breaker.
#7 Moonraker- A nearly GREAT film marred irreparably (IMO) by cheesy slo-mo weightlessness, cartoon lasers & the Dolly-turning-Jaws-away-from-the-Dark-side nonsense.
#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
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Great point from you TP about Roger never, ever putting in a bad performance.
"Better make that two."
Thanks for the heads up. I'll try it again as soon many people who's opinions I respect rate it and I have not seen it for some time. Up until now I have mostly avoided the Moore Bonds as I genuinely don't recognise enough of the character in the performance. For me this goes beyond nuances and differing interpretations into ' who is this Bafoon I don't know him' territory.
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
001: He looks great in this, and does his best fighting.
002: John Barry soundtrack- definitely his most unique.
003: Great title song (It's no LALD, but it's 2nd best during his tenure (no flack will be accepted for this opinion)).
004: No Jaws.
005: Christopher Lee.
006: Fantastic locations.
007: Brit's bikini.
OMG, my fondness for this Moore Bond is endless. :x
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Moore plays a darker Bond, still a few jokes but like the story, closer to Fleming's character.
Stunning leading lady, beautiful Locations and some amazing set pieces. The climbing
Stunt is jaw dropping, still can't believe they did it. -{
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
"Better make that two."
AVTAK. (by the way the name is' James St. John smythe' I'm English.
LALD. ( sheer magnetism darling )
OP. ( sexual discrimination! I'll definitely have to pay it a visit )
FYEO. ( yes well... You get your clothes on and I'll buy you an ice cream )
TSWLM. ( can you play any other tune?)
TMWTGG ( phu yuck!!)
MR. ( A "woman")
I agree with all of the above, except number 004. For one, I really like Jaws. For two, Jaws didn't even exist yet.
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK