The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) Review

Title: The Spy Who Loved Me
Year: 1977
Director: Lewis Gilbert
Country: UK
Language: English

 "Nobody Does it Better..." The Spy Who Loved Me is one of the few James Bond pictures that is beloved by both critics and audiences. This film was a "do or die" moment for the Franchise as audiences had grown fatigued of the spy, and the post-Sean Connery era had a very rough start. The producer spared no expense, giving the film a budget 2x higher than the previous Bond,  to give TSWLM the best chance at success.

James Bond (Roger Moore) investigates the hijacking of British and Russian submarines carrying nuclear warheads, with the help of a K.G.B. agent whose lover he killed.

The Spy Who Loved Me strikes a remarkable balance in sticking to the typical Bond formula, while being more outrageous than ever. Roger Moore's Bond feels like a distinct character; more vulnerable than Connery's Bond. Moore is not afraid to also show his goofy side. 

The director does a great job at showcasing the travelogue aspect of the Bond franchise. His cinematographer fills the screen with beautiful landscapes and awe-inspiring architechture. This on-location shooting is far more emphasized here than in the previous Moore features. 

This disco-era Bond film is optimistic in tone and features a groovy synth-pop soundtrack, slick set design & fun costumes. Its a sophisticated film that many consider to be the best of The Bond Franchise. I certainly would highly recommend it. 

Octopussy (1983) Review

Title: Octopussy
Year: 1983
Director: John Glen
Country: UK
Language: English

Live and Let Die (1973) & Moonraker (1979) were very goofy, fun films that gave the audience an escape as political tensions slowly rose throughout the decade. By the early 1980's conservatism engulfed the West, as politicians like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher came to power. The James Bond Franchise would evolve to reflect the attitude of these times. 

A fake Fabergé egg recovered from the body of a fellow agent leads James Bond to uncover a jewel smuggling operation led by the mysterious Octopussy, and a plot to blow up a NATO air base.

Octopussy is a very dull entry into the James Bond franchise. Our fun playboy has been neutered into an Reagan-era senior, concerned about stopping politicians from enacting anti-nuclear disarmament laws. I love Roger Moore, but by 1983 I think he is far too old for the role. When he turns down Moneypenny's advances, I thought to myself "She could do a lot better!"

 Octopussy is very poorly paced, and the action is the least inspired out of the franchise. Some of the humor works, I particularly like a scene where Bond has stolen a small plane with a passenger already inside, but this picture could not be saved by Moore's usual wit. 

Many James Bond fanatics rate Octopussy lower than Die Another Day (2003), and the general consensus is that Die Another Day is awful! At least in that film we get a memorable theme song; I can't remember a single word from Octopussy's theme.