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.