A James Bond Fan Reviews the Franchise
- Thread starter Admiral Shran
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For Your Eyes Only (*****)
That fact that this movie is in the same franchise (and made by some of the same people) as Moonraker is amazing. The fact that it is the very next movie is just about unbelievable.
I am seriously hard-pressed to see anything in For Your Eyes Only that I do not like.
It has a dynamite opening sequence in which Bond finally avenges Tracy's death. This is easily the best opening thus far. Oddly enough, Moonraker comes close, but Jaws falling into a circus tent harms it. It's also nice to see that this Blofeld is clearly modeled on Donald Pleaseance's version. You can't go wrong by returning to the best. Combined with the opening sequence is a very good title song, one of the best in the whole franchise.
Roger Moore also delivers his best performance thus far. Bond is back to his multi-layered self, like he was way back in Dr. No. He can be funny when he feels like joking around, gentle and compassionate with Bibi and Melina, and coldblooded when the situation calls for it. In fact, his execution of Locque is one of his most cold-blooded killings yet. There was no reason to kill him - he was completely defenseless and Bond could just as easily have taken him into custody. But justice needed to be served for Luigi's and Lisl's deaths, so Bond delivered it. And, Moore's line delivery of "You left this with Ferrara, I believe," is simply amazing. (On a side note - that's the third time one of Bond's sidekicks has been killed. It's been a while since that happened, but if it picks up again I might have to consider adding another counter to these reviews.)
The action is good and the movie doesn't make the mistake of overburdening itself, or the action sequences, with unnecessary humor. In fact, the humor and seriousness are very well balanced, certainly more so than in any other of Moore's movies.
This movie also avoids the mistake of the last two and has terrific villains. Kristatos is perfectly menacing and elegant at the same time. Even the henchmen and nameless goons deliver effective performances. Then again, how can you not find them deliciously evil when they bitchslap a defenseless, little ice skater multiple times?
But, of course, the greatest thing this film has going for it is its down-to-earthness. After the rather far-fetched antics of Moonraker, a movie where the main plot is that Bond simply has to retrieve an encoding device before the Soviets get their hands on it is a very welcome change. This is definitely the most believable movie since From Russia With Love. The gadgets aren't even that outlandish. The most unbelievable one is a car that's rigged to explode if the window is broken, which I assume wouldn't be that hard to do in real life.
Also, while it is sad that Bernard Lee didn't appear in this film due to his death, I think M's absence only helps. The whole "let's move the whole operation out into the field so that M, Q, and Moneypenny can meet up with Bond" routine was getting tiresome.
It may seem like I'm gushing, but so be it - that was a damn good movie.
That's Amore: 30
Bond slept with the Countess Lisl von Schlaf and Melina Havelock.
Body Count: 154 (+11)
And another thing - How old was the character of Bibi supposed to be? The actress playing her was twenty-two at the time. If she was the same age as the actress, why was Bond unwilling to sleep with her? Of course, I'm not complaining, since their interactions were enjoyable.
That fact that this movie is in the same franchise (and made by some of the same people) as Moonraker is amazing. The fact that it is the very next movie is just about unbelievable.
I am seriously hard-pressed to see anything in For Your Eyes Only that I do not like.
It has a dynamite opening sequence in which Bond finally avenges Tracy's death. This is easily the best opening thus far. Oddly enough, Moonraker comes close, but Jaws falling into a circus tent harms it. It's also nice to see that this Blofeld is clearly modeled on Donald Pleaseance's version. You can't go wrong by returning to the best. Combined with the opening sequence is a very good title song, one of the best in the whole franchise.
Roger Moore also delivers his best performance thus far. Bond is back to his multi-layered self, like he was way back in Dr. No. He can be funny when he feels like joking around, gentle and compassionate with Bibi and Melina, and coldblooded when the situation calls for it. In fact, his execution of Locque is one of his most cold-blooded killings yet. There was no reason to kill him - he was completely defenseless and Bond could just as easily have taken him into custody. But justice needed to be served for Luigi's and Lisl's deaths, so Bond delivered it. And, Moore's line delivery of "You left this with Ferrara, I believe," is simply amazing. (On a side note - that's the third time one of Bond's sidekicks has been killed. It's been a while since that happened, but if it picks up again I might have to consider adding another counter to these reviews.)
The action is good and the movie doesn't make the mistake of overburdening itself, or the action sequences, with unnecessary humor. In fact, the humor and seriousness are very well balanced, certainly more so than in any other of Moore's movies.
This movie also avoids the mistake of the last two and has terrific villains. Kristatos is perfectly menacing and elegant at the same time. Even the henchmen and nameless goons deliver effective performances. Then again, how can you not find them deliciously evil when they bitchslap a defenseless, little ice skater multiple times?
But, of course, the greatest thing this film has going for it is its down-to-earthness. After the rather far-fetched antics of Moonraker, a movie where the main plot is that Bond simply has to retrieve an encoding device before the Soviets get their hands on it is a very welcome change. This is definitely the most believable movie since From Russia With Love. The gadgets aren't even that outlandish. The most unbelievable one is a car that's rigged to explode if the window is broken, which I assume wouldn't be that hard to do in real life.
Also, while it is sad that Bernard Lee didn't appear in this film due to his death, I think M's absence only helps. The whole "let's move the whole operation out into the field so that M, Q, and Moneypenny can meet up with Bond" routine was getting tiresome.
It may seem like I'm gushing, but so be it - that was a damn good movie.
That's Amore: 30
Bond slept with the Countess Lisl von Schlaf and Melina Havelock.
Body Count: 154 (+11)
And another thing - How old was the character of Bibi supposed to be? The actress playing her was twenty-two at the time. If she was the same age as the actress, why was Bond unwilling to sleep with her? Of course, I'm not complaining, since their interactions were enjoyable.
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just going on the way the character acts i would say Bibi is 17-20. i just assumed Bond didn't want to sleep with her because he considered her too young and acted childish. he told her he would buy her some ice cream, which is the kind of thing you would say to a kid to shut them up lol.
I really enjoyed For Your Eyes Only. Melina Havelock is still one of my favorite Bond girls. She might not technically be the best looking of them, but I found her really attractive for some reason.
But I think at this point Moore is clearly getting to be too old for the part. I wish that FYEO had been his last Bond film so he could have gone out on a high note, but instead we got Octopussy and A View to a Kill.
But I think at this point Moore is clearly getting to be too old for the part. I wish that FYEO had been his last Bond film so he could have gone out on a high note, but instead we got Octopussy and A View to a Kill.
I also think that FYEO is one of Moore's best efforts. Its stripped down style is very welcome after Moonraker's ridiculous over the top theatrics. The scene near the end where Bond is climbing the mountain and his crampons are being pulled it is so well done.
I often think that if Eon had followed TSWLM with FYEO and Moore had then quit, his tenure would be so much more fondly remembered. He'd have ended with two of the best entries in the series and only one dud out of 4 007 movies (TMWTGG). He could have announced that a new decade, the 1980s, would have been time to hand over to a new actor. Instead, he held on and followed FYEO with Octopussy and View to A Kill, two total stinkers. Talk about overstaying your welcome.
I often think that if Eon had followed TSWLM with FYEO and Moore had then quit, his tenure would be so much more fondly remembered. He'd have ended with two of the best entries in the series and only one dud out of 4 007 movies (TMWTGG). He could have announced that a new decade, the 1980s, would have been time to hand over to a new actor. Instead, he held on and followed FYEO with Octopussy and View to A Kill, two total stinkers. Talk about overstaying your welcome.
While I haven't seen For Your Eyes Only yet...I have seen the pre-credits sequence. While I like how it begins (Bond's solemn remembering of Tracy), it kinda goes downhill with the voice of Bofeld basically gloating like Sisko's Dr. Noah in "Our Man Bashir", number one.
Number two...when Bond takes control of the helecopter (by yanking out a cord) and "picks up" Blofeld...the villain whimpers and begs like a snivveling COWARD.
"Mr. BOND--please! We can do a deal! I'll buy you a delicatessen--in stainless steel!"
The arch-villain of the Bond franchise...going out pleading for mercy--and offering a pathetic excuse for a bribe.
I dunno. I realize Moore played a more lighthearted Bond, but still....
Number two...when Bond takes control of the helecopter (by yanking out a cord) and "picks up" Blofeld...the villain whimpers and begs like a snivveling COWARD.
"Mr. BOND--please! We can do a deal! I'll buy you a delicatessen--in stainless steel!"
The arch-villain of the Bond franchise...going out pleading for mercy--and offering a pathetic excuse for a bribe.
I dunno. I realize Moore played a more lighthearted Bond, but still....
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according to wiki (so take it with a grain of salt i suppose) Bibi is 15. as for the stainless steel delicatessen line: http://paulburgin.blogspot.com/2010/11/delicatessen-in-stainless-steel-mr-bond.html
Wow you really do learn something new every day! It still seems a dumb line but at least it makes a bit of sense now!
I'll have to give FYEO another go, but for me it isn't one of the best...I don't know I think it might just be a bit too stripped down.
Going back to Moonraker's opening, I don't have a problem with the circus tent, the bit where Jaws actually flaps his arms is much, much worse!!
For Your Eyes Only is such a disappointment after the highs of the previous two epic adventures. Not that it's a bad film in itself, being a fairly workable spy thriller, but it just seems so ordinary. Good performances from Julian Glover and Topol though. One odd thing is that this is the first film in the series which is actually a cold war thriller, with a villain who's working for the Russians.
Well, she did have one amazing ass.
I can accept it. Probably because we had never seen Blofeld at anyone's mercy like that before, so it was blank slate as to how he would respond, IMO.
To each their own, but that ordinariness is the main reason why I love it.
"Actress" you say?
Eyes Only is hands-down my favorite Moore Bond, for all the reasons you say. It's a straightforward espionage/chase movie with no eye-rolling moments.
Though I'm still wondering why Blofeld though Bond would spare him if he offered him - what was it - a deli in stainless steel?
EDIT: And now having read the rest of the thread, I know!
Can't believe I missed this one.
Loved it, a classic bond film with the seducive woman and the perfect villan.
Star Wars: Episode 1.5: Moonraker (*)
James Bond.... IN SPACE!
Just about sums this one up. Stupid plot and a huge downturn. Especially with Jaws turning all nice and finding himself a... girlfriend.
This was great. Slightly more serious and just generally an enjoyable film.
Octopussy (***½)
Is this an all-time high? Not really.
A lot of people have a lot of issues with this movie, and to be perfectly honest, I've never really understood why. Maybe that's because Octopussy has a lot of nostalgic value for me - I absolutely LOVED this movie as a kid. Looking at it now, I can say that it does have it's fair share of problems, but there is still a lot I like about it.
So what do I like? Well - 1.) it adds another great theme song to the franchise. 2.) It has some good pulse-pounding action sequences. 3.) The gadgets are still at a minimum, with most of the action being good-old fist fighting and hand-to-hand stuff. 4.) It's good to see Q doing something in the field besides giving Bond his equipment (here there's an actual reason for Q to be in the field, as he takes part in the mission in a limited way). 5.) Robert Brown does an admirable job of filling Bernard Lee's shoes as M and the same trusting/bromance relationship between him and Bond remains. 6.) Maud Adams (for being the second oldest of the Bond Girls - after Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore - she still knows just how to work it
).
What don't I like? Well - 1.) A lot of the humor. Some of it works, especially with Q. His line of "Later perhaps" in response to all of Octopussy's girls wanting to jump his bones is great. However, most of the rest of the humor is simply overdone. Did they honestly need a pun or wisecrack every other minute? And, of course, the use of the Bond theme as a code and the Tarzan yell = WTF?! If they would have just toned it down, it would have worked fine. 2.) Bond is again acting more like a special forces commando than an intelligence operative, especially in the mini-mission at the start of the film. 3.) Moore's performance. Moore is well known for highlighting the more light-hearted aspects of the character, and this where that trait comes into full-bloom. Up until now he had been highlighting the comedy while still maintaining a fairly balanced portrayal of Bond as funny, serious, kind, and brutal. I hope it's not like this in his last movie.
Now let me address some problems that many people seem to have. First, the fact that Moore dressed up in a monkey suit and as a clown. I have no problem with this. As far as I see it, this is just Bond taking advantage of the resources available to him. Would it have been better if they hadn't used a circus as the setting? Yes. But, that's the way it is and they made the best of it. I suppose they could have used a traveling theater troupe as the setting and, to be honest, I really don't want to see Bond dress up in tights. I'll take Clown Bond over Hamlet Bond any day.
Second, Roger Moore showing his age. Okay, he is starting to show it here, but it's not as bad as some make it out to be. The one who is really showing the age is Lois Maxwell. And she's been showing it for at least a few movies now.
Maybe I need to stop making predictions. Bond kills more people in the pre-credits sequence than in the entirety of The Spy Who Loved Me.
And again, that number only includes the number of deaths of which I can be certain. He kills another untold number of people when he bombs the airplane hanger.
That's Amore: 32
Bond slept with Magda and Octopussy.
Body Count: 212 (+58)
Redshirt Sidekicks: 4
Is this an all-time high? Not really.
A lot of people have a lot of issues with this movie, and to be perfectly honest, I've never really understood why. Maybe that's because Octopussy has a lot of nostalgic value for me - I absolutely LOVED this movie as a kid. Looking at it now, I can say that it does have it's fair share of problems, but there is still a lot I like about it.
So what do I like? Well - 1.) it adds another great theme song to the franchise. 2.) It has some good pulse-pounding action sequences. 3.) The gadgets are still at a minimum, with most of the action being good-old fist fighting and hand-to-hand stuff. 4.) It's good to see Q doing something in the field besides giving Bond his equipment (here there's an actual reason for Q to be in the field, as he takes part in the mission in a limited way). 5.) Robert Brown does an admirable job of filling Bernard Lee's shoes as M and the same trusting/bromance relationship between him and Bond remains. 6.) Maud Adams (for being the second oldest of the Bond Girls - after Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore - she still knows just how to work it
).What don't I like? Well - 1.) A lot of the humor. Some of it works, especially with Q. His line of "Later perhaps" in response to all of Octopussy's girls wanting to jump his bones is great. However, most of the rest of the humor is simply overdone. Did they honestly need a pun or wisecrack every other minute? And, of course, the use of the Bond theme as a code and the Tarzan yell = WTF?! If they would have just toned it down, it would have worked fine. 2.) Bond is again acting more like a special forces commando than an intelligence operative, especially in the mini-mission at the start of the film. 3.) Moore's performance. Moore is well known for highlighting the more light-hearted aspects of the character, and this where that trait comes into full-bloom. Up until now he had been highlighting the comedy while still maintaining a fairly balanced portrayal of Bond as funny, serious, kind, and brutal. I hope it's not like this in his last movie.
Now let me address some problems that many people seem to have. First, the fact that Moore dressed up in a monkey suit and as a clown. I have no problem with this. As far as I see it, this is just Bond taking advantage of the resources available to him. Would it have been better if they hadn't used a circus as the setting? Yes. But, that's the way it is and they made the best of it. I suppose they could have used a traveling theater troupe as the setting and, to be honest, I really don't want to see Bond dress up in tights. I'll take Clown Bond over Hamlet Bond any day.
Second, Roger Moore showing his age. Okay, he is starting to show it here, but it's not as bad as some make it out to be. The one who is really showing the age is Lois Maxwell. And she's been showing it for at least a few movies now.Maybe I need to stop making predictions. Bond kills more people in the pre-credits sequence than in the entirety of The Spy Who Loved Me.
And again, that number only includes the number of deaths of which I can be certain. He kills another untold number of people when he bombs the airplane hanger.That's Amore: 32
Bond slept with Magda and Octopussy.
Body Count: 212 (+58)
Redshirt Sidekicks: 4
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See, this is why my teen years were fucked up in terms of women. My examples were Bond, James West and Kirk, so I just assumed it was normal to bag a different chick every week, and two or three if I was in the middle of a rousing adventure. The reality that I never had any rousing adventures, and I couldn't get a girl to friggin TALK to me, caused emotional scars that lasted well into my 30s.
I've always liked Octopussy, and class it as Moore's last good Bond film. Good villains, great Bond girl, interesting locales (India makes a refreshing change) plus it treads a fine line between fantasy and reality--nowhere near as ridiculous as Moonraker but the villains plans are somewhat more nefarious than in FYEO. He's clearly getting old here, but at least by pairing him with Maud Adams it isn't as noticible as it will be in the next film. And I don't have a problem with the clown outfit. It's a nice call back to 006 was it dying at the start, and the incongruity of a clown defusing a nuke is great.
I enjoyed Octopussy, but it's a shame that they had those stupid gags in it(telling the lion to sit,tarzan yell) Otherwise it would be more fondly remembered. Moore was definitly past his prime by this point and should have bowed out.
I can't wait to see Shran's review for A View To a Kill. The only thing memorable about that movie is the song from Duran Duran.
I can't wait to see Shran's review for A View To a Kill. The only thing memorable about that movie is the song from Duran Duran.
