You can read more of Movie Rob’s review here
“You amuse me, Mr. Bond.” – Max Zorin
“Well, it’s not mutual.” – James Bond
Number of Times Seen – Between 10-20 times (Theater in ’85, cable, video, DVD, 15 Dec 2014 and 11 Nov 2019)
Link to original review – Here
Brief Synopsis – Bond is sent on a mission to try and discover why a computer tycoon is trying to fix a horse race by drugging the animals.
My Take on it – This is probably my very favorite James Bond movie and that probably has much to do with the fact that I saw it in the theater when I was 11 and then subsequently numerous times on cable in the years afterwards.
Roger Moore was definitely beyond his prime when he made this film, but he despite his advanced age, he does a wonderful job with this character for the final time.
He is able to deliver his lines with his iconic Bond tone and does some great stunts along the way that help endear the character by all that he does.
Love the way that this film’s story brings the franchise closer to the 21st Century by relating with technology and computers as the resource sought after by the villains.
Christopher Walken is superb as Zorin and gets the character’s borderline craziness down pat so well.
The film’s title song by Duran Duran is my favorite of all of the Bond theme songs and is a song that I can listen to over and over.
Its musical theme is used throughout the film and adds much to the tone and suspense of the story.
Check out the video here:
Yes, this film has many aspects that come across as being campy, bit that actually helps make it so much fun to watch and is perfectly set up for the kind of things that Moore did during his tenure in the role and is a fitting finale for him as 007.
His quips are so iconic and enjoyable to listen to.
The gadgets that Bond gets from Q are once again spectacular and enhance the story so much especially when we get to watch Moore utilize them in the most unusual situations.
Grace Jones and Tanya Roberts are the most prominent Bond girls in this film.
Jones is superb in her role, but Roberts and her screechy voice get a bit too annoying.
Bottom Line – Really fun Bond film that still remains my favorite among the entire franchise. Moore is a bit too old for the role, yet still is able to deliver some iconic lines and do some nice death defying stunts. The story helps bring the Bond franchise into the 21st century by dealing with computers and technology as the main resource sought by the villains. Walken is superb as the villain and is able to play the borderline craziness of the character really well. The theme song by Duran Duran is among my favorite songs and helps give the story a boost by helping set the tone and pacing of things. There is some campiness in the film but that has much to do with the kind of tone that Moore set for his films especially when it comes to his quips. The gadgets are once again lots of fun to watch being used and they enhance the story immensely. Highly Recommended!
MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Duran Duran was chosen to do the song after bassist John Taylor (a lifelong Bond fan) approached Producer Albert R. Broccoli at a party, and somewhat drunkenly asked “When are you going to get someone decent to do one of your theme songs?” (From IMDB)
Rating – Oscar Worthy (9/10) (no change from original review)
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