OK, so I'm not normally much of a fan of Bond, nor of action films in general, but this is the absolute exception !
For a start, there's a beautiful opening sequence; sensual and classy stills of naked women - cleverly juxtaposed for a family audience, hence nothing's too obvious - accompanied by a beautiful theme song 'All Time High' by Rita Coolidge. On the subject of music, John Barry delivers not only this song but another tender, evocative, poignant and romantic score, instantly recognizable for his own idiosyncratic style.
In the tradition of Bond, a set of stunning mature women are present. Similarly to Honor Blackman in Goldfinger, Maud Adams was 38-years-old, playing the title character, while 33-year-old fellow Swede Kristina Wayborn plays the lead female villain. Some enlightening sensual performances by these aging beauties, with a healthy dose of sexual suggestiveness; plenty of exposed knickers and stocking-tops to boot.
As for the plot, it's perhaps a bit scatterbrained, essentially evolving around a jewel heist and a nuclear attack against N.A.T.O. There's some extravagant and impressive stunts and effects; a fight on top of an airbourne plane being no exception ! Elephant-mounted villains pursuing Bond was also a well devised sequence !
As for Bond himself, a 56-year-old Roger Moore (R.I.P) was a modest choice, reflecting the mature status of the women. With his poncy but charming English accent and his only moderate muscular physique and combat skills, this combination of charm and realism resulted in a Bond you could identify with sympathize for.
So, I'll give this film 8/10; sensual, evocative, poignant, extravagant, cutting-edge, and above all, reassuringly uplifting ! This was no ordinary action film !
For a start, there's a beautiful opening sequence; sensual and classy stills of naked women - cleverly juxtaposed for a family audience, hence nothing's too obvious - accompanied by a beautiful theme song 'All Time High' by Rita Coolidge. On the subject of music, John Barry delivers not only this song but another tender, evocative, poignant and romantic score, instantly recognizable for his own idiosyncratic style.
In the tradition of Bond, a set of stunning mature women are present. Similarly to Honor Blackman in Goldfinger, Maud Adams was 38-years-old, playing the title character, while 33-year-old fellow Swede Kristina Wayborn plays the lead female villain. Some enlightening sensual performances by these aging beauties, with a healthy dose of sexual suggestiveness; plenty of exposed knickers and stocking-tops to boot.
As for the plot, it's perhaps a bit scatterbrained, essentially evolving around a jewel heist and a nuclear attack against N.A.T.O. There's some extravagant and impressive stunts and effects; a fight on top of an airbourne plane being no exception ! Elephant-mounted villains pursuing Bond was also a well devised sequence !
As for Bond himself, a 56-year-old Roger Moore (R.I.P) was a modest choice, reflecting the mature status of the women. With his poncy but charming English accent and his only moderate muscular physique and combat skills, this combination of charm and realism resulted in a Bond you could identify with sympathize for.
So, I'll give this film 8/10; sensual, evocative, poignant, extravagant, cutting-edge, and above all, reassuringly uplifting ! This was no ordinary action film !