Moonraker Is The Most Entertaining Bond Movie

"Jonee" (Jonee)
05/23/2017 at 11:47 • Filed to: James Bond

Everyone has their Bond. The one who drank those terrible shaken martinis [Shaking waters down the drink by melting more ice than stirring. That’s why you stir.] when they were a kid. For me, that was Roger Moore. He’s who I think of when I think of James Bond. And, the pinnacle of his run as far as I’m concerned is Moonraker . It was the first VHS tape my family ever owned and is the one I’ve seen the most. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Moonraker is the worst Bond. That seems to be the generally accepted opinion. But, that’s totally wrong. There are way worse Bond films. All the Brosnan ones. Quantum of Solace . And, of course, the completely unwatchable Man With the Golden Gun . Moonraker is a masterpiece compared to those movies. It gets its bad rap because of the outer space stuff, I think. And, it’s overall goofiness. But, it came out in 1979 right after Star Wars . Every movie had to go to space in those days. And the 70's were the goofiest decade of the 20th Century. So the movie’s tone was a product of its era. And, outer space and a little fun does not make a bad spy movie. As a matter of fact, it makes a great spy movie.

By the time Moonraker came out, Bond had pretty much done it all. Defeated Blofeld a bunch of times, skied off a cliff, fought a Korean guy with a killer (literally) hat. What was left but to go to space? Well, he also fights a giant snake while a bunch of Amazon women watch.

Fake snake, but Roger sells it.

And beats up a giant on top of a cable car.

For the actual cable car fight footage on top of the real cable car, they couldn’t find a stunt guy as tall as Richard Kiel. So, they used a normal sized dude and got a short guy to double Roger.

And, jumps out of a plane without a parachute, drives a hover-gondola through Venice, survives an out of control centrifuge, and hang glides off a speedboat that goes over a waterfall. And then he stows away on a space shuttle and goes to a giant secret space station. It’s got everything this movie. Including one of the top 3 villains in Michael Lonsdale’s Hugo Drax. Drax has the iciest wit of any 007 bad guy. “Take care of Mr. Bond. See that some harm comes to him.” “Mr. Bond, you defy all my attempts to plan an amusing death for you.” He’s probably the first Bond villain who is completely aware that he’s in a Bond film, and Lonsdale’s wry performance and dry delivery is just wonderful.

Moonraker also has as tight a plot as any Bond movie. It moves effortlessly and rapidly from set piece to set piece all the while unraveling a mystery as James follows clues from one spectacular location to another. Those 70's Bond films started the trend of spy movies filming on as many continents as possible. So, if you want to pay tribute to the great Roger Moore, watch Moonraker . Roger looks like he’s having a blast the whole time and so will you.

DISCUSSION (59)

Ash78, voting early and often > Jonee
05/23/2017 at 11:50

Kinja'd!!!

YOU’RE DAMNED RIGHT #jaws

Jonee > Ash78, voting early and often
05/23/2017 at 11:55

I got to meet Richard Kiel once. Nicest person in the world.

Kinja'd!!!

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Jonee
05/23/2017 at 11:59

Moonraker is when the writing team finally said FUCK IT WE’RE WRITING A ROGER MOORE VEHICLE. FULL HAM AHEAD. DIVERT ALL POWER TO HAM. REVERSE THE POLARITY OF THE NEUTRON HAM. ENGAGE HAM-DRIVE AND ACCELERATE TO HAM. DEPLOY CHEESE.

I once started describing some of the lunacy to someone from memory and got a couple of “wait, reallY?!” I mean, I got something of the same response to summary of YOLT, and DAF is pretty silly too, but.

My favorite Moore is probably For Your Eyes Only because it’s a good balance, but I can see a case for liking Moonraker.

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > Jonee
05/23/2017 at 11:59

You misspelled Live and Let Die, which is better because of alligators and boat chase through the bayou.

Jonee > My X-type is too a real Jaguar
05/23/2017 at 12:04

I like that one, too, but it doesn’t have enough laser gun equipped Space Marines.

Chariotoflove > Jonee
05/23/2017 at 12:07

You are mistaken. Octopussy was the worst one, for the title alone.

someassemblyrequired > Jonee
05/23/2017 at 12:08

All the Roger Moore Bond movies are entertaining. He was clearly the guy having the most fun in the role. Jaws is the best henchman of the series, but For Your Eyes Only is still my favorite Bond movie.

Jonee > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
05/23/2017 at 12:09

Totally. One of the things I love about the Moore films is how Bond has somehow become a one man army. It’s pretty much just him that has to save the planet all on his own. Space Marines show up at the very end of this one, but for most of the movie, Roger is a total superhero.

Jonee > Chariotoflove
05/23/2017 at 12:19

Terrible title and Roger was getting really old by that time, but it’s still a fun, completely watchable movie. I have no interest in seeing any of Pierce Brosnan’s films again.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Jonee
05/23/2017 at 12:20

Where do you stand on Operation Double 007, the knockoff Bond that the Italians made with Neill Connery? It goes RELEASE THE HAM almost instantly in a hilarious way, but is... not very well directed. Oh, and Neill Connery is a hypnotist because of reasons.

Jonee > someassemblyrequired
05/23/2017 at 12:24

For Your Eyes Only is great. Definitely the most “down to Earth” Moore one. It’s a close second to Moonraker in the Roger pantheon. I’m really an On Her Majesty’s Secret Service guy. That’s the one I feel is a truly great movie on its own.

Chariotoflove > Jonee
05/23/2017 at 12:25

I know it’s an unpopular thing to say, but I liked Brosnan. I liked him from Remington Steele , and I was rooting for him to get the job. I think he did a good job with the movies he was given. That said, I liked that they got back to a grittier Bond with Craig. It was time.

Jonee > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
05/23/2017 at 12:27

I love the Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode. That’s the only way I’ve seen that movie. But, I imagine it’s pretty fun without the riffing, too. It’s such a ridiculous thing that film.

someassemblyrequired > Jonee
05/23/2017 at 12:30

Most people ignore it, but OHMSS is also one of my favorites.

Jonee > someassemblyrequired
05/23/2017 at 12:33

It’s so good. There’s a documentary on Hulu all about George Lazenby and how he became Bond. Great story.

Jonee > Chariotoflove
05/23/2017 at 12:37

Yeah, Brosnan wasn’t the problem with those movies. They’re just bad movies. But, people say that about the Roger Moore ones, so I guess it does depend on when you saw them. I like Casino Royale and Skyfall, but I think I’m ready for a fun Bond again. I feel like gritty has run its course. The Mission Impossible movies are better Bond films than the Bond films now because they’re so much fun.

Scott > Jonee
05/23/2017 at 12:44

Could not disagree more. The only thing Roger more has going for him as Bond is that he was followed by Timothy Dalton, who is easily the worst bond. Peirce Brosnan benefitted in that he was not as bad as Timothy Dalton. Actually as an actor he did alright, but the trend Roger Moore started of campy over the top movies had run its course. Daniel Craig gives Sean Connery a good run for his money as best Bond. The Bond movies had become a parody of themselves. With the reboot under Daniel Craig it was fresh, and new and exciting again. George Lazenby kind of gets a bad wrap as he only did one film. However I would say On Her Majesties Secret Service has aged better than any of the Roger Moore Films. I think the main problem he faced, was an audience not ready for someone else to play Bond. Roger Moore did better in that he fit the market for films in the 70's, but 40 some years on few of them are as watchable as they were back then. Sean Connery of course started the series, and so he is the standard bearer. Still his movies are still very watchable. In fact he benefits not just from playing a good James Bond, but also writers did not feel the need to make a movie into a roller coaster ride, so they have a good story to them. Also they did not have to try and out do the prior movie, something that all the other Bond films even Daniel Craig’s suffer from. And of course as the first Bond in the Film Series he did not have to fit into someone else’s shoes.

But as a tribute to Roger Moore, He had the difficult job of filling some giant shoes, in a giant Film Franchise. Unlike the Next 2 to follow him, he made the roll his own. In fact, Timothy Dalton and Peirce Brosnan, Picked up the Trends started under Roger Moore. And Imitation as the highest form of Flattery, that says a lot about Roger Moore’s job playing Bond.

Jonee > Scott
05/23/2017 at 12:50

Well, each actor’s run as Bond is its own thing, I think. And, each run reflects its respective era. Roger was the 007 in the 1970's and he, and the movies, were perfect for that decade. They’re spectacles and there’s nothing wrong with that. I still find them immensely entertaining to watch. Great stunts, great locations, beautiful ladies. What’s not to like?

Chariotoflove > Jonee
05/23/2017 at 12:58

There needs to be a little humor. Skyfall was too damn dark, although I did like it. Just not camp humor.

BritishLeyland™ > Jonee
05/23/2017 at 16:16

Jonee > BritishLeyland™
05/23/2017 at 16:43

That might be one of the most harrowing scenes in any Bond film. It’s one of a long series of Bond girls getting killed and/or eaten by an animal.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Scott
05/23/2017 at 22:26

In rogers defense You only live twice showed a clear direction the franchise was going in

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Jonee
05/23/2017 at 22:45

The spy who loved me was my favorite moore film. When I was young Moore was my favorite, as you mentioned he always seemed the happiest.

Jonee > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
05/23/2017 at 23:54

Yeah, that’s a great one, too. Those Moore films are really underrated.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Jonee
05/24/2017 at 00:19

Current list

1 from russia with love

2 Goldfinger

3 Goldeneye

4 casino royal

5 the spy who loved me.

Honorable mention: OHMSS, For your eyes only, Live and let die, Dr no mAn with golden gun, tomorrow never dies

Jonee > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
05/24/2017 at 02:50

From Russia... is my favorite Connery one, too. It’s such a cool movie. And, Goldeneye is definitely the best Brosnan film. That’s the only one I can stand.

Jobjoris > Jonee
05/30/2017 at 18:01

Best, best... It’s not bad. But...

Kinja'd!!!

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Nope, doesn’t beat the Spy who loved me. Never.

Jonee > Jobjoris
06/01/2017 at 15:19

It’s hard for me to choose between Spy... and Moonraker when it comes to Roger’s movies. I love them both. Moonraker is a sentimental favorite, but Spy Who Loved Me is probably the better movie. That’s why I used the word “entertaining.” Moonraker is just such a hoot. Drax is my favorite villain of all the Moore films. And Holly Goodhead is lovely.

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Jobjoris > Jonee
06/02/2017 at 03:58

The Spy Who Loved Me will be hard to beat for me. Not just for the Moore Bonds. Esprit. Major Amasova. Caroline Munro. Chopper. Submerged stuff. And... Sardegna! Just Stromberg wasn’t totally terrifying. His ideas maybe but the personality: just an old nazi officer following orders!

Kinja'd!!!

Jonee > Jobjoris
06/04/2017 at 15:51

Yeah, I never think much about Stromberg when I think about that movie. His base, though, is iconic. Story-wise, Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker are almost the same movie. Just one is in space instead of the ocean. And I love the Egypt stuff. That pilot lady is so damn hot. I always feel bad when Bond blows her up.

Kinja'd!!!

Jobjoris > Jonee
06/04/2017 at 17:49

Totally the same story-wise. Totally. Naomi, the pilot, was Caroline Munro. God I was impressed by that woman. And I only was what when I saw it first, 8 years old?

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Holly Goodhead. That name was pretty, well, good. She’s no Naomi though. Or Major Amasova actually.

Jonee > Jobjoris
06/04/2017 at 17:59

Yeah, Caroline was a gift from God. And, she was in some gloriously cheesy movies in which she always wore great outfits.

Kinja'd!!!

Starcrash is one of my favorites. She kicks some ass in it.

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Amasova seduced a Beatle and James Bond. I don’t know if it gets much cooler than that unless she also slept with Jesus, or something.

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Jobjoris > Jonee
06/05/2017 at 04:32

Great outfits? GLORIOUS OUTFITS!

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Well, maybe a somewhat more important Beatle would have helped. Or a better drummer.

Jonee > Jobjoris
06/05/2017 at 19:36

The best outfits.

Kinja'd!!!

Ringo was a great drummer. He probably influenced more drummers than any other drummer. His style is deceptive, but it’s amazing stuff and totally made the band. Like, here’s one and if you focus on Ringo, it seems like he’s not doing anything much, but the drums are driving the song and there’s some really clever work he’s doing here. The guy in the blue sweater in the background knows what I’m talking about.

Jobjoris > Jonee
06/06/2017 at 13:36

We’ll probably never know his exact rolen the Beatles but I suppose it’s safe to say both Paul and John have a bigger legacy. I’ll admit he’s underrated as a drummer but the guy in the blue sweater told me he was no match for both Keith and Steward!

Jonee > Jobjoris
06/06/2017 at 21:56

I think he has the biggest legacy as a musician, though. You don’t talk about John and Paul’s guitar and bass playing. Ringo was nowhere near the songwriter the others were, obviously, but he may have been the best at playing his instrument. George was a wonderful guitar player, but Ringo has more imitators. There’s a reason the band took off when Pete Best left. Moon and Copeland are fancy drummers kind of in their own league. When it comes to meat and potatoes rock and roll drumming, no one beats Ringo, no pun intended.

Jobjoris > Jonee
06/07/2017 at 11:33

He was the most funny of the 4, I’ll give him that. I’ve never heard anyone making such a statement on Ringo. Never. I’ll have to listen better obviously. But you don’t mess with Stewart, that guy is a God, nothing fancy about him. Well, his hair maybe.

Jonee > Jobjoris
06/08/2017 at 00:06

I’m not the only one who agrees with me. He’s gotten re-appreciated recently.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-drummers-of-all-time-20160331/ringo-starr-20160325

I remember Max Weinberg, Bruce Springsteen’s drummer, saying he imitated Ringo. A lot of guys respect him.

Stewart definitely has the coif of a god. He also has twice as many pieces in his kit. Of course he’s going to sound awesome.

Jobjoris > Jonee
06/08/2017 at 04:33

With the intellect Ringo displays I’m already surprised he’d have a kit consisting of over 3 pieces!

You see: Only 14. Behind both the names I mentioned ;-)

John Bonham at 1. Keith Moon is actually a big surprise at #2. Love this quote:

Moon’s favorite stunt, though, was flushing powerful explosives down hotel toilets, a trick he pulled until 1978, when he died from a drug overdose at age 31.

Love that story when a hotel manager came with complaints about the loud noises coming out of Moon the Loon’s room: Keith replied with a simple “You think that is loud? Wait a second.” And went to the toilet...

Jonee > Jobjoris
06/08/2017 at 21:46

Well, I didn’t say he was the best drummer, just great and underrated.

There are so many great Keith Moon stories. He loved to blow shit up. He ruined Pete’s hearing with this one he pulled on the Smothers Brothers show.

Jobjoris > Jonee
06/09/2017 at 03:07

MOooohahaha, Moon The Loon! Curious if Pete actually knew nothing on that?

Jonee > Jobjoris
06/12/2017 at 13:55

Apparently, they knew there was going to be an explosion, but Keith stuffed twice the amount of explosives as they usually used in the kick drum. So, the size of the “boom” was completely unexpected. Unsurprisingly, The Who were not invited back to the Smothers Brothers show.

Jobjoris > Jonee
06/12/2017 at 16:46

Hahaha, sounds like Moon the Loon, totally. Wayward. Best drummer in the world.

Jonee > Jobjoris
06/13/2017 at 14:14

He was definitely the coolest, funnest dude to ever play drums. And, top 3 rock drummers. I love The Who.

Jobjoris > Jonee
06/13/2017 at 16:42

Haha, “even the best drummers get hungry”!

Jonee > Jobjoris
06/14/2017 at 00:41

Hilarious. I like the warpaint, too. It looks like it could be lipstick.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Jonee
06/14/2017 at 17:59

I suppose Roger Moore was the best Bond in the same way that Adam West was the best Batman. But Moonraker was really awful.

Jonee > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
06/14/2017 at 18:12

Ha. Lazenby was the best Bond. Roger had the most fun, though. It’s really not a bad movie at all. It’s consistently entertaining; never boring. I’ll take that over the last couple 007 slogs they put out.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Jonee
06/14/2017 at 18:41

The new Moneypenny is hot, but I could live without the the entire franchise.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Jonee
06/14/2017 at 18:42

Kinja'd!!!