New Bond time as Roger Moore enters the role of the suave 007, and what a film to start with. Heavily influenced by the ‘blaxploitation’ films of the time, the plot eschews the usual megalomaniac after world domination in favour of an investigation into a drug trafficking ring run by a Caribbean warlord, Kananga. Bond is sent in when three agents who are monitoring Kananga are killed within 24 hours of each other. This simple basis means that, of his first outing, Moore’s Bond can avoid being weighed down by huge scale plots and volcano-styled lairs.
Maybe it is the fact that this was the first Bond film I recall watching as a kid, but I have always had a soft spot for this starting film in Moore’s career in the role. The claw handed henchman, the extravagant Baron Samedi, and the chase scenes all make for a entertaining bag of fun. Connery may have tentatively mis-stepped into the 70s with Diamonds, but Moore brings the 70s into the franchise with style. Yes, it has moments of cheese and nonsense, but it is done with a sense of fun which allows it to work. It also contains memorable moments, such as the exciting boat chase.
Moore’s first outing as Bond offered a slightly new direction for the franchise, and worked effectively, delivering a fun spy caper with some great set-pieces.
