As with Diamonds are Forever, it seems my nostalgic mind had covered up the cracks in this film, because contrary to the thought that Moore Bond went bad around Moonraker time, it seems it was already rotten. After the fun and adventure of Live and Let Die, the franchise followed with this farcical entry which bears more in common with the Carry On films than any spy adventure series.
An assassin named Scaramanga uses a bullet with 007 engraved on it, leading MI6 to believe that it is a message that Bond is next. So, James is given time off (because…you know…he wouldn’t be able to do his job if he thought someone was out to kill him….like every other day) from his assignment – to investigate a new power source potential. Coincidentally Scaramanga wasn’t really out to get Bond…he was after the scientist who created the new power source. How coincidental is that shit? Then Bond pretends to be Scaramanga, is found out quickly and, rather than being killed, is sent to a martial arts school to get chance to escape…erm…for no real reason. There are fights, chases, and an unwarranted cameo by the inept Sheriff JW from the last film, who is now on vacation and amazingly gets caught up in Bonds chase! Then, erm, something else happens leading to a showdown with Scaramanga on his island, where he keeps a life size replica of Bond….for some unknown reason! Throw in some shocking wisecracks, and the rot that turned the franchise into a farce in later years has well and truly crept in.
It’s not a total loss. Christopher Lee manages to be a calm and collected menace, despite a rather poor prop nipple. Also some of the action is really well directed, with some memorable stunt work. It’s just a shame that the rest is utter trash.
