Live and Let Die

Starring: Roger Moore, Jane Seymour, Clifton James
Directed by: Guy Hamilton
Rating: PG
Genre: Action, Adventure
1973

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: 007 James Bond (Roger Moore) investigates the deaths of several prominent agents in New York. He discovers a tie to a Caribbean drug dealer and must stop his plans.

Review:

Tim: This film could be called "James Bond meets black people." The whole film feels like the 007 franchise was trying to be spiced up for the 1970s with some African-American culture. Bond visits Harlem, sees Voodoo practitioners, and teams up with African-Americans. Normally, I'd love this idea, but this 1973 film is slightly stereotypical, too- and this where I have a problem with it. Bond's enemy here is a black, and he's also a drug dealer. That is just uncalled for. Also, there is a scene with a seemingly racist sheriff, calling an African-American "boy" as he pulls him over. I thought this reflected poorly on the whole state of Louisiana and I'd be embarrassed if I lived there. I understand the culture is different now as it was back then, but these are some of the contemporary problems that I have with this movie.

This is Roger Moore's first turn as James Bond. Moore is a decent Bond- not as good as Sean Connery, but better than George Lazenby. The 007 franchise is in good hands for the next several films.

There are some very good scenes. The alligator scene is definitely a highlight. Portions of the speedboat scenes are terrific, although the sequence is way too long and the redneck cops are a bit ridiculous. The best parts are when the boats jump out on land, slider across, and land in water again. The shark scene and the train finale are decent.

This is not one of the stronger Bond entries, but a decent one nonetheless. It felt a bit anticlimactic because Bond is fighting drug dealers, instead of the megalomaniacal villains we're used to seeing. Roger Moore should get better as he becomes more comfortable in the role.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Goldfinger, Thunderball, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Diamonds are Forever, The Man with the Golden Gun, For Your Eyes Only