Octopussy

Starring: Roger Moore, Maud Adams, Desmond Llewelyn, Louis Jourdan, Lois Maxwell, Robert Brown
Directed by: John Glen
Rating: PG
Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller
1983

Times Seen:
Tim: 1


Summary: James Bond (Roger Moore) must track down Octopussy (Maud Adams) to uncover the reason behind the murder of a fellow 00 agent.

Review:

Tim: Octopussy is a movie that goes back and forth between being good and being fairly weak. In the end, I think this is a fairly solid entry into the Bond series. There are some terrific action sequences, some interesting new villains, and overall, this is an enjoyable movie.

Roger Moore is back as 007 and I was a bit troubled with his performance. For a few films, it seems like he was still getting comfortable with his role, and a few films seemed like he had figured it out. Here, it feels like he might have been a bit bored with the role. However, Moore is still enjoyable as the secret agent. Maud Adams is fairly good as Octopussy, a bizarre name for a villain (as well as a movie).

There are a few great moments in this movie. We do get all the aspects of the Bond movies we expect- big action sequences, Bond girls, memorable villains, and some great lighthearted moments. However, there are some big flaws as well. The title aside, this movie isn't particularly memorable. It doesn't do enough to stand out from any of the other Bond movies. Although there are good moments, the film isn't as powerful as it needed to be. Still, the movie moves along at a quick pace, and has enough action to keep us interesting.

Octopussy really troubles me and I still struggle with what to think about it. I still am unsure of who exactly the real or "main" villain was in this movie. I also go back and forth on India as a location. It definitely has its strengths, but it also gives it a bit of a surreal quality. Some of the action sequences are a bit silly. However, there is enough here to get the job done, and this movie in my mind is a partial success.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: A View to a Kill, Moonraker, The Spy Who Loved Me