Reviewing 'Moonraker': The Countdown to Bond 25 

This was the first Bond film I saw in the theatres and loved it. Agree with your commentary but can't believe you didn't mention the Ken Adams sets! The jungle control centre and launch areas, the Drax's space station -- all really spectacular. Still have a great deal of fondness for it, and it's got one of my favourite scores.

i think he's attempting re-entry sir, makes me laugh every time

Not enough gadgets. Apart from a watch with a bomb, a safe opener, a speed boat that turns into a hand glider, a gondalor that turns into a hoovercraft, a wrist gun, a speedboat with bombs, a poison pen......

Nobody ever mentions how attractive Dolly is. Personally I think she is absolutely gorgeous!

Moonraker is a real grab bag of a film. It is has some of the highest highs and lowest lows of the series. It's the perfect Bond film to throw on on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you are kind of half paying attention and just want to watch something entertaining that you have seen before. Waiting for those cool moments.

16:58 this score definitely deserves a remastering and re-release, by this point in the franchise Barry felt comfortable to add jazzy elements instead of the more melodic leitmotifs he had employed in the 60s

The most entertaining Bond film bar none.

Howard Weber says > Moonraker is my favorite Bond novel and it`s the only Bond film I`d like to see remade like the book.

I think every major studio had a sci-fi movie after Star Wars. Universal had Flash Gordon, Paramount had Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Disney had The Black Hole, and MGM had Moonraker.

Coming from the Connery Era, I used to feel it was my duty to hate on this movie. But after after a couple of decades I've completely turned around. Despite all the jaw-dropping, cringe-worthy, "jumping-the-shark" moments, "Moonraker" is a lot fun.

Saw this with my parents in the theater when I was 15 and we went back to see it every night for a week! This was back before vhs or DVD and you had to wait YEARS to see a movie again so going to see movies multiple times was very common. It is still fun to see today and Moore is great as always. It is definitely more in the realm of that world of fantasy 007 films like YOLT or DAD and that's fine-the ability of the series to go from serious stuff to high over the top elements is a big part of why they have been around for so long... And you are right Joe...they are not creating new James Bond fans today and that better change soon!

I was 10 years old. My first Bond film. When Bond got pushed out of the airplane, my mind was blown. "Bond's dead! It's over!! " I thought. Then he did that dive. WOW! I loved everything. And Dolly had braces, 100%. The whole theatre laughed when she smiled.

It's not the best Bond, but it's the most entertaining one. On Her Majesty's Secret Service is probably the best overall, and Octopussy is also great, but Moonraker is so stupid that it's absolutely brilliant.

Moonraker has always been a guilty pleasure for me. Perhaps I am nostalgic since I was 15 at the time. Looking back, it could use a "fan cut", to make it a really good and shorter film. Just snip the scene before Jaws is flapping his arms, just before Bondola arrives in St Mark's square, Dolly and several of the cringe worthy "jokes". It would be much more enjoyable film.

The Jaws comedy stuff is bad, but the girlfriend stuff is more important to the story than you think. Jaws realizes that he will be considered imperfect in Drax's new world order and, he realizes, so will Dolly, who is short and wears glasses. Dolly is far from a perfect specimen and she'll be cancelled quickly, too.

Moonraker was height of super human Bond. Only in the centifuge is Bond in trouble. Even then he's able to eyeball the culprit.

I was 12 when Moonraker came out. Wow, that’s a Bond film 🎥. It was so over the top that’s what made it so entertaining.

Much of Moonraker had been seen before - venice boat chase --TMWTGG, Speedboat chase - LALD, fights with Jaws - TSWLM, space battle - YOLT/TSWLM.

48:15 "I'm giving it a 2". 2 ! The movie might be too humorous at times but the action scenes like the parachute fight, centrifuge scene, the killer dogs scene, the martial art fight, Michael Lonsdale as Drax and the sheer scale of the movie, merits a way better score than that.

This is my favourite Bond, mainly for sentimental reasons. People who weren't alive when the film was released probably shouldn't waste time trying to figure it out, as it was a product of its time and catered to the specific needs and sensibilities of audiences back then. I am sick of kids born several decades after the film's release telling me they think it's a bad film. It's just mental. Moonraker was everything the audiences at that time desired from a Bond film. The screenplay could have been more polished, obviously. It is a bit simplistic, with Bond just going from one action scene to another for the better part of the film. Also, the relationship with the female counterpart should have been made more interesting. But the film looks amazing, it has great production values, it has all the splendor you expect from a Bond film, and it has special effects in space that were the very best at that time. They still look fantastic, especially with John Barry's music in the background. The film is great, and the complaint that it's too campy or too 'spacey' just doesn't hold water. I LOVED the campy stuff, especially with Jaws. And as for space, didn't we have a villain that sent a spacecraft to hijack American and Soviet spacecraft in orbit? Granted, he didn't have a space station, but he had an empty volcano, a pool with piranha fish, and a private army , while they had to send ninjas to fight that army, armed with katanas. Now, how exactly is Moonraker more extravagant than You only live twice? Or The spy who loved me, which has almost the same plot as Moonraker, except the final confrontation takes place on a giant ship, and not on a space station? Moonraker could have a finale in space because Moonraker was the first film to have that kind of budget. But it is no more silly than many of its predecessors.

Worth way more than 2 stars m8

The French chatteau being 'imported' plays to that fact about DRAX Industries' aerospace products - primarily space shuttles - is a supplier to NASA. California, as is Texas and Florida, are space industry hubs.

Good point about the parachute, Joe. You can see the stuntman has a chute on, under his jacket, and them he puts the second one on. That means he has to get the second one off and then remove the jacket in order to open the real chute.

I do have a soft spot for Moonraker, as a kid my family had The Movie Channel and both Moonraker and For Your Eyes Only would have been airing around that time.

I was fourteen when this came out and I enjoyed it then, likely because I was still very much a kid. Other than the skydiving bit at the beginning, I cannot stand it now. And I was exposed to Bond via Connery, so I always preferred the meaner, more grounded entries.

Saw AVTAK in Leicester Square. Moore's worst. Full up cinema of hard core Bond fans who laughed, cheered & applauded at the end. So can imagine even more with Moonraker.

When I was a kid, it was the promo photos and Irka Bochenko that made me aware all the Bond girls appeared throughout the film - right up till the flight to the station.

Very similar plot-wise to "The Spy Who Loved Me" yet Moonraker was still fun.

I was 13 when I saw this in theater . I love it. Like everyone else , the slapstick and silliness bother me as a adult. Still it still a fun film and I still am happy to watch it. I prefer it over a number of others film like Diamond and View .

This is the best Bond of the Roger Moore movies and the movie that I will never stop watching. I can never makeup my mind between this movie and You Only Live Twice because they are both Science fiction. We need more Science fiction in bond.

Good to see the long friendship on this channel and the nice personal memories...really good reviews 👍🏾

One thing that stands out in this film is the dogs being sent against the girl in the forest, is something that takes a dark turn in the movie, as well as the scientist dying from the gas in the lab, and then it goes back to the light hearted stuff at times.

You guys really know your stuff. I love your reviews. Always spot on. Well done!

The worst part is the pigeon double take during the gondola chase. I love the sets in the film

Question: Is Jaws the most Memorable Bond Henchmen? I think it could be a draw with Oddjob

Moonraker and The Black Hole soundtracks listened to back to back makes a marvelous John Barry space music experience

52:03 LEAST FAVOURITE PART does anybody remember the girl having braces on her teeth when you saw it as a kid?

Roger's films are the most rewatchable and Moonraker is the pinnacle of that

2/10 absolutely ridiculous, it is a great film. Iconic

I’ve always laughed at the whole Mandela effect phenomenon... but now I get it, because Dolly definitely had braces the last time I saw this movie. What the hell?!!

This is my first James Bond on the big screen. That I’m really glue to it and become Roger Moore fan.

"why not" is actually one of the major sins of this movie.

Hi Joe, finally a Bond movie we agree on! lol. I hated this one when I first saw it in the theater as a teenager after the sublime TSWLM. For years I wouldn't watch it at all. These days I am more forgiving of it and enjoy the good things ( Drax, the Ken Adam sets, scattered exceptional scenes). Unfortunately the Looney Toons antics of Jaws and other aspects you mentioned just go too far. I own it on Blu Ray though and actually prefer it over the Craig entries in a way. One of the last "spectacle" Bonds and the end of an era.

First Bond film I saw in the theater. My brother and I laughed hard with the Dr. Goodhead name. And I swear that when the blonde girl smiles at Jaws SHE HAS BRACES ON! The crowd in the theater was half laughing and half like awwwwww that’s so cute, she’s right for him. Mandela effect indeed.

MR was the first Bond film i was aware of. I remember the giant posters of RM in his space suit being everywhere. FYEO was the first i saw at the cinema.

Love these review videos

The first bond film I saw in the theater. I loved seeing the space shuttles in the film

Moonraker is another favorite of mine. The slap stick and roadrunner comedy is definitely for made for me. This movie is just ton of fun that doesn't take it self seriously at all. The pts skydiving is my favorite sequence. I loved it when i was a kid and still as an adult. I really enjoy your reviews and hearing your opinions. Can't wait to hear you guys thoughts on For Your Eyes Only.

I wish you guys had touched on the soundtrack more. The title song has to be the most overlooked of them all, and it's a nice song with great vocals. p.s: that jump scare stuff is hilarious..."HA!"

Moonraker is so much fun 🌙

I could have sworn she had braces, when I saw this movie

I think we are supposed to believe that the girl in the plane thinks that Bond will loose the fight, and therefore she does not care.

Interesting, I really loved Drax as an ominous bad guy. The plot was a little to redundant from the last film but I agree that it was a very fun movie for the young me. Diamonds was IMO way worse. For once I think Joe is being a little hard but I see his point if you can't get into the humor.

2?? Harsh! The pre-title alone should get this at least a 5. I'm another one for whom "Moonraker" was their first Bond film. I was 7 in 1979, and that version of me gives this a 15. However, Adult Me gives it a 7. It was just too much for a Bond film, and the gags too often seemed to be aimed at kindergarteners. But I have a soft space in my heart for this movie. I always liked the shuttle program; while the laser battle was preposterous, it looks great; like me, Lois Chiles is from Houston, I like the theme song, I still dig the double-taking pigeon, and though flawed, it's a fun 2 hours.

Well, I just turned 6 when I caught this 007 flick at the theatre (cinéma UGC Maillot, Palais des Congrès, Paris) and I loved it! First ever Bond! Entertaining and escapist. My parents brought me the Corgi shuttle toy (and the satellite inside) which I still have to this day. Although I did not see The Spy Who Loved Me, I did also get the 1977 Lotus Esprit Car toy...good times.

Even better is the Story Of O with Corrine Clery... oooh la la! lol

5.45: 11 year old Scott watching "Moonraker" in 1979?

That's weird! I first saw Moonraker when I was 11-12. I swear Dolly had braces like in the clip shown in this video. I rewatched the movie last night and was surprised she didnt have braces.

Rodger Moore was best with the comedy in Bond films.

I like the beginning of the movie and everything with Drax, but the gondola and space scenes just bring the movie down

Even seeing this as a child, It was the first Bond film I emerged from, feeling indifferent and a bit disappointed as I was expecting something that would eclipse The Spy Who Loved Me and I didn't get it. Yes, the first half of the movie was very well constructed. I love the centrifuge scene and the scene where Corinne is chased through the woods by the doberman's is really haunting and beautifully shot. But also seems like it belongs in another movie entirely. Then the action moves to Venice and all tension is jettisoned in favour of slap-stick encounters for the rest of the film. Although, I did like the fight choreography for the battle between Bond and Chang in the glass factory.. Unfortunately, it ended in another goofy payoff. Bringing back Jaws could have worked if he had have remained a menacing threat, rather than being used for comic-relief. In spite of the film's silliness, I think it is just about saved by that space battle. You have to admire it's execution and the whole visual look of the thing. It is very excitingly done. I feel this film has many similarities to Die Another Day. Both films have strong first halves and then degenerate into the most unbelievable silliness to the point that you begin to stop caring about what's going on. But whereas Die Another Day tried to take itself seriously, Moonraker knew exactly what it was, unashamed in its mugging to the audience and that self-knowing meant that there could actually be that necessary suspension of disbelief. Whereas after Die Another Day had a strong and tense opening, you had these WTF moments cropping up less than an hour into the movie. And then from that moment on, you kept saying WTF all the way through to the end. But you really just didn't care anymore. Out of the two films, I actually think that Moonraker is the superior and more enjoyable movie. And although I was disappointed by it initially, I can now appreciate it for what it is. A romp that is very much a product of its time as a lot of Bond movies are and just disposable and enjoyable escapist entertainment. But maybe you have to be in the right frame of mind to appreciate it.

A 2 ? A View To A Kill had better get a minus 5 then ! Shirley's disco tune is worth 5 points alone !

Goldeneye and Die Another Day is much more faithful adaptations of the novel than Moonraker 79 ever is .

So that makes two Roman Polanski doppelgängers in Bond films, alongside the “villain” from QUANTUM.

I did not make the connections that the girls working are the same as the ones going into space. And it’s the first time I realize the meaning of Dr Goodhead, always thought it was because she was intelligent!!

Dolly DID have braces which is at the heart of the joke because now Jaws found someone like him complete with metal teeth!

My brother made a movie with Roger Spottiswoode (Canadian born director too) a few years ago and he took the same Bond crew since FYEO with him.

What version of the Bond Theme plays at the beginning of your videos?

RIP Michael Lonsdale. Died 21 September of this year.

Awesome 😊

I have to confess to really enjoying the movie on my last few rewatches of it. For all its faults, I found it very entertaining and Drax is rapidly becoming one of my favourite villains in the entire series.

Campy and Cheesy but fun and with practical effects that still hold up unlike the fake cgi wave from Die Another Day. The plot is not as far fetched as you might think if you compare it to You Only Live Twice .

I'm usually vehemently opposed to altering older movies in any way, but in this case I'd almost say they should digitally insert braces on Dolly's teeth for future releases. It's almost as if the scene was made with that in mind but they forgot to bring the prop to the set and they just went without it. Considering George Lucas's complete butchering of the original star wars trilogy, this would be a really minor change that would actually serve a purpose.

Thank you for the jump scare mention,it may be the weirdest bit of the 25 films. Like, the double taking pigeon serves kind of a purpose and it's a comedic effect. The jump scare and Moore's stoic reaction afterwards is just...weird.

The opening parachute stunt the stunt guys had parachutes hidden under clothes which were made to fall apart if the chute was opened

Neither Cary Lowell in License To Kill or Lois Chiles in this movie had learned to act yet (unfortunately). They learned to act after starring in these particular movies. Michael Lonsdale is one of the better villains. The pop corniest of the Bond movies, so I really love it as a popcorn movie. Some really good scenes stitched into a silly movie.

Dollie had braces.😎👍

Good review! I actually really like "Moonraker"! I think all Moore's films between 1977-1985 are very good! LALD and TMWTGG are weakest and cheapest of Roger Moore's films.

The guy on the left looks like Guy Hamilton's son.

Dalton should have taken over after this one.

So good.

Nice nod to the book with M mentioning he plays bridge with Drax

I'm not the biggest Moonraker fan. Like many I lament the slapstick. But it does have some very good, even iconic, Bond moments. You can't have it both ways Joe (I know Octopussy (which I consider Moore's worst) is a favourite of yours!). Moonraker is pretty good up until the gondola chase. And then, yes, the movie descends into cartoon (pigeons, Jaws romance, waterfall boat chase etc). But I did like the cable car scene. And I do buy the space theme - the Space Shuttle was very topical at the time and this movie was considered cutting edge, ahead of the game. It's also quite feasible that Bond's work as an agent of government would have him stumble across the race for dominance in space. And (unlike shootouts in previous movies) I enjoyed the space battle which offered a fresh dynamic (the risk of being lost in space) to the yawn fests seen in YOLT and TSWLM. Great travelogue also and a great villain in Drax. Not Moore's best but by no means his worse (that accolade, I'm afraid Joe, for me goes to Octopussy). This gets a 7 from me for effort.

Great review as always. But... did Dolly wear orthodontic braces in the original version or not?

That’s a pretty low rating!, I love it due to the space scenes. It is basically a sillier version of the spy who loved me with space. I give it an 8 haha.

The book was excellent

Film music rights can get very complicated. I hope the issue(s) with Barry's 'Moonraker' get resolved. The rights for Jerry Goldsmith's 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture' were held by Columbia Pictures, who were bought out by Sony. Sony delayed the release of an expanded 'ST-TMP' music CD release for many years (until 1999). It then turned out that Sony's rights had lapsed five years earlier!!! Columbia had only a 15 year possession of the rights. The rights had reverted to Paramount and no one had realised it at the time.

11:04-11:19 - That's because EON has gotten away from what made Bond great during the Connery years. Ever since Die Another Day EON has been destroying the franchise... And sadly all of the Craig fans have helped it along And THANK YOU Scott for calling out Joe's inconsistent scale ranking!!! His low rankings of certain Bond movies let's me know the BS that's coming for the truly horrible Bond movies coming up right around the corner, lol. Moonraker wasn't "great" by any means but a 2!? Dude stop, lol..

My favourite bond film.

Great review. This is a film with extremely controversial stuff. It has a few great moments (sky diving etc.) But it also have some of the most goofy - spoofy - cartoonish moments of the Bond franchise. Even great scenes are spoiled with a cartoonish finale. I totally dispise that. The Moore Era have turned the Bond action - thriller movies with a sense of humor to a total parody of a goofy action comedy. And even worse, a bad comedy. We're talking about a total change of genre here for the whole franchise. The gondola scene and the cartoonization - humiliation of Jaws as a serious henchman character are among the unforgivable things of this movie. Moore either wasn't suitable for the role or he chose the wrong way to play it from the beginning. The funny thing is that earlier, during the series, Moore was way more convincing as a Bond alike character than when he actually played Bond. He was not manly enough, not fit enough, not tough enough, not suave enough. He just had that rather sweetener style. He was not convincing in a single fight or action scene. He could never convince that he was tough or could be dangerous. Moore,s Bond was not the highly trained spy with a license to kill, a good taste for life and a sense of humor, helpful to confront dangerous situations. He was just an oriole comedian parody of Bond. He was never , as Connery was. I hate this from the Moore Era. Even if I liked Moore as a person and in other non Bond movies. Sorry for my opinion to the late Sir Roger but it is true. May he rest in piece

Not going to lie my favorite Bond movie.

Was that a _deadly_ horizontal samba, Joe?

I think the centrifuge scene is probably the best in film. The real test of 007 character. Moore played it wonderfully till the end.

In Rio, Jaws bites the cable so Bond's car is immobilized. After getting another cable car to get to Bond, he then jumps onto the car which he's disabled, which miraculously starts back up after his henchman buddy cranks up after getting the signal from Jaws to chase Bond !

Rest in eternal peace to Michael Lonsdale (1931 - 2020).

What did you think of Moore in it? For me he's looking old in some scenes but good in others.

this was the first Bond film i saw in the theater. I was 7 years old. Even though I loved it I did not really rewatch it that much. For Your Eyes Only came out not too long after and I had seen The Spy Who Loved Me on TV. Its weird that even as a kid I found this one too corny with the space stuff. The title sequence is awesome, JAWS is great and the Lotus was a great Bond vehicle but this is my least favorite Moore entry.

There's no green screen in this film, it's front or rear projection

Thanks to sorta.app I got this film ranked #21 out of 24. I'm glad they did Moonraker instead of For Your Eyes Only in 1979, because I don't think FYEO would have been as good in 1979. Plus FYEO wouldn't have been my first Bond movie if it came out in 1979. Thank you George Lukas for Star Wars.

A 2 is a bit harsh!!!