A fan debate... With a twist! One of our opinions REALLY shifted on the film in this video... Support the channel: / calvindyson Also follow me on other social media: / calvinmdyson / calvindyson
@@deathmetalpokemon the living daylights James bond movie 🎬;; they had to rebuild no original money penny;; M " they had Priscilla Barnes from three company she was different
I love all of the "so called" worst Bond movies..... Including Octopussy, a view to a Kill, license to Kill, never say never again, diamonds are forever, Quantum of Solace, Spectre , and even Die Another Day!!!
Roger's portrait of 007, who always makes a joke in tough situations, could carry a Tarzan yell, just not this one. Because throughout the scene he is on distress, no room for jokes, plus this yell is a playback of the most known one, Johnny Weissmuller's
Controversial opinion... the clown costumes don't offend me. The moments with both 00s in clown costumes are handled so well and so seriously, they are just as tense as if they were not dressed as such.
@@bonghunezhou5051 absolutely. It's a shame as Octopussy was so close to being top drawer Bond. If only it had shrugged off the silliness in favour of subtler gags like the food one.
All I wanted was a sweet distraction for an hour or two... Had no intention to do... a comment. But then you went and said "All Time High" is a bad song! "All Time High" is a banger!
Yeah!!! Couldn’t agree more! That’s the only part of the debate that I didn’t like, apart from them not mentioning Gobinda. All Time High is a criminally underrated song. It’s so beautiful and powerful
@@sashaking1111 Yes scrolled to find this! All Time High is a Top 5 Bond Theme IMO and I really don't understand why they bagged on it. It sets the tone for the film "a sweet distraction for an hour or two" and evokes the unexpected romance between Moore and Adams
I have to say out of all of Roger Moores bond girls, Octopussy is the only one we're I could truly see him having a future with. But then silly old Roger goes and makes AVTAK 😬
@@vishalnarayanasamy8767 I love A View To A Kill, and I like that Roger is in it. I think it suits him better than it would have suited Timothy Dalton. But I do think Dalton should have done a third one
I remember Lois Maxwell says that she wanted Moneypenny to be promoted to M so she could keep playing the role. If they had done here, it might have been interesting to see her play off Roger Moore's Bond. I can see why it was rejected for 'Living Daylights' as it wouldn't be the same with a new Bond.
This is another fantastic episode Calvin, I don't see these as debates, I see these as discussions, in the end we all love Bond and both your insights are so entertaining. Can't wait for the next episode!
It starts off as a humorous guide to India, and it almost becomes a Frederick Forsyth adaptation. I really like this film (my third favourite Moore Bond film) it is a breeze in pacing, and Moore truly demonstrates that he is the comedic Bond, I mean the man’s interpretation of Bond is suspension of disbelief and it was pretty too late in the day to change his interpretation of the character. I mean a bomb is about to go off, WW3 is on the verge… and the man is putting on clown makeup… probably has a wet wipe on and of he makes a mistake. Louis Jourdan was born to play a Bond villian, the way his dialogue just rolls down his tongue is sensational. Steven Berkoff as Orlov is just bats**t crazy, man probably drinks his coffee with a few grams of a white powdered substance, and Berkoff hams it up and cashes his paycheque to fund his avant garde production of nude Coriolanus on Ice (according to Smershpod)
Octopussy was my favourite when I was young. That fight scene at the end with the girls had my grandad in hysterics; he belly-laughed all the way through, I was only about 9 so I didn't quite get why.
Octopussy is definitely in my top 10. It's a great cold war thriller with dashes of humorous levity sprinkled in. Also a good adventure. Roger is in top form and has great chemistry with Maude Adams. It's right up there for me.
As a kid, this was the first Bond movie where I saw pre-release hype. It was featured on the Nickelodeon show Lights! Camera! Action! hosted by Leonard Nimoy. In retrospect, that must have upset some parents. "What's this you're watching?" "Something called Octopussy." "What?!!". The other thing that is clear now, this was meant to be Moore's sendoff. From the song proclaiming "We're an all-time high" to giving Moore an age-appropriate female in the form of returning Maude Adams, to the classic Cold War villain, to Q finally getting to be involved in the action, it's all fan service (and not in a bad way). A perfect swan song for Moore (and Maxwell and Q) and then they blew it by making A View to a Kill.
That's how I first was introduced to this movie, and to Bond...I loved that show on Nickelodeon! I'd remembered Roger Moore from that Muppet Show episode a few years back, and once I became interested in Octopussy, developed a crush on him (never mind that I was eleven and he was in his fifties--he was still quite handsome and charming).
Surprised no one ever really caught on the fact that Octopussy’s plot is very similar to The Fourth Protocol, which was published a year after Octopussy’s release and four years before the eventual film adaptation.
The way your friend said "Octopoooooossy..." I started doing the damned "bleh-bleh-bleh" thing after I swore I would keep it quiet. Louis Jourdan played Dracula in a BBC adaptation--if he were more comedic you _know_ he'd punctuate every line with "bleh-bleh-bleh."
I used to hate Octopussy but it grew on me so much that I really love watching it now. Moore is too old really for the role by now but he just carries this one off unlike A view to a kill. Great locations similar to Moonraker. The stakes are high with a nuclear bomb. There aren't many huge action set pieces but it's a really well paced story.
I find Octopussy to be one of the most serious Moore films. The Cold War plot, the bomb deactivation (clown suit aside) and the touching scene with Vijay's corpse are three examples that come to mind. There is a bit of superficial silliness with costumes and Tarzan yells and the Wildlife On One segment but these do not detract from what is a very serious and tense film in my opinion.
Can U just say that Bond NEVER did the Tarzan yell. We are not meant to think he did. It was purely part of the soundtrack and it was meant to be thought of that way. If we are to accept that the Tarzan yell was real then we should also think that the car he jumped in The Man with the Golden Gun actually produced the slide whistle sound.
They both come off as diegetic. Sound effects are always to be considered as part of the world, so, both the Tarzan yell and slide whistle, from a filmic perspective, happen in world.
Loved this! And I'll probably comment again, because there's SO much to react to. But, I really appreciated how Calvin talked about Roger's performances in Moonraker and Octopussy being his best, irrespective of whether they were his best films. I also agree with him on those performances. I will also add that my favorite Connery performances are in Dr. No (which was kind of a pulp novel on screen!), and then Diamonds are Forever! They are complete opposite ends of the coin, yet both are perfect 007 performances, yet maybe not his best films.
I like the lighter approach this one takes after the more serious For Your Eyes Only. This one is definitely up there on my list and is definitely a guilty pleasure 007 film.
I had the same exact experience as David when I most recently watched Octopussy. I was taken aback by how much I enjoyed it, and it now sits comfortably in 3rd on my list of favorite Moore Bond films, behind FYEO and TSWLM. Excellent discussion as always.
Two things, 1. I’ve started a drinking game for how many times these debates open up with the Equinox theme from 007: Nightfire, and 2. Octopussy is my go-to, boring Saturday afternoon film.
@@mike91mdk45 "Spend the money quickly, Mr. Bond" (fun fact: That line came from the Moonraker novel and was spoken by Drax (in a very similar situation BTW)).
Octopussy is one of those Bond films that, on the surface, neither draws you in nor repells you (For Your Eyes Only is another). It used to have a very bad reputation based on a couple of questionable elements and its usually low ranking still harks back to that (and let's face it: most rankings put out are just rehashing prejudice). With Octopussy, these questionable elements are the title, the clowns, the tiger and the Tarzan yell and the tennis joke - and for me personally also the pre-title sequence, especially the very last, frozen shot. It doesn't help that the villains are not the usual larger than life figures like Blofeld or Goldfinger. However, buried under these issues there is actually a fine film hidden, if you give it a try.
This is one of my favourites, and is one of the best-directed films in the series. The opening (post-PTS) scene with 009 being chased by the twins is one of the best scenes in the series and would not be out of place in FRWL or GF. This is also one of the few films to generate legitimate suspense. Roger Moore also gives one his best Bond performances here. I do wish they'd used Kamal in a different film and made Octopussy the main villain.
Not only was the M office scene borderline cruel towards Lois Maxwell, but in the end, the "assistant" (portrayed by Michaella Clavell) even failed to succeed her as "Moneypenny" when the inevitable changeover happened for TLD (1987). Seems a wasted opportunity since she had already been (sort of) introduced to the public, a la John Cleese with TWINE (1999). Despite the aforementioned, the re-signing of Roger Moore, and the "Tarzan yell" (for which there is absolutely no defence) I do rank this entry rather highly, given the Hitchcockian plotline, full of suspense and mystery, as well as its epic scale.
I guess Smallbone fell by the wayside when Roger signed up for another one. If he had retired, they'd have probably had her as the new secretary in the next film.
Thoroughly entertaining debate as always guys on Octopussy I'm a year older or younger than David, so we are in the same age group, though I'm British. I'm mentioning this due to two issues David raised. Here's my remembrance of 1983, though it differs but that could be because I'm on this side of the Pond. Battle of the Bonds. This was a big issue here. The press and magazines just went wild. Me and my friends were either Team Moore or Team Connery, though we watched both. Octopussy came out for the summer of 1983 and then Never Say Never Again for Christmas 1983. But it was hyped, and heavily debated by the press, my friends and me, TV magazine shows etc... The other thing is that David said that for him and his mates Moore is Bond, Connery was his dad's. For me and mates we saw Connery as the TV Bond, Moore as the cinema Bond. Minds blew when Live and Let Die with Moore was on TV. Let Die was at the time the highest rated TV showing of a Bond film for many a decade. I wonder if that mind blowing-ness was a factor? Octopussy is one of my favourite films, and definitely my favourite Moore Bond film.
Thanks very much for this recollection! Really appreciate the perspective and very interesting. Love the detail that Connery was considered the ‘TV’ Bond!
Glad you said this, it's exactly the same for me. Same age range and Connery as the Bond on TV, Moore in the Cinema. First 2 Bonds I saw and they were around the same time were From Russia With Love on TV and The Spy Who Loved me in the cinema and they are still my favourite Bond films from those actors.
@@samharrison5058 It has the right blend of campy and seriousness. The action is phenomenal and the one liners are perfection. "You have a nasty habit of surviving" "you know what they say about the fittest"
I'd love to hear your guys take on Die Another Day in this format, that would certainly be interesting. I know there isn't much to "debate" on that one, but the back and forth discussion on these movies is really entertaining.
I agree with Calvin here. Octopussy attempts to balance the more serious and hard edge from For Your Eyes Only with the campier and funnier elements of Moonraker, and the film managed to perfect a balance of the both. Even though For Your Eyes Only and The Spy Who Loved Me rank higher for me from the Roger outings, Octopussy is a very close third, without a doubt.
Glad to see this movie is gradually/finally getting the recognition it deserves. On the clown outfit issue - 009 wore the same outfit and it was of course to infiltrate a circus. Can`t think of a better disguise for a circus myself but anyway, suspend your disbelief it`s James Bond. I hope for/expect to be thoroughly entertained when I watch a Bond movie and `Octopussy` does this x 8(see what I did there? Sorry!) All these years later it is still my no.1 Bond film.
Hopped into Octopussy on DVD in middle school,, knowing the hate it had. Finished it surprised and satisfied, it's cringe moments are way too overblown and don't overtake its better aspects
I have to say one thing about this film which very few people give it credit for is how romantic it is with the locations and music giving major assists❤🤩🤩 but its never played for laughs or at the expense of the overall plot.
Quite agree! Bond and Octopussy make for a great pairing and I could totally envision them having more than just a casual relationship once the film ends!
@@calvindyson definitely, I said in a previous comment that Octopussy out of all of RMs bond girls is the one he should have ended up with, but then Stacey JAAAAAMMEEESSSSS Sutton comes along 😂
I am so looking forward to the Dr. No debate! Finally!! I'm in David's corner on this one (defender) but I'm always interested in seeing if my viewpoint (or one of yours) is swayed through the rewatch/discussion.
Just to be clear. I might be with David on a lot of these. BUT when he did his live rankings video, IT WAS BATSHIT CRAZY. Off the top of my head, License to Kill and Spectre were WAY off from where I stand. But I loved it because it was so off the wall. Like he really pulled a Rian Johnson in subverting our expectations. SO... Howabout a video where you act as grand inquistor to explain himself on his most controversial choices? That would be a lot of fun.
Ever noticed when Octopussy asks Magda where Kamal is going, Magda is clearly dubbed and is not saying "back to india" . I think she's saying "back ofcourse"
I split the difference between Calvin and David with my age. So I was about 4 when this came out, so I clearly wasn't watching this then. I remember "All Time High" being a popular song on radio stations my mom listened to, the same as "For Your Eyes Only" and "Nobody Does it Better". I got into Bond films about the time that The World is Not Enough came out. I was surprised to discover that these songs my mom sang in the car driving me to school were in fact Bond themes.
I remember the summer of 1983 and there wasn't much made of this battle of the Bonds. Probably because NSNA was delayed from the summer to the fall because of post-production delays.
What I want to know is, who is the Michael Keaton Batman of the Bonds? I dare say it would be Timothy Dalton. Both dark brooding takes, same era, two classics and out.
always love the debates guys....and i agree 100% about maud adams...having said that...being older than david, when 'never say never again' again came out, (i was around 25), it was like christmas in july...we had the'real bond back and i remember going to see it opening night in new york city and the place was packed...people were cheering and shouting with excitement, even just the first time he appeared on screen..when 'octopussy' came out, i saw it opening night at the same theatre, and while it was a pretty packed audience, there weren't many shouts of excitement...so that can give you an idea of 'a view to a double bill' bond review.....and then there was 'return of the jedi....cheers to both of you...can't wait for 'dr. no'...please stay well...peace always...rocky
A longer than expected gap between #13 and View/Kill. I know, there was a fiery debate about Moore's last entry between Calvin and David in the interim. Looking forward to it next week!
David is correct, the year of the battle of the Bonds wasn't as big in 1983 in the States, Octopussy was released in the summer, while Never Say Never Again was released in the Fall (there was no overlap). 'Never' was only exciting to older Bond fans, because for most younger Bond fans at the time, Roger Moore was James Bond.
I read somewhere NSNA had the biggest Autumn release at the box office in the USA but in those days far fewer people went to cinema in the autumn compared to summer [hence why all the Bond's were released then prior to Brosnan].
@@jamesatkinsonja Actually, most Roger Moore Bond films were summer releases. I believe Octopussy was released in cinemas in June, 1983. Octopussy actually grossed more at the box office in 1983 than Never, so Moore won the battle of the Bonds.
@@erikdolnack2737 True, I think all of the Moore Bond's were summer releases except for Golden Gun [which had a noticeably lower box office]. Never opened quite big but the grosses were down on Octopussy which was partly blamed on it missing the summer slot.Moore certainly won the battle no question.
Yay, another fan debate! I've got beer and snacks ready! I really dig Octopussy. Great cast, excellent action and beautiful locales. The biggest drawback, aside from a few facepalm inducing comedic moments, is that the story is a bit too convoluted for its own good. I'm always struggling to keep up with the scheme with the Faberge eggs.
I remember the watime mini series War and Remembrance being on TV in the late 1980s and Steven Berkoff played Adolf Hitler, and not only was he just about the most unnerving and convincing Hitler that I saw, his performance was very similar to how he played Orlov
And with regards to Moore's age, I agree it is how it is handled. Cary Grant did Charade at 58 and he totally gets away with it, in part because his age is acknowledged
Loved the vid, some really great perspectives and can’t wait to watch it again now!! The way you pick up on the small nuances and analyse is really excellent!! The GTV car chase is one of my faves and entire pre credit sequence really close to the top of the franchise for me. Perfect combination of serious (stunts , plane, explosions) with a humerus tough (appearing from a horses arse!!). Ohh and the convertible Range Rover! I’ll stop now
I was delighted to have my outrage at David's initial low ranking captured in his video. Double-0 delighted to have it feature again in yours, Calvin! Long live Octopooossy. Keep up the good work you too-you're keeping us all sane in these crazy times x
My nostalgia comes from this movie and For Your Eyes Only being constantly on TV when I was a kid. This was the first Bond I have ever watched. Roger Moore was my Bond. His Bond and The Professionals TV series, the only things worthy of watching.
On my 15th birthday I had the choice to see either "Return of the Jedi" or "Octopussy" at a cinema. I chose "Octopussy" and, to this day, I still think it was the better choice! It's just great fun and danger all the way through and no Ewok village!
Fantastic video! One question remains: Did you record the "Big cheesy gooey pizza" sound effect by yourself? Just from how it sounds and you used it like 10 times through the video. It got me every single time 😅 And now I am hungry 🤤🍕
Connery = The Classic Bond Lazenby = The Forgotten Bond Moore = The Comedic Bond Dalton = The Serious Bond Brosnan = The Handsome Bond Craig = The Blunt Bond
Octopussy is a top 5 bond film for me and my favorite Roger. I find it to be a very balanced outing for Roger as well, tons of silly moments like telling the tiger to sit, but also some really dark and mysterious moments such as the clown behind hunted in the beginning, Vijay being murdered and Bond’s cold dispatch of the knife twins. It’s got a classic Cold War themed plot. The PTS is incredible, Octopussy is a great character and the best match for Roger chemistry wise in his whole run. Magda is a great side character as well, that twirl off the balcony is a great moment. The thing I find funny is the one moment people always point to as being “too silly” ala Bond dressed as a clown is actually one of the moments that isn’t played for laughs at all. The only truly kinda dumb moment is the Tarzan yell lol
I really do like the second half of Octopussy in Germany with the circus. I think my main complaint is that the movie wants us to feel that Octopussy is someone to be feared yet they never really provided a justified reason as to why she should be feared. I mean Kamal has guy's with rotating saw blades, I don't buy that they are so terrified of Octopussy and that they "don't want to make enemies with the woman". I do admit though that Roger absolutely kills it in this movie.
Spot-on analogy with the greasy pizza & beer. This is a great double bill and fun ride with Diamonds are Forever. This one on the dvd is amazing, every new chapter starts exactly where you'd want a new scene to begin. For me, this film is flawless from Germany to the end. I got huge action/comedy Peter Sellars' / Blake Edwards Pink Panther vibes, especially with the Gorilla disguise.
It’s Sunday…. so here comes brand new Calvin!! And this time - he’s bringing a very special guest….. Who eats eyeballs!!😳😳 As always - excellent analysis that really does point out new things to to notice and appreciate next time I watch the film. While Spy is my favorite of the Roger Moore Bonds - this one probably has the best balance of the seriousness of the For Your Eyes Only Roger and the Campy Moonraker Roger! “ Comfort food Bond “ is probably the best description for it - And I completely agree with your picks of This one and TND as those! ( for me - You Only Live Twice is also in that group of most watched “ Comfort Food “Bonds! They are the three that are always on my Phone or Tablet!) I also agree that Roger is at his absolute best in that Clown scene - bringing real urgency and suspense to what could have been a very silly sequence. It is clear that even at 56 he is still just fantastic as James Bond! As much as I love Craig as Bond - looking back on this I really hope they go back to a lighter, more fun and charming Bond next time around. Remembering this - I have to admit I really do miss that style!
Great discussion once again, guys. David summed up my own opinion with his usual expert eye. I saw 'Octopussy' in London in 1983. I thought it was at times bloated and at other times the pacing dragged. Those two issues were a real disappointment after John Glen's debut, which had much more fluidity and focus. It works better on DVD where the pacing seems much less of an issue, but the tonal shift between the Indian sequences and the East/West Germany ones is still pronounced. It's hard to see another Bond actor in this movie, unless somehow Moore's 007 was replaced by M with a new 007 for the second more contemporary and more serious half (i.e. Timothy Dalton). The casting is excellent though. And I like 'All Time High'. And Bond being tricked by those obnoxious young people is one of my favorite moments in the series (considering the extremely high stakes involved, it's an inspired idea). It's something that happened to John Glen in real life and he used it in the movie. Was the train stunt sequence inspired by Connery's 'The First Great Train Robbery'? There are definite specific moments lifted from it anyway.
[TL;DR] I have watched this channel for years and I feel guilty that I only subbed today because I never noticed that I wasn't subbed. Hey, Mr. Dyson (Calvin Dyson)! I just wanted to apologize. I have watched your videos for years now, and I only noticed today that I wasn't subscribed. As a HUGE fan of Bond's games, your channel became my go-to when I wanted to hear a 007 specialist/fan talk about his games. It's fun because, as fans, we can hate the games when they don't work or represent something properly, but we can always have some enjoyment just because it's Bond-themed. Much love from Brazil, man! I hope you read this and have a lovely day!
Octopussy was June and Never Say Never Again was October of 83. Octopussy was the box office winner. And yes it was all over the media as a battle of the Bonds. Entertainment Tonight alone milked it for months.
Another great one, guys. Unlike David I would like to see the sillier elements gone, by that I mean, Tarzan, ‘Sit!’, gorilla suit and the ‘tennis’ audience during the Tuk Tuk chase. Otherwise one of Moore’s best. Can’t wait for the Dr No debate, should be interesting!
Octopussy is hands down the *BEST* Moore movie. Top 5 Bond films. I love everything about it. Besides the boob zooming and Tarzan swing its a flawless film. Great action, location and cast. Khan and Bond have the best dialogue in this.
Octopussy was funny, exciting, exotic, spectacular & had a great cast. Moore was at the top of his game. Not sure what more people want from a Bond movie.
Another great discussion.. Interesting: i had to lift up Moonraker because of Calvin and might demote Octopussy because of David.. Nevertheless, my favorite part was actually the news that you two will discuss Dr. No next.. This is probably gonna be a bombastic debate..
Bear in mind, David, that while Kamal Khan or General Orlov's guys weren't chasing Bond at the circus, the German Police and American Airforce were, as he'd invaded an American Airbase, to escape the pursuing German Police. While I agree putting on clown makeup makes no sense, given the ticking time bomb he was driving fast to avoid (and why he attracted the attention of the Police in the first place), a disguise at least makes sense.
When David brings up the amount of times Bond puts on disguises in this film Really stupid comparison but it made me think of Spy from TF2 for some dumb reason 😂
I love David's passion for Bond and he always makes some solid points, but dayyuummm his taste in Bond movies is almost the polar opposite of mine. Octopussy is such a GREAT Bond movie, maybe makes my top 10 and maybe Moore's finest.
Not only Moore's best, but one of the best Bond films and what a soundtrack from Barry. Plus it has one the THE moments of the series What is that That's my little Octopussy Raises eyebrow