Today’s quick review: Octopussy. The death of a fellow agent puts James Bond (Roger Moore) on the trail of Kamal Khan (Louis Jourdan), the head of a KGB counterfeiting operation. Following Khan to Delhi, Bond tangles with Octopussy (Maud Adams), an enticing smuggler who is using her criminal empire to transport Khan’s counterfeit jewelry. But behind it all lurks General Orlov (Steven Berkoff), a rogue Soviet general who wants a war with the West.
Octopussy is a spy adventure, the thirteenth film in the James Bond franchise, and Roger Moore’s sixth film as Bond. A fake Faberge egg delivered by a dying agent tips off British intelligence to a counterfeiting ring with far-reaching ambitions. Octopussy is one of the lighter entries into the series, with lower stakes than usual and a larger dose of comedy. It makes for a fun romp but lacks the series’ typical grand plot and iconic action.
Octopussy’s best features are its light tone and its title character. The movie thrusts Bond into classic situations without as much pressure, letting the usual assortment of fights and chases stand on their own. Octopussy herself is a pleasant addition to the Bond universe, an independent criminal who happens to be allied with Khan rather than an outright villain. The plot is aslo enjoyable enough, structured as an incremental investigation.
The problem is that Octopussy doesn’t have as much of an impact as other Bond films. Khan and Orlov make for lukewarm villains; while Octopussy fares better, she still lacks the grandiosity of Bond’s best opponents. The plot takes a long time to reach the point, and the stakes remain low until near the end. Likewise, the action manages to be fun but isn’t especially memorable. The stunts lack some of the creativity seen elsewhere in the series.
As such, Octopussy is a workmanlike entry into the Bond canon: fun enough to enjoy, but not substantial enough to leave a lasting impression. Fans of the lighter side of Bond will get the most out of it, since it entertains without completely sacrificing the series’ drama. But those who prefer their Bond films to have more in the way of thrills may want to give it a pass. For a better-rounded Bond film starring Roger Moore, try The Spy Who Loved Me.
6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for breezy adventure that’s missing some of the series’ better aspects.