Today’s quick review: Moonraker. The theft of an American space shuttle from a British transport plane sends British secret agent James Bond (Roger Moore) halfway around the world to investigate. Bond must match wits with Hugo Drax (Michael Lonsdale), the shuttle’s millionaire owner, to figure out what the shuttle was meant for and who could have stolen it. He also finds a valuable ally in Dr. Goodhead (Lois Chiles), an astronaut in Drax’s employ.
Moonraker is a spy adventure and the eleventh film in the James Bond franchise. Roger Moore reprises his role as British superspy James Bond, this time on a sprawling mission that takes him around the world and beyond it. Moonraker stretches the Bond formula to include more explicit science fiction elements and more absurd doses of humor. Its plentiful action and exotic settings make it an enjoyable watch that will be hit-or-miss for Bond fans.
Moonraker takes the Bond franchise to new extremes. The movie expands the science fiction side of the series considerably, using Drax’s obsession with space to indulge in orbital action that almost belongs in another movie. Even the most far-fetched ideas introduced in Moonraker are close enough to Bond staples not to feel too out of place, but the emphasis they receive, especially near the end of the movie, marks a departure from convention.
Moonraker takes a similar approach to its comedy. The situatioins are not that far removed from the Bond norm, but they skew just a tad more absurd. This is especially true when it comes to Jaws (Richard Kiel), returning after the last film in a role that’s as comedic as it is threatening. Roger Moore’s breezy performance, a hefty dose of one liners, and an unusual number of pop culture references contribute to one of the more comedic Bond films.
The changes will suit some viewers more than others. Those who enjoy the light, campy side of Bond will find plenty to love in Moonraker. Those who prefer their adventures more realistic, or at least more serious, will find that the film goes too far in a few key places. Moonraker gets enough mileage out of the Bond formula to appeal to fans of the series, but it takes chances with its tone and content that do not always pay off.
6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a decent plot and a good amount of action, hurt somewhat by its greater focus on comedy and sci-fi.