Moonraker | In-depth Movie Review

[@tcaudiobooks737]

An end of an era this film: Last epic Ken Adam sets, last time Roger looked relatively young, last theme tune from Shirley Bassey, last use of Barry's 007 theme, and sadly the last appearance of Bernard Lee as M. The most visually stunning film in the series imo, with a soundtrack to match. I like it!

[@Krshna28]

Last Bond film of the 70's and the next 5 films (all the ones from the 80's) are directed by John Glen.

[@Silvio67]

one of john barry's best soundtracks..

[@andrewnicholson4278]

There's a good blog called Bondsuits. com that gives info on Bond's clothing in the film series. The suit that Bond wears in Venice is cool, yes the lapels are 70s wide but if you get a modern cut grey suit, cream shirt, navy blue polka dot tie and black horsebit loafers it can still work today. Converse still make yellow trainers that Bond and Goodhead wear on the space station.

[@teleaddict23]

Last bond that was directed by Lewis Gilbert. There’s definitely a feel to Gilbert’s movies, he was a great director.

[@scooby1992]

@@Silvio67Absolutely ! John Barry wrote some amazing film music , but one of his best works was Flight Into Space from Moonraker .

[@dubliam8064]

People say Jaws isn't as scary in Moonraker but that whole clown scene is probably his scariest moment in the franchise slowly and creepily making his way up to Manuela like a serial killer.

[@postersandstuff]

Its scary but the Egypt pyramid scene was creepy to see as a kid as you know he can't escape :/

[@THEremiXFACTOR]

True. That scene could've been straight out of Stephen King's IT (and more creepy than the last movie version).

[@vinnythewebsurfer]

I mean the humour and terror of the character has always been important in both appearances in my opinion. Folks just seem to forget the silliness that surrounded Jaws first appearance both intentional and accidental. It’s like switching the same amount of liquids around from one glass to a differently shaped glass and folks thinking more or less liquid was found in the 2nd glass.

[@CrystalBlackness]

True, possibly one of the best scenes in all of the Bond filmography.

[@tele-skurwiele3133]

Jaws was never scary. He always was an over the top caricature, lifted straight up from a cartoon show. He is only scary when you`re a five or six year old kid. The scene with the clown would have been semi-tolerable but its ruined at the end by the fact that jaws is carried away by the partying crowd. It has been already established at this point that this unstoppable chump can eat a shark and survive a fall from a plane without a parachute... but apparently he is not able to handle a bunch of drunks. And someone got actually paid to write this.

[@Veggieman87]

The image of Cubby Brocolli's head repeating "SCIENCE FACT" over and over will haunt my dreams.

[@calvindyson]

It haunts me even when I'm not asleep...

[@Herr.P]

Brocolli just dont belong on my science plate.

[@davidjames579]

@@calvindyson Comedy genius that Calvin, nice one!

[@Veggieman87]

Excellent.

[@jjrbarnett]

The "science faction" was something said about certain sci-fi movies around in the late 70s and 80s. It was also said a about horror movies. "Its not a horror movie. Its a "phsycological thriller".

[@gageperuti5519]

RIP to Michael Lonsdale. Now he's truly in the cradle of the heavens.

[@postersandstuff]

Met him in '15 , so modest and down to earth (no pun)

[@nifralo2752]

@@postersandstuff oui trebiaun

[@paulclemens7953]

I was lucky enough to be in a film with him and he became a dear friend. And when he was offered 'Moonraker' I'm the one who convinced him to do it.

[@brevonsflicksgames7450]

He had to fly to the heavens

[@HOTD108_]

Lonsdale was the best part of that awful 007 Legends video game.

[@menkomonty]

I don't know about anyone else, but after watching this review, I fancy a 7Up.

[@davidjames579]

Maybe book a flight on British Airways while smoking some Marlboros?

[@matthewhodgson4447]

007Up?

[@SA-zoom1]

Oh for god sake I want an ice cold 7up now and all I have is Pepsi

[@Super_Hornet_]

007up

[@jonastiger1000]

Wow what a drinks connoisseur :D

[@MichaelHonscar]

You don’t need to win me over, Moonraker’s already in my top ten. The film that made me a Bond fan was A View to a Kill so I know what it’s like to be in the minority of enjoying a certain Bond movie.

[@davidjames579]

Ditto. I loved it because of the airships, the Golden Gate Bridge finale, Zorin, Mayday, the theme song, and the chateau. Oh yeah and the snowboarding. I was 9. I saw FYEO first, but View was my favourite for a long time. I still love it. There's a book you might find interesting, called A Close Look At A View To A Kill, which puts across the argument that the film ingenuously plays with conventions of a Bond film. www.amazon.co.uk/Close-Look-View-Kill/dp/1511620978/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DL17ZHZR031R&dchild=1&keywords=a+close+look+at+a+view+to+a+kill&qid=1597579657&s=books&sprefix=a+close+loo%2Caps%2C186&sr=1-1

[@davidjames579]

@gregory garner I've only ever seen it on a TV, but loved it from first viewing, esp the Golden Gate Bridge. I'd love to see it in a cinema, always love the shot of Bond and Zorin frantically fighting against the wide shot of a calm San Francisco Bay and a cargo ship passing under the bridge. It was also released in a blown up 70mm print, so that would have been amazing, esp with the enhanced audio.

[@wolfstar675]

A View To A Kill is terrible.

[@davidjames579]

@@wolfstar675 Er.......no

[@sashaking1111]

The one that made me a Bond fan was Goldfinger, as that was the first one I watched

[@Edo_Marinus]

"James Bond. You appear with the tedious inevitability of an unloved season."

[@davidjames579]

"I thought there weren't any seasons in space" Bond, such a weak comeback. The guy just burnt you.

[@Venthrac]

I love how Drax laughs during the line, probably because Michael Lonsdale recognizes how ridiculous it is and can’t keep a straight face.

[@davidjames579]

@@Venthrac Quite possibly. I like to think it's Drax surprising himself with his own inventive wit.

[@whatamalike]

Jack with your face like a hard boiled bollock.

[@actioncom2748]

It took me a little while, but I finally came around to Drax as a villian. He's funny. He surrounds himself with class and beauty. Has lots of girlfriends. Owns a business empire. Definately the type that would come up with a scheme like World Domination. Drax is what Stromberg should have been. He seems more worldly and seems to enjoy life. As opposed to Stromberg who seemed to like looking at fish.

[@bbriggs7409]

Stromberg, didn't even remember who that was until you mentioned the fish

[@postersandstuff]

@@bbriggs7409 "surrounds himself with class and beauty , lots of gfs , biz empire"......so like Hefner then :p

[@postersandstuff]

For some reason I think Drax was gay and that could be why he had such rage inside him and the need to reborn the Earth

[@dreamawake2670]

@@postersandstuff lol

[@vinnythewebsurfer]

Hell, it’s the kinda villain the dude from Die another day wishes it could match but eh, what can you do.

[@wiseguy100]

'Flight Into Space' is one of the greatest pieces of music put to film, ever.

[@tcaudiobooks737]

It is sir. Gorgeous soundtrack!

[@phazonlord0098]

Lazer Battle is a close second IMO. I might not like Moonraker but holy shit the soundtrack is absolutely amazing, top tier bond soundtrack!

[@neilmarktaylor4386]

One of John Barry's best scores

[@historybuff66]

“Bond Lured to Pyramid” is my favorite cue. So achingly ethereal and majestic! Barry lifted this film from what might easily been been later regarded as more of a “pastiche” on Bond-elevating it into a fairly decent film.

[@davidjames579]

I honestly think it could be in 2001 or a serious space film of similar value.

[@billa107]

I’m in the Moonraker defense camp. I think Moonraker is one of the most beautiful and stunning looking films in the series. Moore nails Bond, I find Holly Goodhead a much better Bond Girl than Anya, and Drax is a better villain than Stromberg. I think the movie is silly. And I’ll agree it’s not the BEST. But it’s a fun and entertaining watch. I love it for that.

[@chrisf1600]

I agree, I think Drax is a terrific villain. He's exactly how I imagine a Bond villain would be in real life. He's so rich he can have literally anything he wants. He surrounds himself with beatiful women, because why not ? And like the truly powerful, he doesn't need to raise his voice or make idle threats; one wave of his hand, and Drax can ensure you're never seen again. A great performance.

[@davidjames579]

Lois Chiles was the original choice to play Anya, but was unavailable.

[@ghenulo]

Well, in all fairness, Goodnight was a better Bond girl than Anya.

[@AndyJay1985]

The launch into space is still beautiful.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

Moonraker does have a superior villain and leading lady but it's an inept thriller.

[@scepticalchymist]

I always like how Bond does not cross the metal bridge in Drax's jungle hideout, possibly because he smells a trap, but prefers the stones instead, which are the real trap. It also connects this movie to You only live twice and the piranha pool of Blofeld.

[@mariakelly90210]

That's right!

[@paulbessant8182]

If i want to watch a serious Bond film I'll watch From Russia With Love. If I want to watch a gritty Bond film I'll choose Licence To Kill. If I want to be purely entertained I'll watch The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker. It cost millions to make these two films and it's all up there on the screen. Purists hate Moonraker saying it has nothing to do with Ian Flemings character but so do ALL the films.. OHMSS possibly being an exception. Literary Bond and Movie Bond are totally different. I love both. Moonraker is a total blast to watch and it's one of my favourites. Fantastic film. Full stop

[@postersandstuff]

I've got sgd letters from MR film set by Lonsdale/Chiles , as well as a photo sgd by d'Abo during filming TLD.....not many of those around , great historic value (sadly Bondcollectibles has abused Bond phenomenon by selling fake junk , to him Bond is just $$$ , exploiting fans)

[@sashaking1115]

I agree!!! TSWLM and Moonraker are two films that are completely unfaithful to their original source material but still work

[@timothycurd3510]

100% agree. The versatility of the series to change tone is one of the reasons it has endured. No matter what sort of mood you are in there is a Bond movie for you.

[@byronreynolds5974]

"Use the Force Mr Bond" - I'm still giggling - very good as always

[@CamPopplestone]

Every time you put in the "science fact" bit, I laughed harder than the previous time

[@thomasffrench3639]

Time stamp?

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

I always respect someone’s opinion if their favorite Bond film is the first one they saw! That is pretty much universal!

[@newscottishgolf7305]

Basically Calvin feels for Moonraker how I feel for goldeneye the video game and the film itself without that entity in that moment in time in the bond Series I would not only be a Bond fan but not a gamer without them. The jamesbond franchise really had an impact on my life

[@bigmanliam]

Yeah my fav is Skyfall

[@thebadfella5296]

My favorite is still GoldenEye after it was the first one I saw

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

@@thebadfella5296 Good movie!! Brosnan’s best!

[@craigalbrechtson5364]

My parents took me to see it in the theater in 79 when I was 12. I remember being blown away by it. The forest scene with the dogs, struck me as being both beautiful and horrifying all at the same time. Still, the movie to this day remains one of my favorite Bond films.

[@peterolley7159]

That’s lovely and yeah it’s one of the best bond films ever made I love it 🙏

[@vh2090]

I totally agree. Despite of the ridiculous things in the movie being too much, Moonraker still gives me the real, old Bond-atmosphere that got lost more and more (since the Pierce Brosnan era!?!) as i think. Thats why one can demonize the movie but it will always be one league higher than all the modern stuff.

[@hakeemfullerton8645]

As much flack this movie may get, you can't deny that Hugo Drax is an iconic film villain

[@aaronp6476]

Desolated, Mr. bond?

[@hakeemfullerton8645]

@@aaronp6476 Heartbroken Mr. Drax?

[@Herr.P]

He is an awesome Bond villian. But I perfer spectre ofc.

[@AsifZed69]

"Look after Mr Bond. See that some harm comes to him". Great line.

[@Jolis_Parsec]

Eh, I still like Johnathan Price as the Steve Jobs wannabe Elliot Carver, so don’t let folks crap on your favorite Bond villains no matter who they might be. 😁

[@electricmaster23]

The cinematography on this movie is brilliant.

[@Fixxer315]

One touch I like in this film is the bridge over the pond in the Brazil rainforest scene. Rather than going over the bridge (which was a trap in You Only Live Twice), Bond goes around the bond, and still gets dunked in the water. I don't know if the inclusion of the bridge was deliberate by Ken Adams, but I thought it was a nice callback.

[@calvindyson]

Good catch! I do quite like that but myself, Bond has a look of “I’m so not falling for that” on his face which is great

[@alimcmurray3428]

Moonraker, at least to me, is the Bond series' version of a puppy who keeps running into a French window; it's technically flawed beyond belief, but I still kind of love it. Thank you BFI for making me appreciate this film properly for the first time!

[@davidyoung5114]

The 2021 Academy Awards IN MEMORIAM segment will have to have their own JAMES BOND section, as this year has seen the passing of Honor Blackman, Diana Rigg, Michael Lonsdale, and just recently, Sean Connery. May they all rest in deserved peace!

[@postersandstuff]

Met them all cept Sean , RIP

[@sashaking1111]

Also RIP Tanya Roberts, who was taken from us just a few months ago.

[@tcaudiobooks737]

Highlights: Corrine's Tarzan save, "science fact", "suspicious big ball thing", Yorkshire based henchman hotline.

[@tcaudiobooks737]

To my mind, all the Glen films are great, I don't think he put a foot wrong.

[@theprettybond159]

I'll never forget when my VCR ate my Moonraker tape and I cried as a child. Still traumatized

[@blueberrypirate3601]

Dad put Morse over my Blackadder VHS collection cos he ran out of his own blank tapes.

[@horrorfanandy4647]

@@blueberrypirate3601 Oof, that is rough. On the other hand though, you could do much worse than Inspector Morse.

[@SparklRebel]

@@blueberrypirate3601 how rude he could just go out and buy more. That is so disrespectful to blackadder

[@easydrive3662]

The special effects in space in moonraker are fantastic and look better than most modern day films

[@actioncom2748]

For me, the most impressive special effects are the space sequences. They created them by double exposing the film (some cases 40 separate exposures). Each time adding a element. How they kept that all straight baffles me. But the work paid off. You'll notice that some of the astronauts don't have stars near them. The made sure they were well out of the way so they didn't overlap.

[@Zroolmpf_Celmbror]

Jeez - a couple of years later and this is still a hilarious video! The cutaways are almost at a Simpsons level. And i love how you beat up on poor Cubby Broccoli. Well done.

[@calvindyson]

Thank you! It's very much appreciated :D

[@ralphroshia9247]

I Never occurred to me while watching Moonraker why doesn't Bond call up Felix and ask him if a Dr. Goodhead works for the CIA so thanks for that one

[@leftcoaster67]

I think Moonraker like a lot of Daniel Craig Bond movies, needed polishing, and rewrites.

[@taylorkeating6884]

Discovered this recently. A conversation with my mom led me to mentioning "Bond in Space." Deciding that my 15 year old memory of a single viewing wouldn't do it justice, I did a few searches for Moonraker before finding this. Greatly enjoyed the depth gone into. I have since explored many other Calvin videos. I am now a subscriber. Looking forward to more movie reviews.

[@calvindyson]

Thanks so much for this, Taylor! Very kind of you and I'm glad you enjoyed the video :D thanks also for subscribing!

[@thejediofracing2087]

Please make this reviews more often this and deleted scenes are my favorite content keep up with the good work

[@MCMIVC]

I whole-heartedly agree that this is Moore's best performance in the series. I remember the first time I watched it how much it struck that a person could be so effertlessly charming. And then later by the time of Octopussy, Roger's Bond really feels like an old friend that you're just always happy to see and hang around with.

[@senorincredible]

It's funny Calvin, I have a similar relationship with You Only Live Twice as it was my first Bond, and funnily enough it's almost like the Connery equivalent to Moonraker. I'm really willing to overlook its flaws and let the sheer spectacle carry me along. I totally understand why you have this emotional attachment - we all have our first Bond!

[@NH1973]

Both directed by Lewis Gilbert

[@jasonshaneyfelt1039]

Your cut of Bond swinging in to save the day made me cry laugh.

[@willmcc4070]

Bruh gotta disagree on the moonraker theme - one of the best imo. Especially the disco version played in the outro. The ending combination of the "take me round the world one more time" line and opening chords of a disco remix of the opening theme is so blissfully 1979 that you can't help enjoy it. Overall, probably the best bond film to watch while stoned

[@alexandregingras6004]

It might be one of your best review Calvin, I love your voice-overs haha

[@calvindyson]

Thank you! I must say of all the videos I’ve made this is one that I feel the most proud of :)

[@Thatguy55595]

You completely picked apart the cable car scene, “Hold on James.” 🤣🤣

[@Thatguy55595]

@@HampsteadOwl wow. Can’t believe my life has gone to shit since I made this comment. Funny how your whole life can be ruined in a few months

[@hannah6034]

i mean, i'd be annoyed if i'd just been pushed out of a plane, fought off a seven foot human with malicious intent and metal teeth for the parachute as continuing to plummet (aka "one of the greatest action sequences of the entire series" calvin dyson) and nobody at work believed me too...especially when i work as a government spy and cant discuss my work with anyone else. ;-)

[@davidjames579]

It's as bad an excuse as my Dog ate my homework.

[@wyliefox100]

That shot of Drax's astronaut being sent flying into the sun, is horrible. Nasty way to go!

[@HandofOmega]

Well, if it makes you feel any better, he'll die of suffocation LONG before he reaches the sun! lol

[@davidjames579]

Just a bit of sun burn. Cream'll sort im out.

[@Herr.P]

What about being sent out in space without life support.

[@georgie1246]

His scream sounded horrible as well it made my wife cringe although I did admit I would of screamed my head off if I was him. Lol

[@gina7288]

His screaming as he went spiralling away horrified me.

[@MoSc110]

im glad that you talked about the dog hunting the girl scene in detail because i always thought this is one of the most terrifying scence in the bond universe

[@FreedSpiritProd]

My wife and I watched Moonraker Saturday just gone at VUE cinema. We both loved it. I’ve seen it many times but it was my wife’s first viewing and she was completely wowed by it. Seeing it on a cinema screen was perfect and I’m so glad to have this opportunity in 2022. 🙂 Also great review Mr Dyson. My first Bond Movie was The Man With The Golden Gun so I know what it’s like to champion an underdog. 😅

[@paulclemens7953]

I have such a deep fondness and personal connection with this film that I can't really be objective about it. Michael Lonsdale and I had become good friends after having been in a film together -- which also involved Maurice Binder, Christopher Lee, and 'Majesty's' DP Michael Reed, plus the whole Bond stunt crew -- and I had also convinced Michael to accept the role of Drax. Then -- BAM! Flash-forward a bunch of months and I'm Michael's guest at the Academy 'Moonraker' screening in L.A. as well as the Chasens after-party with Roger Moore, Lewis Gilbert, Ken Adam, etc in attendance. And, if that weren't enough, I then hosted Lonsdale, Corrine Clery, and Blanche Revalec for a day and night at Disneyland! So, after all that I still have such glowingly wonderful memories of both 'Moonraker' and that special time that of COURSE I look at 'Moonraker' with lots of love, despite its flaws and moments of over-the-top goofiness. So, yes, it remains -- and always will -- one of my favorite Bond films.

[@samharrison5058]

When I was a kid I use to hate this movie, I just couldn’t get into it, found it really boring and hated the whole Jaws love story thing. However on recent rewatches this film has grown on me and now I really enjoy it. It’s still my least favourite Moore film but I like all of his Bond movies now. He is my favourite Bond as well.

[@jiananlee5482]

To be fair I’m very surprised that your channel only have such a small number of subscribers. Cause you clearly have quality stuff to offer. And congratulations for making videos for 9 years! 😚😚

[@calvindyson]

That means a lot, Jianan. Thank you very much!

[@Message4UandME]

You said I am not going to use this review as a punching bag. How are you trying to bring over some people when you criticize this movie? I did not find Roger being angry at Moneypenny. When she didn’t belive him. Of course it‘s not believable for her. She wasn’t there with him up in the air. Or Corinne, if she arrived a bit earlier she be probably saved. I found it just right coincidence timing. For Drax having his last word with her. He still had something open with her to talk about. You could have criticized her running through the forest with dark socks, instead of using more skin colored socks, since this production cost millions to make. They could have found better protective camouflaged socks against scratches for the stunt woman. I also think this movie had the most humorous or memorable one liners in a James Bond movie. That is what made this movie very Roger style for those who loved his way of interpreting James Bond. The suave and humorous Bond. „As you said, such good sport“. „Over powering your scent“. „A heart of gold“. „Hang on James“ „The thought had occurred to me“. „Play it again Sam“. „Heart broken Mr. Drax“ What I also found a very memorable performance of Roger was when he came out of the centrifugal thing. He was performing his close to death scene quite convincing and more seriously then usual close call encounters. This movie was made to entertain and it can, because we can watch this movie over again and again. In contrast of Craig’s movies. Which you can never watch as much as those of Roger‘s Bond. How many times have you watched Quantum of Solace all together? The older movies had always there structure. Pre scene, Title song, Briefing’s, Q branch Gadgets, which we always loved to see them when we were kids, well I did as a kid, and then off to the adventure. Bond meeting the villain and then story/plot and the finals. Rest in peace Roger! Thank you for all the humor you had to share! It was all a big joke as you said.

[@gregmarshall2513]

The pre title sequence has never been bettered in any film. Stunning 🤩

[@rolltide9547]

It and Octopussy.

[@mazdaman0075]

I love Moonraker despite its many flaws. When I’m up for a Bond movie it’s always one that I turn to because it’s so much fun. TSWLM and Moonraker are Roger’s best as they are closest to his real self, so I think it’s less acting and his easygoing personality shines through which gives it a sense of authenticity. Also, Lonsdale is perfect as Drax. If you want more of him I recommend watching Day of the Jackal, a superb 70’s thriller (1973). Edward Fox is fantastic as the Jackal.

[@pauloloughlin1949]

"A woman?"

[@calvindyson]

Your powers of observation do you credit, Mr. O'Loughlin

[@leftcoaster67]

I doubt even Connery would have gotten away with that line. It just seems so out of place. If he said "I never realized engineers could be so beautiful." Would have been a more sauve Bond response.

[@whodatninja439]

I always remember this line, when i think of Roger Moore. The way he says it is hilarious

[@EoCx1]

I think if you interpret this as a literal observation, you can accurately assume it is misogynist. However, given the way Moore says it, his tone and the look on his face, he says and expresses it in an ironic manner. He knows women in that profession have alot of stigma against them and their abilities. He's not being misogynist, but he knows he can make that comment to ruffle her feathers, just to bother her, in good fun (mostly for himself). That is how I have always interpreted it. Edit: this is particularly better understood as the likely case when considering his interactions with women in the previous movie, TSWLM...which could be broken down as a film that exposes Bond's character to a strong, capable women in Anya The further comments in the movie are meant to be taken in the same way. Bond knows the culture of Western society and parodies it. Clearly he views Dr. Goodhead as an extremely capable woman.

[@garrick3727]

@@EoCx1 I always read it that way too. It's true that he probably expected a guy - not an unusual expectation, particularly at the time - but he's not shocked or disappointed, he's pleasantly surprised.

[@DannyAbs]

The best cinematography in the entire series !!!...stunning shots in Brazil

[@77konky]

My all-time favorite Bond film. I don’t care how far fetched it is. I watched this is the the theater in 1979 with my mom, dad, and older brother. The theater was jam packed and everybody had a great time. Lots of laughs and applause. My second favorite Bond film is For Your Eyes Only, a film you have drastically underrated Calvin.

[@19torento]

Considering what you've actually accomplished with this, I feel like this deserves far more views and subscribers than it does, although that's not saying you don't have a good deal. I'm just saying there should be more because going into detail this much for a fifty year old movie series and not some Japanese cartoon that is trending all of the time is kind of mind blowing.

[@calvindyson]

Thank you very much! That’s quite a compliment 😁😁

[@sashaking1115]

Yes!!!!!! I completely agree

[@marthastubbs8321]

Rodge still looked pretty good in this one

[@postersandstuff]

I met Lonnberg and Bochenko , you can't believe its been 40+ yrs , they still got it (there's a story about some Bond girls dancing at a night club or aomething and all the other people watching were mesmerized , just cuz theyre 50+ doesn't mean they still can't wow people - and they did)

[@blakegriffin1330]

I'm so glad you reviewed this movie. One of my all time favorites and I absolutely love the music, so much that I purchased the vinyl. I think it has some of John Barry's best music that just pulls you into the movie. The whole space scene with the globes, shuttle heating up and "James, this is our last chance". Even as I kid I was on the edge of my seat watching this with my grandfather. Great memories.

[@tbrasc0]

About 16 years ago the cineworld in Swindon had a mini film festival, one of the films they showed was Moonraker and bizarrely there was a Q&A session with Richard Kiel and Blanche Ravalec, there were about 15 people in the audience, one of the questions that were asked of Richard was which was his favourite bond film and he said it was Moonraker.

[@postersandstuff]

Really......always thought he liked FRWL the most , he said so in interview

[@tbrasc0]

@@postersandstuff just to add he was talking about the favourite bond he was in.

[@hakeemfullerton8645]

Growing up there were two bond movies that really made me a fan one was Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker.

[@inkermoy]

Moonraker was my first Bond I saw. The late 70's and early 80's was the perfect time to make a whole new group of sci-fi fans. I had a Starlog fold-up poster of Moore and some of the Moonraker girls on my wall, ah those amazing costumes. Drax was a man of refined tastes.

[@MariaBergmanVaz]

Moonraker was my first Bond film as well and I have the same feelings for it as you. Thank you. This was a great review.

[@BigBeakEntertainment]

That scene where Bond is looking at Jaws meet his girlfriend at 30:35, I think that Moore and Chiles were looking at Lewis Gilbert waiting for him to say action and John Glenn had stepped out of the editing booth for the day and whoever was filling in decided to cut the scene in early, which is why it looks like Dr. Goodhead suddenly remembers her head hurts.

[@EoCx1]

That beginning banter was sarcasm, a dry ironic observation, not intended to be combatative or mean spirited at all. He knew the actual scenario sounded preposterous. It was intended to be interpreted in good fun, as the ridiculous truth Bond knew to crazy to believe. Great review though!

[@LittenMandrake]

Just saw Moonraker on the big screen a few days ago. 2 underrated parts that stood out to me: Bond picking up the expensive glass vase to throw at Chang and then putting it back when he realizes how valuable it is and the incredible awkward stares Bond and Goodhead give the paramedic in the back of the ambulance. That was You Only Live Twice level creepy lol

[@spike7101]

Loved that Calvin, I never get tired of watching Moonraker, its totally daft in places, but its never less than entertaining, John Barrys score is gorgeous, Ken Adams sets, like you said , are stunning, the effects, Moore on top form, Chiles is great, Jaws and Dolly, just love their little sub plot, have I mentioned how much I love Moonraker, its not cool to say so in geek circles, but I am always an out and proud Moonraker fan!

[@mrdoctorgilmore]

Looking forward to the "For your Eyes Only" review, I understand it's not one of your favourites, interested to see your thoughts on it. For me it fights with OHMSS as my favourite Bond Film.

[@lovetheblue6659]

Galactic yo yo - “For Your Eyes Only” was a return to “serious Bond” and was kind of jarring coming on the heels of “Moonraker”. Like “Moonraker” I like it more now than I did then. I now think of it as some of Moore’s best work.

[@davidjames579]

@@lovetheblue6659 They felt they had nowhere bigger to go after Moonraker, so could only go small scale and serious. Which is cool, as the movie's great. Octopussy seemed to merge the two styles.

[@tcaudiobooks737]

In many ways FYEO is a sequel to OHMSS. Aside from the obvious, the beach scene with Countess Lisl is very reminiscent of the opening to OHMSS, and I'm pretty convinced it was a deliberate move.

[@davidjames579]

@@tcaudiobooks737 Yeah I've noticed that too. Bond visiting Tracy's grave, the return of bald Blofeld with a neck brace, and even Columbo is similar to Marc Ange (runs a criminal organisation, but is more of a rascal than an outright villain, and is shown in counterpoint to the real villain). I think that as OHMSS was Glen's first Bond film (working as editor and second unit dir) it must have been his wish, to give that at the time still undervalued film a proper tribute.

[@gabrielledebourg2487]

Love FYEO as well, though, I always tend to like the espionage focused Bond films (FRWL is also a big fave) and I love the locations, so it’ll be interesting to see what Calvin thinks. For me, most of the reason he doesn’t like it was why I loved it.

[@Zroolmpf_Celmbror]

This was a hilarious review. The science fact bits, the colonel sanders cameo, jaws and dolly gawking at bond and goodhead from the space station window, and the "use the force!" were all hilarious.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

The room where Drax and Bond watched the Moonrakers launching on the tv screens was a great set. That room feels like a throwback to something Fritz Lang would have featured in Metropolis; A nightmare of high technology driving man to it's horrible destruction.

[@thebyronicmann]

3:34 this gag alone earned you my subscription! 🤣👏

[@calvindyson]

Well I’m honoured!! 😁😁 thanks very much!

[@thebyronicmann]

Calvin Dyson welcome my friend. Your content is spot on. Keep up the good work!

[@anthony3557]

A wonder: would the reveal of Jaws in Rio be more effective if he hadn’t been seen earlier? (It might also have required his name not being in the opening credits.)

[@davidjames579]

The novelization does that. But Cubby wanted to assure people that yes! Jaws is in the movie.

[@Apanblod]

I've been thinking the exact same thing, it feels so strange to 'introduce' him twice in the movie.

[@1ofthe3]

Let us not forget that SPECTRE was never ready for how close Hugo Drax was to total world domination

[@SergioMach7]

I love that soundtrack with 'Bond lured to the pyramid' being one of my all time favourite Bond tracks. Moonraker feels like a true epic, but it is also incredibly silly. Guilty pleasure through and through.

[@historybuff66]

Paul Cunningham It is indeed a beautiful track, my favorite in the film. Lilting, magisterial and even a bit funereal-no surprise as composer Barry lost both his parents in 1979.

[@jameshughes7947]

Calvin I think your initial assumption that Drax is not playing the piano and is getting a kick out of pretending, was correct. He is clearly not playing. I always wondered about this myself. Great post!

[@wyattcorbin1629]

It’s funny that most reviews of the movie frame it as the plot goes normally and going into space jumps the shark. I’ve always seen it the reverse way- outside of the battle with lasers, the space portion is oddly well-balanced in terms of Bond movies.

[@johnjohn55555]

This is so funny. Have to say the dog chase is so good, you really don’t want Carrie to die. She is so nice.

[@mariakelly90210]

That's one of the scariest scenes in the entire franchise.

[@davidhallett8783]

Her name was corrine dufour

[@geoffrogerson9937]

I love Moonraker. There, I said it. It was the first Bond movie I ever saw when I was five. Who cares that the plot was so simplistic that a five year old could follow it? But I hated how they made Jaws become a good guy. He terrified me when I was young, especially that scene in the alley in Rio. For that reason alone he should have remained evil and got what was coming to him.

[@damienfenton3880]

This is my favourite series of videos you do. I love your in depth reviews. They are a real treat to watch. Already looking forward to the next one.

[@golrush007]

Moonraker was also my first Bond film and I have a massive amount of affection for it. The score is first rate, Lonsdale does a terrific job as Drax and I think the outer space effects are still impressive over 40 years later. I also think that the feefall sequence in the pre-title is a masterpiece of practical stunt work, even though the insert shots and obvious stuntman faces might be distracting for many viewers.

[@charlesmarsh316]

I just love, love, LOVE the "Henchman Hotline"!

[@str.77]

Poor Corrine endured so much in her previous film only to be torn to pieces by her new master's dogs.

[@derrick1916-i7d]

I watched this for the first time yesterday morning. I can't wait to watch this review when I get done with work.

[@TheBondExperience]

Really great defense of the film but the part that had me laughing openly was the "Jaws waving at Bond like people waving at penguins...."

[@cinemainsymphony737]

The bloke at 19:24 is also the bloke who double takes on the beach at Wet Nellie as she comes out of the water on to the sand and drives up - he also is affected by the booze again and double takes in For Your Eyes Only and when Bond lands on the dinner party table on his skis 🎿. Great review. Will watch your others.

[@Craigmt12]

I do love this film, but it does sort of start falling to pieces after the cable car scene. Jaws’ love story is poorly handled and they tried far too hard to make it funny. In reality I think Jaws helping Bond could still have happened without a love interest. The space aspect of this film is great, although nothing can prepare you for the laser gun battle. It hasn’t aged at all well. Great review!

[@jamesventola6883]

This channel is awesome. By far my favorite bond channel / analysis channel.

[@retrodude1131]

I can have a lot of fun with Moonraker despite all the silliness it's infamous for. I still consider it the weakest of Lewis Gilbert's Bond films since the others just feel far better constructed, though I can't deny that this one has some terrific moments and plenty of fun lines. On a side note, am I the only one who thinks Bond should've said "Oh, he needed some space." instead of "Oh, he had to fly!" in relation to Drax's death?

[@raoulmontefiore4803]

He was looking for the vacuum?

[@Natomon01]

I remember when I saw this. My first words were: "I always knew James Bond wasn't exactly down to Earth..."

[@dubliam8064]

My first memory of watching Moonraker is when Bond and M walk into the lab and it turns out it turned into an office.

[@tf2redpie]

“I think he’s attempting re entry sir” definitely a favorite Q line for me as well and one that always cracks me up especially with Roger’s smile.

[@samhodgson2262]

I totally agree @calvin with your sentiment regarding this film. This has always been one of my personal favourite of mine as a film that can be enjoyed even with its absurdities. While it isn't the best spy film, it is just a joy to see Bond go to some beautiful locations, fight a truly menacing villain in Drax and all the other incredible BTS aspects of this film. Some of the films that are considered "camp and silly" (eg. Moonraker, Octopussy) are Bond films that I enjoy regularly coming back to. I do hope the series does eventually go back to stand-alone films and move away from this idea of every film needing to help build a universe. I did however enjoy the slowed-down version on the 007 theme during the boat chase. I miss that theme and wish it would come back after a well-overdue hiatus. Moonraker wasn't my first Bond film (I remember at the age of 7 not being able to sleep because I was so concerned that my bedroom had the hidden Voodoo skull-pistols from Live and Let Die), but since I first delved into the series in my mid-teens this has always been one of the films that I've enjoyed and that my opinion of has never really changed. It's just a whole bunch of fun to watch.

[@TheMovieJourney]

We just did a reaction video to Moonraker, and you're right! It definitely looks like Drax is not playing the piano when you first see him! Great review mate!

[@zmajodnocaja5088]

Moonraker is one of my favourite Bond films, and without a doubt the one that has the greatest sentimental value, as I saw it at the cinema as a kid, and it was my first Bond film. Production values in this film are incredible, the musical score and cinematography are stunning, and the film just looks amazing.

[@Tomherbs]

The locations, the set designs, the OST, the beautiful people and the special effects make this one of my favourite bond movies. Oh and Jaws.

[@NiceCheese]

Love the jokes and skits you do in your reviews! The "SCIENCE FACT" from this one, and the one about Blofeld not bothering to put up the picture of Dominic Greene in your Spectre review are some of my favourites! They get me laughing just thinking about it. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sandr6769]

What Moonraker excels in, is cool editing, cool stunts, great locations and stunning work on costumes of each character. I love the Givenchy dress worn by Lois Chiles. Moore's suits were classic as always.

[@davelightman]

Good review, and well balanced between the weaknesses and strengths of this movie. I think Moonraker benefits incredibly from the amazing third act. From arriving at Drax's base onwards, it's essentially flawless, and it makes you forget about the many less impressive and sometimes bizarre moments that came before. Holly is also the most badass Bond girl ever, which is a huge plus.

[@joshslater2426]

Moonraker deserves more credit. When people think of it, they think of all the daft skits and jump the shark moments. Underneath all that Arne some amazing sets, a great villain, great Bond girl, epic music and fun action scenes. Am I the only one who is perfectly fine with Jaws and his romantic life? I’m happy for him and hope he retired to have a happy ending. Also can we have some sympathy for Corinne? Poor lady didn’t mean to do anything but gets mauled to death.

[@TheGargantuanAppleHMPBTS]

As someone who watched the old review back in the day, the return of the looney tunes gag pleased me no end!

[@calvindyson]

I'm so glad you noticed! Thanks for sticking with the channel all this time :D

[@spookylemon4947]

You’ve always done humour very well on the channel Calvin, but your recent uploads have been truly hilarious. Excellent analysis as always, it’s also good to hear your own personal perspective. As you’ve said before, the great thing about the Bond fanbase is the variety of views and opinions.

[@JustyHakubi]

I've always enjoyed Moonraker. It was also my first. I remember my parents taking me to see it in the theater when it debuted.

[@willremmers]

Your observations are deepening! It's been great to follow you for so many years and see how you find new things to address for these films! Moonraker is one of my very favorite songs but maybe I am just very soppy.

[@tupaei01]

I've always put Moonraker in a class of its own. Majestic class! I think it's a dream of 007, him dreaming at night of fighting a super villain and his army including all the events leading to the climax at the space station. Thank you Mr. Dyson.

[@dennisjames6753]

Always had a soft spot for MOONRAKER being the first Bond film I ever saw. It's a blast throughout and embraces it's tone and style with no apologies. Great video!

[@AustinThe007Fan]

The KFC car hitting the camera part made me laugh so hard!!! 🤣🤣🤣 I was like: “KFC?!” 🤣🤣🤣

[@davidjames579]

I loved that. Attacked by The Colonel! Let's have him as the next Bond villain.

[@MCMIVC]

@@davidjames579 So you see, mr Bond... My recipe is so delicious, soon all the wolrd will be eating my chicken, and then I release a new brand with mind controll sauce, the whole world will do my bidding!

[@davidjames579]

@@MCMIVC It's not too far fetched. He could just take some products off the menu and only bring them back if people agree to do his bidding.

[@RRVCrinale]

@@MCMIVC "The last two men in the world who know the secret blend of eleven herbs and spices. What do you say we make it one, Mr. Bond?" He tosses James a loaded handgun. "Like gentlemen."

[@postersandstuff]

@@RRVCrinale colonel Parker was kind of a villain exploiting Elvis (sadly E let him)

[@ConnorMcavoy-8672]

My favourite part of the movie is when bond and manuela are at the carnival in Rio going to investigate draxs warehouse, and when the two are cramped in the large crowd, and there's a moment where there walking through a crowd jumping up and down, and roger must've improvised the part where he jumps up and down through the crowd. Love it

[@petermccormick5932]

We already know that Elon Musk is a big James Bond fan, especially of the Roger Moore movies, basing the Cybertruck on the Lotus Esprit, which he also bought. How concerned should we be that he is now venturing into space, and hoping to colonize Mars (and create a super race and kill us all????) 😨

[@calvindyson]

He's a startling figure isn't he? Like, in Bond films I always used to wonder why no one was paying much attention to all these wealthy industrialists and it's always a surprise when they turn out to be evil and now we have a real life comparison.

[@liquidgeorge]

@@calvindyson It's not science fiction; it's science fact!

[@grumpyoldman3458]

E(l)on Productions?

[@voiduserr]

@@liquidgeorge NOOOOO, I can hear it in my head now... SCIENCE FACT, SCIENCE FACT.. science fact science-

[@hankhill7827]

I, for one, welcome our new Elon/Grimes offspring overlords.

[@whitewolf1310]

Out of all the movies, I'm surprised that Moonraker has never been adapted into a video game before. When you really think about it, it would be one of the easiest movies to adapt, unlike the From Russia With Love video game which hardly followed the movie at all because it's one of the least adaptable movies in the series. Below is my whole idea of how a Moonraker video game would work. Mission 1: Skydive brawl. A simple mission. Fistfight the pilot until you knock him out of the plane, then Jaws will push you out. Chase after the pilot, take his parachute, then have a bossfight with Jaws in midair, and deploy your parachute before you can hit the ground. Mission 2: Drax industries. Make your way through the facility until you find Dr. Holly Goodhead. Then disable the centrifuge before Chang makes your heart stop beating. Mission 3: Drax residence (stealth mission) Sneak around the chateau without raising the alarm until you find Drax's quarters. Crack open his safe and photograph the evidence. Mission 4: Venice canals (boat driving mission) Get to the glass museum and avoid any tourist casualties. A portion of this mission will also have you drive the boat on land. Mission 5: Glass museum. Make your way through the museum until you find the secret laboratory and take one of the vials. Then have a bossfight with Chang. Mission 6: C and W warehouse. Get through the empty warehouse and stop Jaws from killing Manuela. Mission 7: Sugarloaf Mountain. Get to the gondola with Holly, avoid any tourist casualties, and keep Holly alive. Then have a 2nd bossfight with Jaws. Mission 8: Rio de Janeiro. (horseback mission) Have a fistfight with the "paramedic" until you knock him out of the ambulance and then gallop through the plains until you get to the church. Mission 9: Amazon river. (boat driving mission 2) Eliminate all the enemy boats you encounter before they destroy you, the last boat being a 3rd bossfight with Jaws. Mission 10: Amazon jungle. Pursue but don't eliminate the girl leading you to the secret launch bay. Mission 11: Lauch bay. (timed mission) Escape Moonraker 5's exhaust with Holly. Then find and eliminate Moonraker 6's pilot and co-pilot, take their places, and make it to the space shuttle before it lifts off. Keep Holly alive, you can't fly Moonraker 6 without her after all! Mission 12: Space colony part 1. (stealth mission 2) get to the radar jamming system without raising the alarm and switch it off, making you visible to earth. Mission 13: Space colony part 2. (timed mission 2) Help Col. Scott's forces battle their way through the colony, shut down the globe launcher, have a bossfight with Drax and escape the colony before it blows up! Keep Holly AND Jaws alive! Final Mission: Moonraker 5. (shuttle piloting mission and timed mission 3) Fly after the 3 globes that got launched and destroy them before they can enter the earth's atmosphere! (While this last mission may sound easy, piloting the shuttle is actually difficult, and it gets even more difficult as you get closer to the atmosphere! Plus, while you're able to destroy the first 2 globes with the automatic laser, it will overheat afterwards, and you'll have to destroy the last one with the manual laser!)