The For Your Eyes Only DEBATE | 40th Anniversary Edition

Just in time for the 40th Anniversary of For Your Eyes Only, Calvin Dyson and I go head to head debating the HIGHS and the LOWS of the film. We cover plot, song, soundtrack, Fleming connection, Roger Moore, bad guys, henchmen, Bond Girls, locations, style, age differences, tone, look, Q, and much much more! I am the DEFENDER and Calvin is the CHALLENGER in this knock down, "push someone in a car off a cliff" fight!
#foryoureyesonly #rogermoore #bondgirls #jamesbond #007 #thebondexperience #calvindyson
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When David is not running an advertising and marketing company, his hobby is The Bond Experience which is primarily a video blog where he discusses Bond experiences and the people and brands that help to create those experiences...
The mantra of living like Bond, one moment at a time emanates from a concept of experiencing the joy of collecting small moments in life that add up to amazing journeys and stories....whether it's through style, locations, literature, fitness, and the movies themselves the world of Bond is explored through its people and their stories.
Ultimately though, The Bond Experience channel is a celebration of the James Bond franchise and the many people that form a true community. Our core mission is to create a strong connection in the Bond community amongst all the fans, regardless of interest or demographic.
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The Bond Experience is not affiliated with any James Bond copyright holder and is an unofficial entity.

[@sandersson2813]

Kicking Locque off the cliff is the best Bond kill in the series.

[@nellieneil]

HOWARD W. says > Better than Bond electrocuting Oddjob in Goldfinger ?

[@sandersson2813]

@@nellieneil Yes, I think so.

[@joecrow5484]

one of the best/cold kills in the franchise for sure along with killifer being fed to the sharks in licence to kill.

[@johnl6192]

Definitely among the best. Love how it was homaged in NTTD.

[@evilpickle67]

Absolutely. The brutality and callousness is what makes this such a great kill.

[@oldmanyellsatscreen]

It's not my top Moore film, but I'd say Roger is at his best here. He's asked to give us a pretty broad range of emotions for one film (grieving, serious, joking, caring, embarassed, suspicious, angry) and he pulls them all off.

[@ShamrockParticle]

He didn't feel it was good for his Bond, but if any movie had a set of scenes that proved Moore's extensive range, it's this one. He also did the scenes he objected to and it doesn't show on screen. Truly underrated.

[@20thCenturyManTrad]

@@ShamrockParticle Moore was a pro like Bond in some ways when it came to his acting, even if he didn't love doing it, he did it to his best of his ability. Which is a great credit to Roger Moore, he's a pro, and he's darn good at it.

[@jettjones9889]

Simply a great movie. I love the title song. The score is beautiful, Roger is on top form, the locations are stunning, the Greek feel always makes me want to book a holiday, the cliff climbing ending is amazing. A well timed paired down Bond thriller with just enough fun and Rogers eyebrow. 9/10

[@chrisjohnson8033]

This was the first Bond film I saw in the cinema aged 10. I prefer the more grounded Bond films. This is top tier Moore for me. One of his very best.

[@Ebanatoyk]

First one I saw too aged 7! It left a lasting impression, and I still by and large love the film.

[@Johnmhemp]

At the time it was Roger Moore being less cheesy and back to basics after the over the top Moonraker. For me it was the first Bond movie that I devoured because we had just gotten HBO and their programming was such that it aired 5 times a day...and I would watch it every time. By Octopussy we had a vcr and I could record it and watch it over and over. If I remember Goldfinger and Spy Who Loved Me were the first VHS movies that could be owned at an affordable price years before box sets. It was how we 80's kids got our fix.

[@Daniel-hz7tk]

I had the exact same experience as you. HBO was nothing but For Your Eyes Only, Poltergeist and Dream On episodes back then.

[@Johnmhemp]

@@Daniel-hz7tk Rocky III so to this day I love FYEO and Rocky3 the best of those franchises. Octopussy got it fair share as did Never Say Never again....we did not have a VCR until 84 so HBO and Skinemax were how we watched movies...I know I bought the Bond movies as soon as they came out in bundled sets...but I also had Goldfinger and From Russia in VHS that came in those ugly CBS Fox long boxes with horrible art work.

[@drumtum]

@@Daniel-hz7tk Dream on was surely later? Around -90. Loved that one.

[@Fedorevsky]

@@drumtum Yup, 90-96. I too had that reaction to that comment.

[@williamwyke5624]

I'm still trying to figure out how someone can diss Sheena Easton, only to praise that Sam Smith abomination. Oh well.

[@sandersson2813]

That Sam Smith song is absolute dogshit which was appropriate for the film it came from.

[@playedout148]

Uh yeah. I'm having difficulty understanding that dynamic as well. Odd.

[@erikludwig5515]

There are very few bond song stinkers, but the Sam Smith song is arguably the worst. Not just for a bond song, but music in general. Should have never made it out the door.

[@sporkfindus4777]

I know, the mind boggles!!

[@SamnissArandeen]

Sam Smith's song is the audio equivalent of being tied to a bottomless chair and whipped in the nuts.

[@LeonWick526]

Fun fact: For Your Eyes Only saved United Artists from having to file for bankruptcy because the film Heaven's Gate created such a loss for the studio.

[@jamesatkinsonja]

They had to make more Bond and Rocky films to keep going in the 80's

[@theplasticdesert2408]

Another great film

[@LeonWick526]

@@theplasticdesert2408 My favorite film ever, actually.

[@leviathol]

Heavens Gate is your favorite film?

[@LeonWick526]

@@leviathol Yes.

[@mattc1124]

Been looking forward to this one, this film has become one of my favourites.

[@randallrutherford1384]

Yes!

[@rogerbrodniak5644]

There might not be a better film in the series that is more conducive to a debate like this...I also appreciate how the two commentators actually listen to each other and debate in a respectful but informative way.

[@chronocommander007]

The climbing scenes in FYEO are great. Bond using his shoe laces to make Prusik knots and makeshift ascenders was brilliant and within the realm of reality.

[@rocky1942racoon]

One of my favorite Roger Moore films. Along with Live and Let Die and The Spy Who Loved Me.

[@drumtum]

Same here. Those three really sticks out for me.

[@mr.tramber]

yes, agreeable, this is his top-3, but I will include here Octopussy.

[@mattrousseau3121]

Agree those are his trrinity

[@jettjones9889]

I can’t believe you never mentioned the countess !!! She was great and was there as an age appropriate love scene for Roger...also she was Brosnans wife and Pierce was there during filming and got to know the producers.

[@DIEGhostfish]

What? No way. Far too thin for The Architect.

[@davidsidney7457]

This and The Spy Who Loved Me are Roger's best, it's tough for me to choose which is better? I love that FYEO came back to earth after the more silly Moonraker.

[@richwagener]

Not a joke, the Moonraker score is my go to score for when I have a migraine. It really helps me. Also love the initial downbeat on the gun barrel sequence.

[@moomin7461]

John Barry was great at space film scores. He composed The Black Hole the same year, which was also epic.

[@spinin1251]

Best outfit ever on David. Best Moore Bond film, precisely because of Moore's seriousness, which he does so well given how light, and even outright comedic he was in the other movies. To me, the entire ski chase, the road car and beach car chases, the coral reef boat drag with Bond and Melina as shark bait, Bond kicking Loche off the cliff, and the amazing cliff climb, are among the best, most tense and most memorable scenes in all of Bond. It's only some of the plot in between, the underwhelming ending, and the main villain that could have been improved, but it fittingly feels very real. Like David said, a menagerie of villains, players, paid assassins, and henchmen, with no single one standing out terribly, but more interesting, evenly spread out, and realistic movie in my opinion. And the score is tight!

[@DavyDredd14]

Moore's so-called 'seriousness' was never better exemplified when patting Blofeld's head and saying "keep your hair on"

[@spinin1251]

@@DavyDredd14 that's the script. And it's actually a pretty good line. And that has to be one of the strangest pre-title sequences in all Bond movies. Not tied to the film, loosely tying to Bond history, more of an inside joke, a not so subtle commentary on studio legal issues, and still containing some pretty good stunts. Though Moore's films were usually more lighthearted, Moore could do a serious delivery at any moment when called for. It was the scripts, which were practically self-parodies at times by the time he took over. It already started in Connery's You Only Live Twice and Diamonds. I don't know if there is a more ridiculous moment in all the Bond movies then Connery turning Japanese in YOLT.

[@leecroft7311]

Always thought this would have made a great Timothy Dalton Bond movie. Probably the most Dalton like Bond movie before Dalton (still my favourite Bond) entered the game.

[@Laissez-faire402]

You can probably credit that to John Glenn, who is probably one of the best and most unsung Bond directors.

[@stephenkoranteng6260]

I'm on David's side here on the revenge theme. Bond is a fallible character. He KNOWS he is fallible and he doesn't want Melina (an archaeologist) going down the same way.

[@Apanblod]

I always interpreted Moore's humorous persona in the films to be somewhat of a facade at times, almost like a small sign of insecurity or part of an act from Bond.

[@stephenkoranteng6260]

@@Apanblod That too. Proving my point that Bond is a flawed person.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

And yet he allows her to tag along on the mission.

[@unclepatrick2]

Last time I watch FYEO, I notice that when Bond and Melina are being dragged across the reef, that Bond keep turning over to protect Melina . After they cut the ropes , It Melina that save Bond by remembering the Tank of air . Then we see her doing first aid on Bond on the Boat.

[@stephenkoranteng6260]

@@unclepatrick2 That's the sort of compelling relationship that we see in the movie. They're loyal allies.

[@nickbode5211]

I’ve always loved the Bill Conti score. It’s unique in Bond, but Runaway, Submarine, A Ride in the Country, and the start of Melina’s Revenge are all great tracks.

[@sporkfindus4777]

BILL CONTI IS GOD

[@Laissez-faire402]

Always had a soft spot for the score. It's different, but still recognizably Bond, unlike the atrocity from Never Say Never Again.

[@despinagounari7312]

FYEO is one of my most favorites Bond movies!!!

[@garybryant1501]

It's a Bond film with a strong Fleming atmosphere and a dash of Alistair MacLean too A lean very enjoyable thriller and yes it's Roger's FRWL basically and that's not a bad thing at all

[@spenser9908]

Lektor and the A.T.A.C. Good point

[@matthewperris]

I'll buy you a delicatessen....in stainless steeeel!

[@stevendavies417]

This is a satisfying film and it's roughly at 10 in the pecking order for me. Its refreshing to see Bond mixing with shady traffickers and enforcers rather than megalomaniacal villains like Drax and Stromberg. It tests him in a different way and he seems more vulnerable in this movie than at any other point in Moore's tenure. At the same time, he also seems tougher and more resolute throughout this movie as he gets to grips with his immediate environment. The ending is slightly underwhelming and the tension seems to unravel after Bond disposes of Apostis. There's a raw emotion to some of the scenes that is really convincing and it is actually strangely emotional for a Moore-era Bond movie. You can buy into the fact that Moore is upset by Lisle death and you feel the anguish of Melina.

[@dtuk22]

FYEO is the 1st time i was aware of a 'new' Bond movie in the cinemas. Here's why... School trip into Central London on a Coach, window seat....That poster of Bond aiming he's gun... between the Woman's Legs is very impactful & it was everywhere...Bus stops, the Underground stations, side of buildings...everywhere.

[@sebastianmonk1584]

David's reaction to the words "Stacey Sutton" is spectacular.

[@DHTCF]

My fave Moore film, by some distance. One of my fave Bond films. Good, tight plot, little silliness, great song, he skis, what’s not to like?

[@leslauner5062]

I got a huge Kerim Bey vibe from Columbo in this film.

[@mb3558]

He wasn't as refined or suave as Kerim though.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

That was the point.

[@mb3558]

@@ricardocantoral7672 Really? 🤔

[@ricardocantoral7672]

@@mb3558 I am responding to Les. Columbo is obviously a Kerim redux.

[@billslocum9819]

Kerim with a happy ending! And pistachios.

[@holydiver73]

This movie has always been one of my favourites. It had a new fresh feel, Bill Conti’s music plays a massive part in the different feel, as you notice it’s not John Barry immediately. The ski scenes by Willy Bogner are just amazing and Carole Bouquet is one of the most beautiful bond girls of all time. The Keil hauling scene where Bond relies on his wits to survive makes us remember again that this is a guy who is trained to think on his feet and that he is not inspector gadget that always gets out of sticky situations with something provided to him by Q. (It’s a good job they randomly left the aqualung down there in the sunken ruins though wasn’t it?) It was the first Bond film I was old enough to remember being released and was one of the first I saw too. Nostalgia rules OK.

[@jg-2900]

This film is my personal favorite of the Bond series; glad David defended it with relish! I just like everything about this one: the locations, the girl, the villains, the allies, the dark edge to Moore’s portrayal. The action scenes are amazing-from the keelhauling to the rock climbing sequence. Just a fun film!

[@kovilanmoodley7464]

A personal favorite of mine as well as millions out there and a fine movie that needs no defense...

[@JamesLynd]

As a kid, FYEO was not a movie that I watched regularly, as I tended to favour the more bombastic movies, but as an adult I've really grown to like it, and think it's very underrated. It's got a very grounded espionage plot, full of Fleming appeal, and regularly punctuated with excellent action sequences. The ski chase in particular is the best ski chase in the series, taking what they achieved in OHMSS and dialling it up to 11 and throwing on that epic music to really pump you through it! I do have a couple of big criticisms. The first is that the underwater sequence when they're recovering the ATAC feels a touch too long winded with both the diver and the sub, and it really slows the pace of the movie down briefly. My next, and bigger, criticism is that the climax just falls really flat from the moment Bond reaches the summit of the mountain. They set the bar with a great infiltration scene with the opium warehouses; the final climax really needed to one-up that, but it's just very tame and underwhelming and ends the movie a bit flat. Despite that, though, the film ranks pretty high on my list at the moment! A great debate, as always!

[@MichaelHonscar]

It’s funny, Lynn-Holly Johnson (Bibi Dahl) is only one year younger than Carole Bouquet.

[@chronocommander007]

I started watching Bond movies at age 11. I got to see YOLT and OHMSS as rereleases at the theater. My first newly released Bond movie I got to see was Moonraker in '79. By the time YOLT came out in '81 I had caught up with all previous Bond films. I did like FYEO very much. At the time, after Bond had previously gone into space, Bond, and the budget, just had to come back to earth. FYEO ranks among my top 3 Moore Bond films.

[@anssirulamo2298]

I've usually been more on the side of Calvin on these, but I must say that here I'm almost completely on David's side. It's one of the best Bond films, a nice combination of grounded realism and entertainment. Even though as a European I understand what Calvin means by the locations feeling too familiar, I find it nice that there is a Bond film with this distinctly European feel, not trying to bee too exotic.

[@mck-qt7hu]

Reason for Bond visiting the graveside of Tracey, Moore was not meant to be returning to the role, it was for the audience to immediately identified the new actor in the role. A clear link to the past. Much like Lazenby going through his desk and reflecting on the items from Connery's films. Another reason why the film was more grounded, was never intended to be for Moore.

[@scoobers90]

My favorite of Moore's tenure. This was a good back-to-basics Bond movie. And I think this is Moore's most dynamic performance as Bond. He has a worldweary vibe in this movie, with glimpses of the coldness Connery showed when he kills the Warren Zevon imitator. the seemingly corny, throw away line on revenge has so much more to it than people give it credit for.

[@jamesatkinsonja]

I really find Moore's performance here underrated and he's having to turn away from his lighter instincts and he really fulls it off.

[@mikewilson714]

Locque was responsible for the death of Ferrara, so Bond is well within his Double-O status to give 'an eye for an eye'. Nothing cold about it at all and I'm so glad that John Glen talked Roger into doing it the way it appeared on screen.

[@jamesatkinsonja]

@@mikewilson714 People forget the scene in the Spy Who Loved Me with Sandor-where Bond hold's him over the ledge with his tie, then drops him to his death when he's got what he wanted-was also pretty bad ass from Roger Moore.

[@mikewilson714]

@@jamesatkinsonja yes, you're right. Sandor had tried to kill Bond after silencing Fekkesh's wife. That was a vicious cold-bloodied kill and Bond felt he needed to give justice to her. She wasn't a threat.

[@wojtek5385]

I agree about Bill Conti score - I like it a lot. The music in pre-title sequence, when Bond gets back control over the helicopter, the chase scene (I especially like this one after Oliver Harper did his yt video on 'For your eyes only' and made a great montage with this track - since then this is the piece of music that especially stands out for me). It's also one of my favourite Bond films. But I admit I had to get used to it - first two times when I tried to watch it, at some point I had enough - can't really explain why.

[@tris421]

FYEO is easily top 10 Bond. Knocking on the top 5 door.

[@Daniel-hz7tk]

Easily! I put it as Roger Moore's best!

[@kovilanmoodley7464]

Easily top 5 and number 1 for me personally...

[@tris421]

@@kovilanmoodley7464 tbf any Bond with skiing is top 10 for me lol

[@markd2555]

I’ve always loved this one! I was 12 when I saw it at the movies when it was originally released. IMO the best of the Roger era. Sits at #5 on my Bond ranking list.

[@SwordmasterKane]

It is a really interesting point that you brought up in the discussion regarding Melina and the revenge plot: What if Timothy Dalton had played this instead of Roger Moore? Because I do think his reaction towards Melina driven by vengeance would have been different, at least in a slight way. Dalton has been always a more intense Bond, as especially seen in "License to Kill". However, I totally agree with David here. The fact that Roger Moore as Bond is usually a more lighthearted, cool Bond who rarely shows any emotion works to his favour here, because we see a side of him that even Moore himself didn't like, and that carries over to his performance (or at least it would, it is just a matter of execution). Bond has his share of revenge moments throughout the film, first with *cough* Blofeld *cough*, then later with Loque. Other opponents he takes down in this are killed in self defense, but in those two cases he had his lust for revenge get the better of him. And that is what he is trying to explain to Melina. She already did it once with Gonzales at the beginning, but killing Kristatos who was (apparently) unarmed and beaten at this point would have led her down the same way that Bond had already gone. That doesn't make him feel better or be a better person in any way, so he wants to spare her the same dark experience.

[@simonharris6129]

Thanks guys. These are by far my favourite videos of yours, it's a real treat when a new edition is added. I'm hoping you'll get round to covering them all.

[@RolandHulme]

For Your Eyes Only will always hold a special place in my heart, because in the same years in which it was filmed in Corfu, my family used to go and holiday there. I was only a wee bairn but it was incredibly formative. Even today the smell of barbequed pork takes me instantly back there, and we used to rent The White House, where Lawrence Durrell used to live, so maybe it even contributed to me being a writer (and a tedious expatriate Brit.) I think the film was really perfectly balanced between Roger Moore being somewhat young and dashing, and it having the slightly edgier style that would later go on to show up with Timothy Dalton. I think it's beautiful the way they managed to wind Risico into the storyline. The underwater segments were great (as a kid, I was glued to the TV during those bits) and I think the 2CV car chase is one of the best in the Bond series. When 007 kicks the Mercedes off the cliff you see an edge to Moore you'd never seen before, and with Bibi you get a nice little nod to the fact that he's getting older. Live and Let Die will always be my favorite Moore movie, and The Spy Who Loved Me is iconic, but For Your Eyes Only does a really, really nice job and I think you could argue it's 'peak Moore.' Anyway, blah blah blah from me - you guys were great. Love these videos!

[@cooperwolfe5478]

I’ve always loved For Your Eyes Only, and I think that what I love about it is that it did try and I feel like successfully do a serious Bond film. With the exception of the pre credits scene. And I have to be honest if I was ranking each Bond actors performance in each individual film I would say that Roger Moore in FYEO gives one of the best performances by any Bond actor in a specific film.

[@captainz72100]

I love For Your Eyes Only. Fantastic film, really tense in parts. Roger is amazing - the stance in the arch is so iconic! And despite what people think, it's got loads of funny moments. When I got the VHS boxset (around 2000), this was the first one I watched as it was the one I'd seen least.....it was never on TV back in the day.

[@nobleskywalker4639]

Please keep doing these debates these are fantastic. I think Calivin should also meet all of the other people like JW that David knows

[@rogerbrodniak5644]

30:47 "As a SERIOUS Bond film, I kind of liked it because I imagined that's how it is. There isn't this maniacal head of an organization"...triggers his Siri talking about Sally Ride being the first American woman in space! Love that they left this in...

[@ShaunaMarieSings]

What a totally awesome conversation...love you both...lots of laughs!!!! 💗💗💗

[@johnrigs6540]

These Debates are all just CLASSIC! Calvin is right- it looks like it was set up as someone’s first Bond movie- But when this one came out - from the very first moment He walked out to Theresa’s grave and left flowers- right before encountering “ Blofeld”- I felt this really was James Bond coming back to form with a very serious classic down to earth Spy adventure- that was absolutely just jam packed with action. I went to see this in the summer of ‘81 at 17 with my family - then friends - then many afternoons by myself ( enjoying the AC and afterwards popping into the next room to watch Superman 2!- those were great days!) I love that song too David - In fact - when I met my wife years later she actually looked a lot like Sheena Easton did in that opening! Years later… I appreciate it even more - I think it is just behind Spy as Rogers very best. So this was debate #12? Ok…. 13 more to go!

[@johnstahlman9767]

They did ask Timothy Dalton to be Bond in this movie, but he declined because of how ridiculous Moonraker was.

[@jamesatkinsonja]

@@johnstahlman9767 Roger Moore said in his autobiography that his contract had run out after Moonraker and he wanted to return but his agent said for him to wait for a bigger pay cheque [similar to Daniel Craig after Spectre]. Eon did want Moore to return [nervous after the difficulty in replacing Connery] but didn't want to pay silly money so tried out potential new Bonds [similar to James Brolin's Octopussy screen test]. Eventually the matter was solved and Moore returned.

[@YouGetSoAlone]

Your significantly different ages makes a huge difference on the Sheena Easton song. It was anything but background music back in the day!

[@magnusprime962]

I’m 24, but I agree more with David, it’s a great song! It’s a very luscious piece.

[@kovilanmoodley7464]

A wonderful song just like the score, the songs in the post eighties bond films are absolute noise pollution with no energy, who even listens to them and even the radio stations don't play them...

[@ramboroberto]

I love your videos, but Calvin, you have never been so wrong!!! This is one of the greatest Bond movies of all time, right down to the finest detail. And your opinion of the song??? Dude WTF??? You loved Billie Eilsh’s song before you heard. After the Benny Hill lampoonish Moonraker; it was finally great to see an adult Bond film.

[@luvhart]

It’s my all time favourite Bond movie. Beautifully shot with a more serious tone and a realistic plot. For a Bond fix, this is my go to.

[@waxx37]

This movie is one of my favorites. There are some things that are off, yes, ....but for me there is so much going on...I love it! And the song is PERFECT for the movie. I agree with David on all points of the song. Soooo good!

[@jonastiger1000]

One of my Top 10 of all Bond movies. My Ranked Roger Moore Bonds: 1. Live and Let Die 2. For Your Eyes Only 3. The Spy Who Loved Me 4. Octopussy 5. Moonraker 6. The Man with the Golden Gun 7. A View to a Kill

[@mikewilson714]

1. For Your Eyes Only 2. Live and Let Die 3. The Man with the Golden Gun 4. Moonraker 5. The Spy who Loved Me 6. A View to a Kill 7. Octopussy

[@jonastiger1000]

@Wasp Factory thanks, it isn't as silly or disappointing as those under it. That's why it's higher up.

[@richardfuchs3690]

This is one of my favourite Bond films, and it was so refreshing after Moonraker. John Glen is a very under-rated director and he had a great run with these films in the 1980s.

[@eleanorheptinstall5354]

FYEO was always one of my favourite Bond films, glad to say still is. Am I the only person who likes the Pre-credit intro. Maybe it hasn't got the strongest villains, but it's as close Moore gets to a cold war thriller but still with some Moore humour. Kicking Loque off the cliff, the rock climbing sequence and a badass bond girl.

[@gavinguy148]

Hi David, love the new format used to present the debate, works really well. Thank you both for another great debate.

[@isafbriefingofficer01]

“I try not to listen to the news” - David. Same David same

[@sublucky74]

This one always makes me think of the slow submarine sequence and the bit with the man inside the white underwater mech suit. It was all a bit slow. Not Thunderball slow but slow none the less. My favourite part is the chase in Cortina starting at the ski jump.

[@sartanawillpay7977]

Julian Glover must be close to the record for portraying villains in big franchises - James Bond, Indiana Jones, Star Wars (General Veers), Game of Thrones (Grand Master Pycelle).

[@mr.scaramanga1811]

Julian Glover was a villain in the Dr. Who story City of Death as well. You can't go wrong with Tom Baker as The Doctor, a script co-written by Douglas Adams, & a great cameo by John Cleese.

[@RighteousBrother]

@@mr.scaramanga1811 Space 1999 too! (Just saw him on it a minute ago)

[@holydiver73]

@@RighteousBrother he was also in a good few episodes of the Saint in the 60’s with Roger Moore….and played the villain all the time.

[@harryherman5371]

You two are superb at what you do, I'm glad you are Bond fans and no other franchise got you.

[@remy_3277]

For Your Eyes Only is one of my favourites. It's the From Russia With Love of the 80's. And there is a perfect double bill of For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy. They compliment each other perfectly.

[@sartanawillpay7977]

Bond and the girl are easily captured by Kristatos as soon as they step onto the Havelock's ship after recovering the ATAC. Pretty weird that the villian dispatches a guy in a mech suit and a mini submarine to get them underwater when all he needed to do was wait.

[@cleaner1984]

The reason why Carole Bouquet (Melina)'s voice was dubbed is maybe due to her French accent, which would not fit with the fact that she is supposed to be Greek in the movie. Also, yes of course, her real voice in real life is lovely. She has had a tremendous acting career in France and internationally after this Bond movie but she will probably be more remembered by the larger international audience for her Bond's girl role.

[@adamhickey396]

This is my favourite Roger Moore Bond film. Had all of his films been this serious, kinda like this and Live and Let Die, he would've easily ranked as one of my fave Bonds

[@Pietro97007]

One thing that always never clicked with me about the end was….well Melina has already killed multiple people! I don’t understand what point Bond is trying to make after she has already been down this path he is warning about. Just doesn’t click for me.

[@sashaking1111]

I actually have a new theory! I think Bond knew Melina would kill Kristatos no matter what he said, so he told her not to to try and give Kristatos false hope, that he would actually survive, and maybe win after all, which wouldn’t be true of course.

[@sartanawillpay7977]

The soundtrack (ski chase) was used ad naseum as background music in the syndicated American TV series "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" back in the 80s. It seemed to be on 24 hours a day. I still can't hear it without picturing a flyby shot of some Malibu mansion with the host Robin Leach irritatingly shouting "We explore the fabulous playgrounds of Hollywood's greatest stars as they enjoy champagne wishes and caviar dreams in their luxurious mansions rumoured to be worth ten million dollars!" Kind of soured me on the soundtrack along with the disco vibes.

[@sartanawillpay7977]

I just looked up that it was Bill Conti that did the rest of the music for that series as well. Explains why they were able to get the rights to use the movie track.

[@streetcar18]

My favorite Roger Moore Bond movie just ahead of The Spy Who Loved Me.

[@Dirkus17]

The piano at the ski jump is amazing. If I wasn't so tech unsavvy I would get it as my ringtone. Libero.

[@rogerbrodniak5644]

16:15 Hahaha...even up to the very end of the theme! Well done.

[@robertharvey2604]

I love this film. One of my Top Ten. The story and cast (other than Bibi) is great. Moore is fine form. I like the song and score. The action scenes are good-to-great. Other than the Blofeld bit, I don't have any issues with the mixed tone. The film does feel like it was written for a different actor (which it was). Would have been a good intro to Dalton. As brilliant as Roger was in the scene, watching Dalton kick the car off the cliff would be awesome.

[@davidjames579]

The Margaret Thatcher gag I always found odd. It doesn't go with the rest of the film, and is almost like a Moonraker holdover. It would probably better fit in Octopussy. That said, it was a ballsy move to include her, as she was controversial, as in some people thought she was fantastic, and some hated her with a passion. Theresa May in a Bond film probably would be a Meh shrug from audiences. Tony Blair would probably elicit as much controversy as Thatcher. Boris Johnson likewise would raise hackles and gets laughs, and tonally he most fits campy silliness.

[@arronjameshook]

It also leaves open the truly odd possibility that the James Bond film share the same cinematic universe as the ‘Anyone For Dennis’ play and the ‘Dear Bill’ columns from Private Eye both by John Wells.

[@j.b.9260]

I love it when these two get together.

[@linaskranauskas]

Hey, I read that farewell to Blofell in this was so lame intentionally. The creators wanted to show that they don't need him and made fun of the notion that the films would not survive without such an important villain. So I think this part of the film is based.

[@chrisretro81]

I'm with David on this one! But what great debates they both have on their respective channels! I do like they both have lots of Flemming knowledge

[@rogerbrodniak5644]

Great aspects of the movie: 1) Opening song 2) Revenge theme 3) Greek locations 4) Bond lifestyle 5) Topol 6) Action scenes (especially climbing) ; Weak aspects of the movie: 1) Villain 2) Bibi 3) Extended underwater scenes. 8/10.

[@klauskjeldsen2536]

Defenatly the best Moore performance as Bond, and my favorite Bond movie.

[@jamiem8680]

Diana Riggs Parrot !? Really Calvin,,,also it’s interesting how the trailers can have different voices for characters. You mention Carole bouquet and her own accent in the trailer, well the “Blofeld” scene also has a way better voice rather than the comical one in the actual movie.

[@erictal19]

FYEO and OP are what I call “cut to elevate” Bond films. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy both - especially FYEO! But…. Cut the “delicatessen” part, cut Bibi in hotel, and cut Thatcher ending. The film would be much better. OP: cut the Tarzan yell, tiger, bond theme with snake charmer, and boob zoom. Would be MUCH better!

[@johnstahlman9767]

Ok here me out Aristotle Kristatos is the most underrated Bond villain. His plan is great, sell the ATAC machine to the Russians while at the same time frame his competition so MI6 takes them out. Really damn smart and impressive.

[@tonoormusic]

YES! I recently watched almost all Moore films, I'd never seen one of them. I liked Live and Let Die and I liked Octopussy, The Spy Who Loved Me was somewhat underwhelming tbh, but this one.. This one I think is my favorite Moore film. I really dislike the over-the-top action and cringy humor in other Moore films so to see a scaled down, more serious Bond in For Your Eyes Only was something I liked very much. Looking forward to this debate

[@georger.3489]

For Your Eyes Only is like a whole 2 hour actionscene with little lines between. One of my favourites. The only thing I didn´t like was the unspectacular final on the mountain. Bond should have hunt Blofeld on the mountain at the beginning and the helicopter scene with Kristatos as a final.

[@joachimkirchner]

FYEO is one of my top-3 Bond-Movies - i was hunting the Bill Conti Score for years. It was the only score, that has been never released on CD. On July 17th 1999 i finally found the soundtrack and it is such a pleasure listen to it. The movie is the best with Roger Moore - what a play, what a story, fantastic stunts - sincerely timeless ;-))

[@PhilWare1]

This was my first cinema Bond experience aged 8 with my father, so I've got a real soft spot for it. Not my best Roger film, but certainly not the worst and far better than A View to a Kill.

[@nslayton5]

I loved David's point about Kristatos' gang. I'm also a Quantum defender, loved Dominic Greene, but he needed a better group. A nameless bodyguard and Elvis don't cut it.

[@batemanlife]

Tremdously entertaining guys, love the to and fro and it's done in such a nice way. This is one of my fave Bond films, Roger is my best Bond but I like the films that are more serious and vengeful. As a kid I thought the guys on the motorbikes on the bobsleigh track looked so cool. Carole Bouquet is breathtaking, those eyes!

[@BleakVision]

I love the scenes of people in their 80s skiing gear in Cortina. Such a great time capsule. Also Melina is such a timeless Bond girl looks and fashion wise. You could put her on Instagram as a fashion influencer or a catwalk and nobody would bat an eye.

[@frankb821]

FYEO is my 2nd fav Bond flick of all time! Solidified after my 2019 visit to Ayias Triadhos Monastery, Meteora, which really brought it home! One of the most beautiful spots in Greece and all of Europe.

[@jamesatkinsonja]

Really enjoyed this guys. Just love to hear you talk about these films.

[@Moochtv]

There... subscribed. I've watched a few debates but the music montage remake at 16:18 sold me! Very good Mr. Bond. Fan!

[@TECHNOIR]

Lovely to see Calvin Dyson here, strangely watched him for years and had no idea these collabs existed. Hey, the theme song is mint, genuinely sending and Bouquet's sexy/angry/vengeful Bond girl is sublime

[@KenTails]

Love these discussions/debates! I haven't watched James Bond movies for many many years (no particular reason), but came across one of the discussions in this series just a while ago, and it's kind of blew some 007 interest/fan spirit back in me. (I really should hurry up and watch them already) Thanks David, and thanks Dyson, for the insights and entertainment :)

[@BigEvil007]

This movie to this day is still one of my favorite 007 films. I love so many aspects of it. Any person...CALVIN.. who will say they would rather watch a view to a kill or moonraker I respect your opinion but I simply say check into rehab.

[@DavyDredd14]

Moonraker (1979) is charming and highly entertaining ! For Your Eyes Only (1981) is without charm, extremely dull and forgettable. Craig Gauvin, your local Rehab Center awaits your arrival..

[@BigEvil007]

@@DavyDredd14 moonraker is charming?! LMFAO

[@darrenclements6028]

For your eyes only is one of my favourite James bond movie of all time

[@StinkyCheeseYodeler]

The fan edit elevates this film to the top of the Bond canon.

[@tomhooley2359]

Moore's 2nd best film for me. It's 9th on my list. I like that it moves away from the ridiculous over the top silliness of the previous film and I like most of the cast in this. I love the moment when Bond kicks the car over the cliff, it feels very satisfying. Downsides, the villain has been written a bit weak and Bibi is annoying. Other than that I enjoy this film.

[@Slider6294]

Good overall review. and loved your conversation, guys! This remains a general top tier Bond film for me, but there are a few things that still rankle me: * Dubbing Melina's voice * Bibi was cringe, that doesn't hold up at all. She has no character, no purpose except to just move some exposition. She IS vapid Stacey and Christmas in one. * Conti's score is so dated. It also fails to hold up IMHO. A more orchestral score, IMO, would have been fitting given the magnificent cinematography and locations. Topol is always likable and he had a great role. Cortina is gorgeous and it was a perfect location. The Lotus with a ski rack remains a kick ass image of my youth. The ski scenes are awesome. Bond trying to protect Melina is in fact a deeper character arc than we've seen from most Bond films. And I think I still have a crush on brunettes with blue eyes thanks to Carol Bouquet.

[@tonoormusic]

This was brilliant, thanks guys 🙏

[@CaminoAir]

It reminds me of 'Tomorrow Never Dies' in the sense that it flies past in an enjoyable way, has excellent action sequences, a relaxed sense of confidence in how it manages its budget, but the story itself isn't that memorable. That's probably because the final plot wrap up in the Monastery feels like it let down a more complicated plot. John Glenn completely justified the producers' faith in him.

[@greatwuta]

I dont even know why, both Calvin and David got this film very low on their list and even ranked The Man With The Golden Gun higher than this great film. What's next, y'all going to debate how great of a film Diamonds Are Forever really is?

[@BigNat3000]

I’m really looking forward to that one!

[@ricardocantoral7672]

Diamonds > Quantum

[@greatwuta]

@@ricardocantoral7672 Yes, I know

[@johnrigs6540]

Yep - guaranteed that one is coming with David on the attack and Calvin defending! I got to tell you something about Diamonds though - I was a little kid when I saw that in the movie theater But I remember very clearly the theater just erupting in incredible thunderous applause when Sean Connery said “ My Name is Bond…James Bond”! The only other applause I could compare it to was When Brody shot the Shark in Jaws …when Luke blew up the first Death Star…. and when the Heroes come back from the dead in Endgame! So some good company there!!

[@blainesavini3403]

One can I think divide the Bonds into two overlapping categories...both the movies and the audiences...the heavily Fleming-influenced ones and the garish over-the-top Bonds....this is Rog's closest-to-Fleming Bond movie. Most of his were made over the top and family-friendly....kind of following the YOLT formula which was the first major departure from the Fleming plots. I kind of regard DAF as the first pure Roger Moore type Bond movie ironic as that sounds. FYEO is my favorite of Rog's and it is the most similar to the early Connery Bonds. ..I also think there was better quiet acting by Rog at Tracy's grave showing the impact of his job on his life than all the angst and suffering of the Craig years. At Rog's death, there is a reason this movie was double-billed with TSWLM as a theater re-release in tribute to Rog. One was arguably the best cinematic over-the-top of Rog's if not the franchise's movies while the other was Rog's best Fleming movie.

[@davidbaty5526]

With David on this one. Great paired back spy thriller after the ridiculousness of Moonraker. Roger is awesome!

[@joehahn9801]

This one will be interesting. I have very inconsistent, mixed opinions about it.