Review of Moonraker (1979) by Scott S — 28 Mar 2010

Moonraker (1979) -- [4.5] -- Roger Moore's fourth turn as Bond is also his least satisfying. While "Moonraker" packs more action than most other Bond films, it's also sillier than most.

Richard Kiel's ridiculous Jaws character makes an unwelcome return and the final act aboard the space station is laughably inappropriate for the franchise. At one point, after Bond has created a comedic scene, director Lewis Gilbert actually cuts to a bird giving a double-take achieved by Benny Hill-like editing.

"Moonraker" is definitely the nadir of 007's filmography thus far. Michael Lonsdale's villainous performance is forgettable, but at least Lois Chiles holds her own as this chapter's Bond girl, Holly Goodhead.

Usually a weak Bond film still manages to have a nice opening title sequence, but long-time sequence designer Maurice Binder is simply off his game here. And despite Shirley Bassey returning for her third singing performance, the awkward tune ranks among the least memorable in the series.