Review of Octopussy (1983) by Corey B — 29 Jun 2009

Fun Bond film has tons of great action set pieces which help distract from an overly convoluted plot involving a band of female circus smugglers (who own an island) being manipulated by a rogue Russian general and Louis Jordan.

Like many of the John Glen Bond films, the stunts are jaw dropping and plentiful. The finale where Bond hangs on to a flying airplane is incredible, and a train chase near the end is equally exciting.

I even enjoyed the Indiana Jones vibe going on.

As for the humour, it's a mixed bag. There's definitely an emphasis on gags this time out and some are pretty lame. The Tarzan sound effect when Bond swings on the vines is really weak, and Bond should never, ever be forced to wear a clown costume again. On the other hand, the Bond runs into every predatory animal possible scene got me laughing, and any Bond movie where Q gets to tag along on the mission gets my approval.

One of the biggest complaints I have is that Louis Jordan is just a so-so villain. I think this probably has to do with the fact that Octopussy is filled with far too many villains. There are five main villains (Khan, Gobinda, Orloff, Mishka, Grishka), and that doesn't include the shady anti-hero status of Octopussy and her girls.

Also, because the plot is so complicated (or at least seems it), Octopussy has a tough time building momentum. It's always stopping for more exposition just when it should be pumping up the tension.

But still, it's exciting and better than I remembered.