Live and let Die (1973)

Three killings in the opening, one of which the legendary New Orleans jazz funeral-murder. A most fine entrance for Roger Moore. If not for the voodoo-scene, that has not survived the test of time. No Roger Moore, though

When he does appear, it's with a beautiful woman, fine coffee (probably a homage to Len Deighton's Harry Palmer) and trying hard not show M the former. The brilliant Bernard Lee is perfect at his most surly, and that he certainly is over Bond's shenanigans.

Moore doesn't have the raw machismo as Connery, and could never shoot an unarmed man in the back. Hence this instalment is played rather light. The problem with the mood in general is that when you spice it up with 2 henchmen that giggle incessantly, generally overact and prance around like maniacs, topped with Pepper, there really isn't much seriousness left.

That Bond drives and double-decker and races around a small airport in an even smaller aircraft, just adds injury to insult. There is a rather lengthy boat-chase with some decent stunts, though littered with aforementioned Pepper.

The characters are mostly props in this rather shallow flick, so it's refreshing that Seymour makes the most of her part, showing silent and dignified desperation and fear, as well as stoic strength and stubbornness in the face of danger. One of the best Bond-girls.

Barry has been better, but he does have a nice new theme for us. Most considerate.

The film does have the exotic locations, a shark tank and gives a thorough insight, though somewhat racist in today's world, into New Orleans and jazz-clubs. Tee Hee's little speech amongst the crocodiles is quite good, and the tension is at times well above average. But at this point, it seems like the franchise is struggling to settle with what it wants to be, and very much like the poster, this film is rather chaotic.

5/10

Best car used: 1972 Chevrolet Impala Sport
Most memorable drink served: Bollinger, vintage not given
Henchmen: Julius Harris as Tee Hee. Most gleefully evil.
Villain: Yaphet Kotto as Mr. Big. Very forgettable.
Best one-liner: "He always did have an inflated opinion of himself"
Song: Wings - Live and Let Die. A most dramatic and cool tune.
Bond-girl: Jane Seymour. Hard to be more beautiful. Perhaps a bit demure, but undoubtedly a good actress.