Live and Let Die

At last, another step in the ‘Watching Bond in Sequence’ project, and an exemplar of why that’s a very good idea. This was Roger Moore’s first outing, and in memory--heavily tainted by his later efforts--he was not a particularly good 007. But seen here, when he was fresh in the role--and, let’s face it, young enough to carry it off--he actually seems like a good choice for the part. The movie itself is a touch too long, and has at least as much silliness as Connery’s prior, last two efforts, but most of all it’s fun and entertaining. Not to mention that this first appearance of a young and achingly beautiful Jane Seymour gives the (male) viewer a pleasure beyond Bond’s puns and gadgetry. Plus any look into the heart of the 1970s always has a wildly alien feel to it that gives a movie dimensions all on its own. All in all, one of the better Moore efforts, and a worthy part of the canon.