Moonraker (4½ Stars)

This is the 11th James Bond film, made in 1979, two years after "The Spy who loved me". Ever since Roger Moore took over as James Bond, the films have been becoming more and more camp. "Moonraker" is the most camp of the films so far. That's obvious from the film poster shown above. James Bond is floating in a space suit surrounded by six beautiful women. Admittedly, this scene doesn't appear in the film, but it shows the film's tone.

The film's villain is Hugo Drax, a wealthy industrialist who manufacturers space shuttles that he calls Moonrakers. He has a plan to wipe out the whole human race and replace them with a genetically superior master race.

Eight couples will repopulate the Earth after Drax has bombarded it with deadly nerve gas. They'll remain in a space station orbiting the Earth until Drax considers it safe to return. Drax himself doesn't have a partner, because he has a special role in the new Earth. He's God, looking with satisfaction on his creations.

The film's Good Bond Girl is Lois Chiles as Holly Goodhead. She's a CIA agent working undercover for Drax. James Bond is the first person to uncover her, but don't worry, he doesn't tell anyone.

The Bad Bond Girl is Corinne Dufour, Drax's personal pilot. After a night of passion with Bond she betrays Drax and helps Bond steal Drax's plans. Drax sends Jaws to kill her.

Yes, Jaws. He must be a henchman for hire, because he appeared in "The Spy who loved me" as Stromberg's henchman. There must be a market for 7'2" henchmen with metal teeth and superhuman strength.

These are Drax's plans. I hope Bond went to a good grammar school, because they're written in Latin.

The James Bond films are known for their action scenes showcased by beautiful scenery. In Venice Bond is in a boat chase along the narrow canals.

In Rio de Janeiro Bond has to fight with Jaws on top of a cable car.

Evil henchmen need love too. After falling off the cable car Jaws meets a beautiful young mute girl. She isn't named in the film itself, but the credits list her as Dolly.

Jaws takes Dolly to the space station, hoping that they can be the ninth couple to populate the new Earth. A disfigured man and a mute girl? Somehow I don't think they're perfect enough for Drax.

Can't Drax make an exception? Just look at her! She's the most beautiful woman in the film.

The actress Blanche Ravalec is 5'6", which is average for a woman, but she looks ridiculously small next to Jaws.

Roger Moore is dressed up like Clint Eastwood? He should have been in spaghetti westerns.

But at least Miss Moneypenny is impressed. She loves James Bond in any clothes. Or without clothes.

Film critics have heaped scorn on this film. They say that the outer space scenes are ridiculous. Yes, they are, but it doesn't bother me in the least. "Moonraker" isn't meant to be taken seriously, even less than the previous films.

Success Rate:  + 4.2

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