I had avoided “Moonraker” (1979) for years because critics generally agreed it was terrible. So when I finally watched it, I expected a disappointment. I was wrong! "Moonraker" is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish and stands out as one of the best films in Roger Moore's seven-picture run. The story follows 007 as he investigates Hugo Drax (Michael Lonsdale) after a space shuttle belonging to Britain is stolen. James soon discovers that Drax has devised an elaborate scheme to create a new breed of perfect humans. Richard Kiel’s giant Jaws makes a return from “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977), and Bond teams up with the lovely Dr. Holly Goodhead (Lois Chiles). The film culminates in a spectacular battle aboard Drax' space station. Everything about "Moonraker" is over-the-top: the settings, the action sequences, Drax’s plan, the humor, the serious moments, Jaws himself, and the space finale. This approach works well because Bond movies were never intended to be deep or thought-provoking; they're meant to be thrilling spectacles with a playful sense of absurdity. One thing I look for in any James Bond film is exciting globe-trotting and impressive locations. That’s one reason I feel “License to Kill” (1989) falls short, but "Moonraker" delivers on that front! The movie begins with stunning views high above Napa Valley, California, as Bond engages in a skydiving duel. From there we see France, Venice, Rio De Janeiro, the jungles of Brazil & Guatemala and the incredible Iguazu Waterfalls in Argentina. Lois Chiles is one of the more attractive and capable Bond girls. Her name, "Dr. Goodhead,” is amusingly silly, in line with names like Pussy Galore and Chew Mee. Meanwhile, Drax is a serious and imposing adversary contrasted by Jaws’ cartoonish villainy. The film succeeds on every level as entertainment, although some viewers might have minor reservations. For example, many criticize the goofy humor surrounding Jaws. The good thing is that it's genuinely funny, and you’ll probably laugh several times. Regardless, the story remains essentially serious, albeit completely outlandish, which fits with the series overall, like “Goldfinger” (1964) and “You Only Live Twice” (1967). Some people object to Bond being in space. I don't understand that criticism; he’s been everywhere on Earth and every ocean, so why not an adventure in space for something new? Certain viewers have claimed "Moonraker" was trying to imitate “Star Wars,” but this doesn’t make sense; the two films share nothing in common. It would be like saying “Thunderball” (1965) copied "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" because of its underwater scenes. I also want to mention that I avoided "Moonraker" for so long because I believed most of it took place in space, which isn’t something I typically seek in a Bond film. However, that's not the case; Bond doesn't head into space until over an hour and a half into the story! Only about 23% of the movie takes place in space. More importantly, the ending is actually interesting and exciting, unlike the conclusion of “The Spy Who Loved Me,” which isn’t quite as compelling. Roger Moore starred in more Bond films than any other actor—a record only matched by Sean Connery if you include his unofficial 1983 film "Never Say Never Again." Roger took on the role in 1972 when he was 44 and ended his run in 1985 at age 57 (!!). Regardless of his age, he always looked great and convincing as 007; yes, even in “A View to a Kill” (1985). His movies included more humor and action than the slightly more serious Bond films from the early 60s, which were fantastical and absurd in their own way (like Oddball’s killer hat), but Moore's time isn’t so different when you consider Connery’s later films, like “You Only Live Twice” and especially “Diamonds are Forever” (1971). Many prefer the Connery era, and I certainly appreciate those movies, but I find that Moore’s run to be the most consistently entertaining in the series. Every one of his films was a box office success, and "Moonraker" was the highest-grossing Bond film until Pierce Brosnan's “Goldeneye” in 1995. There isn’t a single weak entry among them; they are colorful, vibrant, and full of energy. The movie has a running time of 2 hours and 6 minutes. GRADE: A-

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