The Man with the Golden Gun

007__#9__First of all, I really like Christopher Lee, I liked his charismatic bad guy a lot. At the beginning I couldn't get into the story, it was too confusing in a Hamilton way again, but as time went on it got better and better. The action was good, a couple of scenes (the car chase and the jump with the propeller over the river) were excellent, the villain's mansion with the labyrinth was impressive. Thank God that the final typical Bond exaggerated mass brawl was missing, only a one-on-one duel. That's why it's a four-star overall. (10/01/2005)

The best Bond played by Roger Moore, of that I have no doubt. In my opinion, Scaramanga's golden weapon ended the unattainable era of classic Bond films produced by the Saltzmann–Brocolli duo and directed by masters such as Terence Young and Guy Hamilton. The latter gave The Man with the Golden Gun the unmistakable style and charm that so characterizes Connery films, and the excellent Roger Moore does not lag behind. He has a huge personal magic and a rascal charm that turns into a stone killer mask at the right moment. And his opponent? Amazing! The classic Bond villain has many forms, and Lee Scaramanga is one of the most distinctive. After all, it's an anti-Bond thing – it has a murderously captivating style, it has inventions that even Q marvels at... But if Bond is a principled killer, Scaramanga is a masterless killer, and that will lead him into a battle with Agent 007 about life principles. The two sparkle like quartz, John Barry and his fabulous soundtrack stir up the fire. Hamilton's spectacle is simply kneaded... beautiful and attractive Asian scenery, divine catchphrases, beautiful feminine curves... and classic Sergeant Pepper on vacation (I know You! You are that secret English agent from England!!!)... It's simply the culmination of a golden era that other films regularly surpassed with the richness of plots and dazzling effects, but never even came close to Agent 007's style in his prime. (02/02/2005)

The second Moore outing is better, but there is already a sense that a change of director is needed. The script is too monotonous and weak, without any significant additions. It all feels “same old-same old", and it doesn’t matter that the villain is incredibly charismatic. Bond changes locations, occasionally seduces or shoots someone – it basically depends only on the gender of the person in question – and that's it. It is more understandable and even than the previous installment, but it still feels like a farce. (04/30/2014)

Christopher Lee is clearly the best Bond villain ever! That's why it's a shame his Scaramanga isn't seen more in The Man with the Golden Gun... Besides Lee, John Barry's music (he definitely composed the best "stuff" for this film, for The Living Daylights with Timothy Dalton, and for Goldfinger), the great Bangkok car chase, and Moore being in pretty good physical shape (we all still believe him here), this Bond film doesn't really stand out. Still, I won't give it a three because it wasn't boring. P.S. Scaramanga's minion-dwarf was getting on my nerves, that dumbass. Was that the screenwriters' intention? (03/30/2010)

Roger Moore is back and definitely in better shape. It's a shame that the writing doesn't follow suit. Moore has moved on from trying to be like Sean Connery's Bond. His character is no longer a wannabe macho man but brings an interesting variety of self-deprecating sarcasm. Christopher Lee as the main villain is oozing charisma, which is the second reason why I’m giving it a 4, despite the film’s noticeable shortcomings and the second appearance of Clifton James (why?). (08/03/2016)

Roger Moore is simply a cool guy and in addition, this time he got a great villain with Christopher Lee's face. Scaramanga is one of the most iconic Bond adversaries, and it's not just because of the golden gun he owns, but also because of how he was portrayed. At times, it's maybe a bit too much fun, but I'm glad there aren't as many gadgets here and they're not so disruptive. For me, it's definitely one of the best Bond films, if I exclude the most recent ones. (03/06/2014)