Live and Let Die (1973) Review

During the production of Diamonds are Forever, screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz thought it would be “daring” to adapt a book with a black villain since the subject of race was very prominent at the time with groups like the Black Panthers being very active. Sean Connery was asked to return but denied so Roger Moore was quickly signed for the role and Guy Hamilton was again chosen to direct. While receiving criticism for its racial overtones the film received mainly positive reviews mostly for the various action scenes.

I never understood why this film gets as much praise as it does, it’s by no means bad but at the same time it’s not great, it’s fun and entertaining but when people call it their favorites I’m left scratching my head. I presume it’s for nostalgic reasons and I may look back on it more fondly but at the moment it’s just a good film, not fantastic but good.

The score by George Martin isn’t as good as a John Barry score but it’s still great and amplifies the action and tension. Paul McCartney’s title song is also fantastic, deserving its two Oscar nominations.

Roger Moore as well as the rest of the cast delivers great performances and while Moore’s interpretation of Bond diverts massively from Ian Fleming’s original character, a campy Bond is still a lot of fun to watch with the cheese making most of these films so enjoyable. That doesn’t mean there can’t be any exciting tense scenes because there are some very thrilling action pieces even if I was chuckling more than biting my nails I won’t complain. All the characters are fun to watch interact and talk even if one or two can be frustratingly stupid and annoying at times.

If I were to describe this film in one word it would be ‘entertaining’, it’s no masterpiece but its classic, campy Bond and it’s a fun time. It’s a great first outing for Roger Moore and an essential watch for a Bond fan and I would recommend it as long as you’re not expecting a dark and serious spy thriller but instead a laid back lazy Sunday movie.

7/10