Roger Moore plays James Bond once again in this thirteenth installment, where Bond, while tracking a stolen Faberge Egg, finds out about a plot by a renegade Russian general to detonate a nuclear missile on American soil, thereby striking first in a proposed third world war. The missile is traced to a circus(!) so Bond must go undercover to retrieve it, and defeat the general (played by Steven Berkoff). Story also takes him to India, where he meets up with the title character (Maud Adams) and her circus performers, staying with villain Kamal (played by suave Louis Jordan) who is involved with the evil plan. Despite the sight of James Bond dressed as a clown(!) this entry is still a lot of fun, striking the right balance between seriousness and high adventure, resulting in a satisfying film, though it does go on a bit too long! (Not that bad a thing here.)

1983 was the year of competing Bonds -- Connery against Moore; Never Say Never Again against Octopussy (the thirteenth "official" entry). Even though Connery's return was a remake of Thunderball and didn't have the John Barry/Monty Norman theme music, it was still better than Octopussy. After twelve years off, Connery was up for playing 007 again. Moore, on the other hand, had been at it for a decade, and was just going through the motions. Fatuousness replaced flair. Bond, never the most rounded character at the best of times, had become a caricature of himself.

The story jumps around a bit and doesn't really flesh out the supporting characters as well as previous efforts in the franchise had. Orlov could have and should have been a great Bond villain, instead he's only mediocre. The same can be said of Moore's performance here, as he's been better in other Bond movies and seems to kind of be going through the motions with this film. The girls look good, and Octopussy is quite a memorable character, but too much of the film is set in India where not a whole lot that is important to the central plot actually happens and this results in what feels like some padding even if they are very pretty to look at.

What can I say about this movie that have not been said... One of my favorite Bond movie from the Moore era. I always like the reactions of Moore face regarding certain situations, Also how he smiles on the face of anybody while making them explode in anger over the fact the he has arrived to spoil every plan anybody had. But also, how he quickly changes to an assassin in a matter of seconds. Great transfer by Lowry Digital and a great addition to complete my Bond collection on Blu Ray!! Thank you Mr Moore!! R.I.P.

"Octopussy" features the elements that make James Bond movies fun. Roger Moore is the best tongue-in-cheek Bond portrayer. He captures the attitude and personae perfectly. The movie takes the viewer to fun locations. It is fast-paced and full of action, adventure and the 007 gadgets.