ROGER MOORE

I am now aiming precisely at your groin. So speak or forever hold your piece.

1973-1985

Things were a bit messy after Lazenby left the franchise. Sean Connery briefly returned to the role for one more film, Diamonds Are Forever, in exchange for an enormous paycheck. After that, he walked away again. At this point the franchise was at a crossroads, and couldn't survive another one-and-done deal. It needed a new star. Many other actors were considered, and there is a long list of those who were consulted and auditioned for the part. Would I have liked to see Sam Neil or Mel Gibson as Bond? ... I admit, yes. Burt Reynolds? Eh, maybe not so much.

Let's just say that what we got more than sufficed. Roger Moore was well-liked at the time, an established actor on The Saint, and a nice breath of fresh air after the Lazenby ordeal. To this day his portrayal of the character and his films, an epic seven in a row, have stood the test of time. And it's easy to see why. The man oozes charm. That eyebrow raise alone has more charisma in it than half the MCU. Both on set and off, in character and otherwise, he was the quintessential British gentleman whose post-Bond work for UNICEF is a testament to not just a great actor, but a great man in general.

So, how do I feel about his tenure as Bond? It definitely featured some of the... sillier films in the franchise, and those most obviously influenced by the times. Live or Let Die? Blaxploitation. The Spy Who Loved Me? Jaws. Moonraker? A New Hope. But silly was the name of the game back then, and these films certainly don't lack serious themes (mass murder) or even moments (the horrific death of Corrine).

So does the man have a weakness? The physical side of the character. Moore was already relatively old (46) during his first film, and was never one for doing much of the physical work - especially not his own stunts. This becomes increasingly obvious toward the end of his tenure when he was in his late 50s and most notably in A View To A Kill where his stunt doubles get almost as much screen time as he does.

But if that doesn't distract you, his seven film streak makes for a great marathon and highly recommended.