Octopussy 1983

Vincent Canby, New York Times: Makes no pretense of being based on anything except the Ian Fleming character and the high good humor and wit of the film makers. Read more

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader: Glen's willingness to give the action sequences a certain weight and seriousness produces some genuinely exciting moments, yet his work is everywhere undermined by the flatness of the characterizations and the uncertain architecture of the plot. Read more

James Berardinelli, ReelViews: There's a fine line between wit and absurdity, and this particular movie too often falls on the wrong side. Read more

Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine: Bond had degenerated into a male model, and something of a genial anachronism. Read more

John Preston, Time Out: The action sequences are tighter, the visual gags more inventive, and if the plot is no great shakes, the whole thing is served up with a decent approximation to the old panache. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: Film's high points are the spectaccular aerial stuntwork marking both the pre-credits teaser and extremely dangerous-looking climax. Read more

Gary Arnold, Washington Post: It's a pleasure to report that the James Bond company is confidently back on the beam. Read more