Acknowledging where the previous film went wrong, the filmmakers started from scratch and figured out what makes Bond work. Upon the films release, reports of James Bond's death were greatly exaggerated. After two less than impressive outings, many wondered if Bonds best days were behind him, but Moore returned with a suave, sophisticated performance that showcases his wry wit and charm. He took possession of Bond and made him his own, far and away from Connery's interpretation. This is James Bond as a comic book hero, done with plenty of whimsy and with tongue planted firmly in cheek. The film opens wide and just keeps getting bigger. From the action to the music, this is Bond at his best. Taking cues from two of the series best entries, "Goldfinger" and "You Only Live Twice"; nothing is too outlandish no matter how hard it tries. What would a Bond film be with a megalomaniacal villain who steals British/Soviet submarines, in an attempt to pit the superpowers against each other. His ultimate plan is to kill off the surface dwellers and re-populate his underwater city with citizens of his choosing of course- Ya know that old chestnut. Accompanying Bond on his mission is Russian Spy Agent XXX (triple X, get it?) played by Barbara Bach, exhibiting pleasant chemistry with Moore as both show off their talent for one-liners during their Egpytian desert escape from JAWS- a steel toothed giant, (Richard Kiel) who can chew threw almost anything, especially the scenery. Originally Blofeld was going to be the villain, but legal problems prevented it. Kurt Jergensen as Karl Stromberg is merely adequate as the heavy. TSWLM has tons of action and it's impressively staged. The single best moment is the closer to the pre-credit sequence that has Bond ending a harrowing ski chase by zipping off the edge of a 30,000 foot cliff. The best part is NO trick photography; the parachute opens to display the Union Jack, leading perfectly into Carly Simon's catchy, iconic theme, "Nobody Does it Better." Old favorites "M", "Q" and "Miss Moneypenny" show up to offer the proper support. Gadgets galore, love that Lotus car and a rich score by Marvin Hamlich make this the best Bond of the 1970's.