Live and Let Die (1973)

Despite having one of the more memorable title songs of the franchise, Live and Let Die is my least favorite of the Bond movies yet. Roger Moore took over the lead in this eight installment and so far I'm not particularly impressed, this Bond feels like a slightly different character then the one played by Connery and Lazenby. We are starting to move more into the realm of self parody here, though the movie still takes its self mostly seriously. A 21 year old Jane Seymour is the main Bond girl and gets a well deserved "Introducing" credit. Yaphet Kotto is the main villain and the "exotic locations" are New York City, New Orleans, and a fictional Caribbean Nation called San Monique. This film could be considered as part of the Blaxploitation sub genera popular at the time, though for awhile late in the film it essentially becomes Smokey and the Bandit on boats. ***

Ranking the Bonds so far:

From Russia with Love
Her Majesty's Secret Service
Goldfinger
Dr. No
Thunderball
Diamonds are Forever
You Only Live Twice
Live and Let Die