‘Genuinely underrated’ British film is on TV tonight | Films | Entertainment

Those hoping to cosy up for a thrilling midweek watch needn’t look any further, because we’ve got just the recommendation for you. Fans of slick action and stellar storylines are in for a treat, as a James Bond flick is all set to air on television tonight.

The 1981 spy film is the twelfth one in the 007 franchise and sees beloved British actor Roger Moore take on the mantle of the fictional MI6 agent. It was Moore’s fifth outing as the suave spy, and many have deemed it his most underrated outing as Bond. In total, Moore starred in seven 007 films, the most of any actor in the franchise.

Produced by Eon Productions, the action was director John Glen’s debut feature film, with the filmmaker having served as an editor and second unit director on previous offerings of the franchise.

Notably, Glen went on to direct the most James Bond films of any filmmaker (five) and has been highly lauded for his fresh take on the franchise, with his filmography including For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983), A View to a Kill (1985), The Living Daylights (1987), and Licence to Kill (1989).

For Your Eyes Only stars Carole Bouquet, Chaim Topol, Lynn-Holly Johnson and Julian Glover alongside Moore, with a story penned by Michael G Wilson and Richard Maibaum. The film was principally adapted from Ian Fleming’s famous titles For Your Eyes Only and Risico, however, some elements of the movie’s plot were said to have been inspired by novels such as Live and Let Die, Goldfinger and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

The movie’s official plot states: “When a British ship is sunk in foreign waters, the world’s superpowers begin a feverish race to find its cargo: a nuclear submarine control system. And 007 (Roger Moore) is thrust into one of his most riveting adventures as he rushes to join the search… and prevent global devastation!”

The twelfth film in the Bond franchise was a smash-hit box office success, grossing $195.3 million worldwide against an estimated production budget of $28 million. It became the second-highest grossing 007 film at the time, after its predecessor, Moonraker.

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, For Your Eyes Only has a 69% critics’ approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.

One reviewer said of the film: “For Your Eyes Only is still the most thrilling entry in Roger Moore’s tenure. A great song, a charming ally, a creepy henchman, a terrific Bond Girl, and a genuine espionage mission – what’s not to love?”

While another critic heaped praise on Moore: “This is definitely one of Roger Moore’s best outings as Bond. Whilst Moore is naturally a charmer, in For Your Eyes Only, he presents Bond with a tougher edge.”

Even director John Glen has been lauded for his debut, with one critic writing: “First-time director John Glen knows what’s needed to create suspense… put the series’ trademark wit, women, and song alongside the high-stakes adventure of a more brutal 007.”

Audience reviews follow in a similar vein, with one viewer saying: “Genuinely underrated. It’s something of a return to the basics. Not overly serious but there’s some actual stakes here and some fairly brutal action (something that makes these John Glen directed movies stand out).”

Another fan of the film (and Roger Moore) said: “Roger Moore’s best outing as 007 by a country mile. Back down to earth after the sci-fi shenanigans of Moonraker. Lead Bond girl one of the best of the series albeit there’s no central villain. Moore should had this as his farewell movie instead of the shocking AVTAK [A View to a Kill].”

Echoing the sentiment, another viewer wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “Easily Moore’s most underrated bond film, even though it starts and ends pretty goofy the rest of the film is an great espionage thriller with an fantastic score, solid acting and fun action sequences.”

For Your Eyes Only will air tonight, April 1, at 9pm on ITV4.