Every James Bond Movie Ranked Worst To Best

To say that The Man with the Golden Gun is a mixed bag would be a understatement, since it simultaneously features some of the franchise's best and worst creative decisions.

The best aspect of the film is surely Christopher Lee as imposing assassin Francisco Scaramanga, a villain who rivals Blofeld in both intimidation and iconography. Other highlights include Moore's breezy performance, and the revelatory action sequences, which include some brilliant car flips and tense stand-offs.

For every one-take car stunt and scene-stealing Lee moment, though, The Man with the Golden Gun also features a plot which loses all steam by the film's end, as well as a strange comedic edge that takes away from the conflict at its centre.

It's not all bad, with its explosive set pieces keeping it afloat brilliantly, but all told Moore's sophomore Bond outing is a film best watched for its performances and visual flare rather than its story or inconsistent tone.