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Roger Moore makes his debut as James Bond in Live and Let Die, a weird blend of voodoo magic and blaxploitation that stands apart from any other entry in the Bond ouvre. Moore does an admirable job taking over the role from Sean Connery. I actually prefer Moore, but I grew up with him in the role, so I’m understandably biased. Live and Let Die isn’t as cinematically polished as some of the previous films, but it’s still plenty of fun. Highlights include Bond’s escape from an alligator farm and a long, well-choreographed speedboat chase through the Louisiana swamps. The colorful supporting cast includes Yaphet Kotto as a villainous drug lord, Clifton James as a bumbling bayou cop, and lovely Jane Seymour as Bond’s fortune-telling love interest. John Barry’s musical touch is sorely missed, but Paul McCartney and Wings serve up one of my favorite Bond theme songs.

Oscar Nomination: Best Song