---
title: "Octopussy: the reviews"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/octopussy/reviews"
title_page: "https://film.one/film/octopussy"
critics_score: 65
critics_reviews: 9
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Octopussy (1983): what the critics said

Critics' score 65 from 9 reviews: 6 positive, 2 mixed, 1 negative.

## The AV Club — Alex McLevy

Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 8 April 2020. 

The critic finds the film one of the most enjoyably over-the-top Bond outings of the Moore era, with its campy tone and absurd set pieces making it a rollicking good time. They single out the lackadaisical performance by the aging Moore and the increasingly ludicrous action sequences for their engaging, consequence-free fun.

[Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/octopussy-is-a-bond-movie-as-silly-as-its-title-and-tha-1842693819)

## Little White Lies — Mark Allison

Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 26 April 2023. 

The critic views Octopussy as a fine entry in the Bond series with striking locations, a down-to-earth Cold War plot, strong stunt work and production values. It contrasts favorably with the rival Never Say Never Again in craft, style and spectacle.

[Read the review](https://lwlies.com/article/battle-of-bond-octopussy-never-say-never-again)

## The New York Times — Vincent Canby

Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 10 June 1983. 

The critic finds 'Octopussy' better than most Bond films, praising its high good humor, wit, and standout action sequences like the pre-credit escape and the circus train climax despite an incomprehensible story.

[Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/1983/06/10/movies/james-bond-meets-octopussy.html)

## Time Out — JP

Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 10 September 2012. 

The critic finds Bond in better form with tighter action sequences, more inventive visual gags and old panache, despite a weak plot. It highlights the shift to exotic Indian locations and Moore's performance.

[Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/octopussy)

## Variety

Rating **. 1 January 1983. 

The review highlights spectacular aerial stuntwork in the pre-credits teaser and climax as the film's high points, while noting the story involves a Soviet general's scheme aided by Octopussy and others, with Bond on their trail through India and Germany.

[Read the review](https://variety.com/1982/film/reviews/octopussy-1200425472/)

## Empire — Ian Nathan

Fi1m's normalised score 60/100 (inferred from the text). 1 January 2000. 

The oft-forgotten Bond entry suffers from an ageing Roger Moore, daft postmodern gags and unfocused villainy, but still has a good plot at its core. John Glen organises globe-spanning action effectively, with the knowing sense of humour saving it as one for the die-hards.

[Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/octopussy-review/)

## Radio Times — David Parkinson

Rating 3/5. 

The critic calls it the most frivolous Bond film, with a meandering plot across India and Europe and gadgets on display. Director John Glen struggles to control the action or glib dialogue.

[Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-0mc2rk/octopussy/)

## The New Yorker — Pauline Kael

Fi1m's normalised score 30/100 (inferred from the text). 27 June 1983. 

The critic sees silliness as the film's chief charm but notes the director loses track of the story and the women's roles are poorly thought out, with the title character disappointingly warm and maternal rather than perverse.

[Read the review](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1983/06/27/silliness)

## Den of Geek — Max Williams

Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 6 June 2019. 

The critic views Octopussy as a good-natured and occasionally thrilling James Bond adventure that features strong villains and a well-developed heroine, with the positives outweighing flaws like an aging Roger Moore. They particularly highlight the nuclear bomb element and Q's hot air balloon sequence.

[Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/octopussy-a-james-bond-movie-that-deserves-another-chance/)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/octopussy.md