Dramatically changed for the film. No Jamaica. No attempted assassination of M. The Japanese fisherman part worked into “You Only Live Twice” (but as a pretext to get into Blofeld’s Volcanic Lair, not afterwards).
While it wasn’t a bad film, it was perilously close to cartoonish as the ‘70s Bonds were (Herve Villechaize’s Nick-Nack, the ludicrous reappearance of Sheriff J.W. “We’re Democrats !” Pepper. Why would he be visiting Southeast Asia ? The most exotic place he’d likely ever go would be Shreveport). Christopher Lee’s excellent performance saved the film. Moore did OK. Connery would’ve done better, though no revelation.
Yes, I thought that Mary Goodnight was a sweetheart and not an empty headed blond. Also, the core plot was part of “License to Kill”.
No shite. The only explanation is the wife was into Asian culture and dragged him along. Or maybe the local police invited him to a conference on how to train their men to be incompetent. Or possibly he lost a bet or won the trip for free. All explanations a stretch.
IMO the car chase flip with the COMEDIC SLIDE WHISTLE was THE low point of the film franchise.
But Moore slapping around Maud Adams was great. I think it would have been very interesting if he had played a "harder" Bond. Those rare scenes where he was a more ruthless Bond were very good.