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Although Cleopatra Jones contains themes relating to the black and feminist movements, it appeals to the general public and is known to be the “ first blaxploitation film to use martial arts as part of its promotion .” It appeals to audiences who enjoy action movies ( such as the James Bond series ) and has invited comparisons between Jones and Bond.

One critic noted “ On the surface, Cleopatra Jones is about a black distaff James Bond who drives a fancy car equipped with a submachine gun in the door, wears smart clothes, is a karate expert, and travels all over the world as a United States secret agent, destroying the poppy wherever it is found .” Another critic, Chris Norton, even suggested, “ Like Bond, Cleo is not a stealthy character who tries to infiltrate the underworld by losing her identity … Bond seldom tried to hide his identity, often using his real name during introductions, and all Bond films rely on his being recognized as 007 .” Likewise, Jones is rarely undercover, and is flashy and flamboyant on tbe job.

Norton continues by saying “ Cleo ’ s outrageous outfits are also analogous with Bond ’ s dinner jackets and playboy wardrobe.

Her three-foot hat brims and flowing fur robes are treated with respect and awe within the film, just as Bond ’ s refinements are looked upon as the height of good taste … Cleo is not simply a black James Bond.

While the Cleopatra Jones films have co-opted Bond, they avoid a total fusion of her character of Bond .”