Review of Dr. No (1962) by Barney O — 10 Jun 2017
WHAT I LIKED: This is of course where one of the most iconic film franchises ever began, and what's so startling when you look back at 'Dr No' now is just how elegantly simple it really is. Yes absent are the crazy explosions and fast-paced sequences - this is Bond without the frills as it indulges itself in a great spy-mystery story by taking its time to establish everything extremely well. As a result, Bond was born as a success, and if it hadn't have been for those steady foundations the formula couldn't have grown into what it is today. A big part of that is down to the direction from Terrence Young, but Sean Connery also carries much of the victory as he truly sets the bar high for portraying this fascinatingly charming and calculating super-spy.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: As the franchise grows, so does its confidence, and the simplicity here is undoubtedly built upon in far more exciting and engaging ways in the years to come.
VERDICT: 'Dr No' really did establish everything beautifully, and if it wasn't for this early success, Bond could never be what it is today.
This review of Dr. No (1962) was written by Barney O on 10 Jun 2017.
Dr. No has generally received very positive reviews.
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