Review of Dr. No (1962) by Drew O — 09 Aug 2011

James Bond has become one of the most iconic and well known characters from the big screen. 49 years and 21 official Bond films ago, audiences were introduced to this secret agent with this now legendary exchange...

"I admire your luck, mister...?

Bond, James Bond". From that moment on, countless people were thrilled and entertained in the theater with the many adventures of 007.

The film that audiences were introduced by was none other than Dr. No. The first Bond film, and to this day remains one of his better missions. The plot is simple and straightforward, mainly just Bond investing a death in Jamaica and multiple assassination attempts on him. But, as someone pointed out to me, the simplest plots make the best Bond flicks. Goldfinger and From Russia with Love are both just as simple, and both are the best of the series.

While filmed on a relatively low budget by 1962 standards, Dr. No never ceases to entertain and makes full use of the amount given to create it. Yes, there are few action sequences but this isn't an action film like its successors, it is a old-fashioned spy thriller. And a great one at that. From Russia with Love had the same spirit, the only exception is that it had more action.

Dr. No is an excellent start to one of the greatest and most successful franchises in the history of cinema. No franchise has equaled 007 (when adjusting for inflation) and the series, currently standing at 22 films, has no signs of slowing down.