Review of Dr. No (1962) by Michael R — 21 Jan 2017
Even though it is the sixth of Ian Fleming's novels, Dr. No makes a remarkably good first offering in for a franchise. By the time Dr. No appeared on bookshelves, Fleming had worked out the kinks of its predecessors and fine-tuned the Bond formula, making for an ideal big screen introduction to James Bond.
The film establishes Bond so quickly, cleverly, and concisely in the opening scenes. Connery is pitch-perfect as Bond, combining a devilish charm with an icy badassness (for lack of a better term). As the film shifts from spy thriller in its first half to flat-out adventure in the latter half, director Terence Young balances the elements very well; Dr.
No doesn't ever feel disjointed or at odds with itself. Young also establishes a blueprint for the series, with all of the familiar elements present: exotic locales, grandiose villains, great action set pieces, and the music.
With its fast pace and Connery's gritty performance, Dr. No is easily one of the best of Bond films.
This review of Dr. No (1962) was written by Michael R on 21 Jan 2017.
Dr. No has generally received very positive reviews.
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