Review of Dr. No (1962) by Francis L — 09 May 2012

The first Bond film I saw, and probably one which establishes the screen persona of the world's most famous (fictional) spy. With exotic locales, insane hold-the-world-for-ransom schemes, and the classic Bond wit (before it went over the top) this entry should satisfy any fan of the series.

It can also provide a nice introduction for those who haven't seen any of the franchise films. The added plus is the casting of Sean Connery as Bond (...James Bond). His accent, suave demeanor, and coolness under pressure set the bar quite high for future actors filling the role.

Also, Ursula Andress (in her famous scene coming out of the ocean) set yet another bar for future "Bond girls" to reach. The other characters include Jack Lord as Bond's counterpart from the CIA Felix Leiter Lois Maxwell as Bond's most dangerous adversary within MI6, Miss Moneypenny, and Bernard Lee as the infamous "M" (leader of MI6).

Joseph Wiseman plays the evil mastermind Dr. No, and offers a delicious version of a deranged madman, including his underwater lair beneath an oil platform. I only wish I'd been able to appreciate this film when it first came out, when the cold war was really reaching it's peak.

I can imagine how the various scenarios could have been accepted as realistic possibilities in that climate.