My Movie Review on Dr. No · 6:08pm Apr 7th, 2021
Greetings and salutations, my friends.
This is your top-of-the-line film, TV show, and episode reporter here with another review.
Today, for my 115th film analysis, I'm gonna give you guys my take of what is undeniably the very first movie in the James Bond franchise: "Dr. No".
Here's the rundown of it:
When John Strangways, the head of a British Secret Service stationed in Jamaica, mysteriously disappears after a card game, charismatic secret agent James Bond is sent from Europe to investigate the matter and find out what happened.
What starts as a search for a missing chief, though, suddenly turns into a mission to stop an evil mastermind responsible for Strangways's disappearance from causing worldwide chaos. The mastermind in question going by the name of Dr. No, which strikes fear into the hearts of many.
Making my own reviews of James Bond movies wasn't something I planned on doing from the very beginning. As a matter of fact, I wasn't sure if I'd be reviewing any James Bond movies at all. But, when I discovered that actor Sean Connery died recently on October 31, 2020 (the time I found out being on that very day), I thought that reviewing all the movies starring Connery would be a perfect way of dedicating him in his memory, most notably because the role of James Bond was what skyrocketed Connery into fame. So, I decided to do just that.
Before I get into what I think of this movie, I'd like to note that this review will be the only one in which I give an R.I.P to Connery. After all, why do so for him in more than one analysis?
So, what do I think of this movie?
Coming from a guy who saw "Dr. No" after so long, I really must say that this movie...was an absolute blast!
For instance, the direction by Terence Young, and the screenplay by Richard Maibaum, Johanna Harwood, and Berkeley Mather, were awesome!
Among other things, the film showcased an action-adventure story at its finest. There were terrific thrills throughout the movie that had me on the edge of my seat, and there was a vast amount of twists, turns, and mystery at every corner that helped things be unpredictable. Plus, the movie had wonderful snippets of wit that were fun to watch, and the action sequences were great enough to get one's adrenaline pumping.
The performances of the cast, casting, characters, and character development were brilliant as well.
The one thing I will admit is that I did feel critical of the use of Honey Ryder and Dr. No.
Ever since I last saw this movie, I couldn't help but note how late to the party Honey Ryder was and wondered why she didn't come into the picture much earlier. I also found myself wishing that the eponymous Dr. Julius No had a greater amount of screen time in the movie since his name was basically what the film's title was.
In spite of this, I was caught off guard by how the filmmakers were able to make up for it all.
No's presence had me hooked every step of the way. When he and Bond were meeting face to face in that dinner scene I could tell that all the times Bond evaded all of No's attempts to kill or capture him before caused Dr. No to develop a hatred towards Bond that was very personal. I was also surprised by Honey's immediate growth and build-up as a character in spite of her late entry, so her incorporation didn't feel entirely needless. The performances of Ursula Andress as Honey and Joseph Wiseman as Dr. No were pretty fun too.
Out of all the performers and characters, though, it was Sean Connery and his character of James Bond that impressed me the most. Connery was undeniably born for the role of Bond, because he not only brought an enrapturing presence whenever he was on the screen but gave his character a great sense of charm, humor, and personality that didn't make Bond feel like a mere stick character. The character himself wasn't without development either, especially after Honey came into the picture.
Finally, the music that was composed by Monty Norman was magnificent.
The best of Norman's melodies was definitely the iconic James Bond theme, which is unforgettable in every way. Particularly because it has a remarkable crescendo that's not only perfect for a spy movie, but is instantly bone-chilling.
In conclusion, "Dr. No" is an amazing film to watch, and a wonderful kick-off for the James Bond franchise. Everything about it is just so fun it's hard to find any fault.
So, I rate "Dr. No" five out of five stars.
Rest In Peace, Sean Connery (August 25, 1930-October 31, 2020).
You were not only the best person to take on the role of James Bond, but you were truly one of the best actors on the planet.
Did you that before Dr No, Sean Connery played a role in a little known Disney film entitled Darby O'Gill and the Little People? Because it was that film that landed the role of James Bond.
5492422
As a matter of fact, yes. I saw that movie myself for the very first time not too long ago.
Sean Connery was also a famous player on "Celebrity Jeopardy".
"I'll take 'Le Tits Now' for $400, Alex!"
"That's 'Let It Snow'!!"
5492422 It's only little known to youngins'! Us old people know Darby as the classic it is!
Sean Connery one of the best actors the world will ever know Rest In Peace Sean Connery
5492797
Very true!
It has been a long time since I've seen Dr. No or any classic Bond movie for that matter. I had literally all of them on VHS when I was young, from Connery to Brosnan but I never really went beyond that. The newer stuff is cool and all but it just lacks a certain charm to me.