Dr. No (1962, PG)

It should not come as a surprise that just because Dr. No is the first official James Bond film, that it's also the one of the best ones.  In other words, this is where James Bond, in cinema, began, and it's also one of the better Bonds in the entire franchise (though probably not the best).

The actual character of James Bond was created by Ian Fleming, who also wrote the books.  Fleming originally wanted David Niven for the role of Bond, but the role went to Sean Connery instead.  Fleming was so impressed by Connery's performance, so that he rewrote the history of his character to include some Scottish heritage in him (Connery is from Scotland).

Sean Connery is James Bond 007 in Dr. No, the best, most lethal and most suave British agent of M16.  Bond is sent to Jamaica, to investigate the murder of another M16 agent.  There, he uncovers something else entirely: Dr. No, an agent of the evil organization, Spectre, has plans to disrupt an early American space launch.

Dr. No is classic Bond, because it introduces everything that is in later Bond films, and even the more modern Bond movies today: the opening gunshot sequence, Bond's trademark Walther PPK, Vodka Martini, fast cars, exotic locations, and of course, the famous line, "Bond...James Bond", which goes down as one of the most iconic lines in film history, and easiy the most iconic for a Bond film.  The only thing absent in Dr. No from other Bond adventures are the gadgets; therefore, Bond has to rely on his wits rather then silly gadgetry equipment.

Connery enters the screen for the first time as Bond with a good performance though not a load of confidence.  He will go on to perfect his role and be the best Bond in the franchise's history.  Terence Young, the director, will go on to direct the improved Bond thriller, from Russia with Love.

I liked Dr. No a lot.  It still remains one of my preferred Bond movies, probably just because this was also the first Bond movie I've ever seen and it captivated me into becoming a fan of the franchise.  Compared to action flicks of the modern day, and even later Bond movies, it may feel kind of cheesy. It was produced on a small, tight budget, but also spawned a worldwide phenomenon.  Today, the James Bond series it still strong, and one of the most successful movie franchises in cinema history.  It all started with Dr. No.

                         ****/5