**** - Very good.
After twenty-one films, six actors and forty-five years, the adventures of James Bond 007 are a firm part of the cultural landscape. But it all began here with modestly budgeted film called Dr. No.
After a British agent disappears in Jamaica, Bond (Sean Connery) is sent to look into things. He is soon in the thick of it, with people after him as soon as steps off the plane. As he investigates, 007 finds all the intrigue seems to have something to do with sabotaged US rocket launches and the mysterious Doctor No.
For those used to the more cartoonish later Bond films (which I enjoy), Dr. No will come as something of a shock. This is a smaller and grittier movie with (gasp!) no gadgets and Bond acting like a true to life secret agent for much of the movie. Despite this, the Bond girls are great in this installment with Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) probably being the best ever. The first villain is a very good one with Joseph Wiseman giving a rather chilling performance. The cinematography is lovely and at times stunning, especially after its new digital restoration. The problems with the film are minor but keep it from getting a full five stars. The movie’s comparatively low budget shows at times and the filmmakers are still developing the James Bond formula here. My main complaint though is that ending seems a tad rushed and too easy for 007. Still, overall, this is still a great film and definitely should be in your collection.
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