Rating: 
Summary: Why James Bond is still on the Job
Review: I always considered DR. NO to be one of the better Bond films and closer to the literary James Bond created by Ian Fleming. Sean Connery's performance is that of the no-nonsense dedicated civil servant. His screen presence alone conveys the physical, intellectual and moral conviction of the character. He is essentially a modern day version of the white knight slaying the dragon for Queen and country. Joseph Wiseman as Dr. No is one of the best villains of the series. His steel mono-toned performance is eerily unsettling. He remains one of the most enigmatic villains in the series. He is a villain moved more by unfounded revenge than by greed or riches. You almost sympathize with him as he makes futile overtures to Bond imploring him to join his organization. It seems that Bond is the only man capable of appreciating his intellect. Not even Dr. No's backers, Blofeld and S.P.E.C.T.R.E. are worthy of his talents. Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder leaves one of the most indelible images of the series as she emerges from the sea clad in her white bikini. She is characterized by the simplicity of her goodness and naivete as she is drawn into a vortex of worldliness that Bond further engulfs her in. Rather than that of a supposed sex object, she exudes a raw femininity found only in nature. Bond can not help but feel that he has corrupted her both deliberately and inadvertently in his blind quest to revenge the deaths of fellow agents. This is the very strength of Richard Maibaum's script, here and on subsequent Bond films. These films, the better ones, are about Bond, his adversaries, his loves and his friendships. Jack Lord was the first of many actors to play Felix Leiter, Bond's CIA friend. "Friend" in the world of James Bond is not a word used casually. Lord seemed the one actor to visually convey the camaraderie that existed between these two characters. John Kitzmiller gave a very good performance as the loyal Quarrel, one of the most important characters in he entire series. This character epitomized the dormant qualities found in the instincts of the common man. When called upon in the death struggle of good vs. evil he is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. Anthony Dawson as Professor Dent seems perfect as a man who knew better than fall into an inescapable web of subterfuge that Dr. No has spread from his island to the mainland. Zena Marshall as Miss Taro is a more willing participant, as she appears eager to overtly display her sensuality and share her sexual appetites openly with Bond. She is supposed to lure Bond to his death. Finding this not the case she enthusiastically offers herself to Bond. It is in these scenes that Sean Connery displays a certain animal screen presence that no other actor has ever equaled in the role. Many elements that distinguish a James Bond movie were introduced in this film. The opening gun barrel trademark, "The James Bond Theme," Bernard Lee's portrayal of the inimitable M, Lois Maxwell's portrayal of the desirable Miss Moneypenny, Ken Adam's innovative and distinctive production designs, Maurice Binder's unique main titles, the "Martinis shaken not stirred," just to name a few are all here. Director, Terence Young, always boasted and took relish in how he supposedly shaped the look and feel of the James Bond series. This is quite possibly true when looking at DR. NO. It is a film visually rich with well-detailed and defined characters. It also has an uncanny feel for the settings inspired from the Ian Fleming novels whether it be Bond's intelligence headquarters in London, the exotic sights and sounds of Jamaica or the incongruity of Dr. No's plush lair hidden in the mosquito invested swamps of Crabe Key. DR. NO is also characterized by quick paced editing by Peter Hunt. Hunt's innovative technique keeps the story moving visually and unobtrusively which also further defines the cinematic world of James Bond. But coming full circle, it is Sean Connery's performance and screen presence that intrigues and captures the imagination of the viewer. Given the sets, the music, the script, the locations and all the other elements, it all comes down to how Sean Connery fits and moves through this cinematic world that has been created for James Bond. DR. NO is the benchmark.
Rating: 
Summary: Dr. No (1962)
Review: Starring Sean Connery, Ursula Andress and Joseph Wiseman.
Directed by Terence Young.
Synopsis: John Strangways, an MI-6 agent, is murdered in Jamaica. James Bond is sent to Jamaica to investigate and finds out that Dr. No, a Chinese man, is planning to ruin the U.S. Space Program. With a shell seller named Honey Ryder, which he met on a beach, 007 must stop Dr. No before he destroys the Space Program.
Review: This is the first, but not best, James Bond film. Sure, it's got it's moments, but for the first hour is boring and even a bit uninteresting. The special effects for this movie are pretty good, but the music by Monty Norman is overdramatic (except for the James Bond Theme, which John Barry actually conducted), and some of the acting is bad. And, Honey Ryder isn't introduced for about an hour, and we first see Dr. No's face (which is not menacing at all) about 80+ minutes into the film. Speaking of these two characters, we barely even get to know them. But anyway, this film is okay overall.
Rating:
Summary: The Unforgettable First Adventure
Review: Dr. No was the first Bond film, and is a masterpiece in every way. The scenes of Bond introducing himself at the Baccarrat table and Ursula Andress emerging from the sea are forever branded in the conciousness of film buffs worldwide.Both Dr. No and its follow up, From Russia With Love, are perhaps the films that best embody Ian Fleming's vision of the character. The action and suspense work in this film because we believe Bond is human. Subsequent films turn Bond into a unstoppable agent that can miraculously save the world with outrageous stunts and gadgets. Sean Connery at his best, and a great action film that will stand the test of time.
Rating:
Summary: 40 Years and Counting
Review: DR. NO has always been one of my favorite films from the James Bond series. It seems much closer to Ian Fleming's prose than most of the other films thanks to Sean Connery's performance, Richard Maibaum's scripting, Terence Young's direction and the picturesque Jamaican locales. At the same time other elements that would be unique to the series and distinguish it from other films were introduced here. Production designer Ken Adam's sets, attractively futuristic yet totally simplistic and functional, adorned by Syd Cain's detailed Art designs set the look for the entire series making their work in DR. NO the benchmark. Peter Hunt's intuitive and effective quick-cut editing paced the film like no other at its time. Maurice Binder's brainchild opening 'gun barrel' is an incredible piece of Title Design, which is equaled only by the 'James Bond Theme', composed and re-orchestrated by Monty Norman and John Barry. Ted Moore's cinematography, especially the shot of bikini clad Ursula Andress emerging from the sea, is now a classic and also set a standard for future 'Bond Girls.' We are introduced to the organization known as S.P.E.C.T.R.E. in DR. NO. What is unique to this film is the main villain brilliantly portrayed by Joseph Wiseman. He is unlike future main villains of the series. He isn't exactly what you may call a 'social animal'. Joseph Wiseman's eerie portrayal made Dr. No one of the most mysterious and enigmatic of the series. In a way his portrayal seems like a model for the unseen Blofeld in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and THUNDERBALL. Rounded out by the beloved M portrayed by Bernard Lee, the lovely Miss Moneypenny played by Lois Maxwell, John Kitzmiller as Quarrel and Zena Marshall as Miss Taro, DR. NO ranks as one of the best.
Rating:
Summary: Dr. No (1962)
Review: Synopsis: An MI-6 agent named John Strangways is shot dead by some men posing as blind people, and soon his secretary's gunned too. James Bond is sent to Jamaica and find out that a man named Dr. No is planning to topple the US space program. Along with a shell sellaer named Honey Ryder, Bond must stop Dr. No.
Review: This is the very first Bond flick ever to be made. This is also the first one I've (fully, I've seen some of From Russia With Love and Licence To Kill, plus the end of Live And Let Die) seen. But at times, this movie's really boring. The sound of gun shots in this film is cheap, and we barely even get to know Honey Ryder OR Dr. No. In conclusion, this film's okay.
Rating:
Summary: James Bond against Doctor No
Review: "My name is Bond. James Bond." - british Secret Service Agent. Licensed to Kill "Intrigue... Suspense... Romance... A Perfect Picture!" - The Hollywood Reporter In this explosive debut, film history`s immortal action hero blazes thorugh one his most spectacualr adventures ever! With inimitable style, Sean Connery embodies the suave yet lethal cool of Agent 007. Bond`s mission takes him to the steamy island of Jamaica, where mysterious energy waves are interfering with U.S. missile launches. As he unravels the aston-ishing truth, 007 must fight deadly assassins, sexy femmes fatales and even a poisonous tarantula. With the help of crack CIA agent Felix Leiter (Jack Lord) and beautiful Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress), he searches for the headquarters of Dr. No, a fanatical scientist who is implementing an evil plan of world domination. Only James Bond, with his combination of wit, charm and skill, can confront the madman and save the human race from a horrible fate. With breathtaking chases, amazing stunts and a bold, nerve-shattering climax, this outrageously entertaining adventure pushes the envelope for non-stop thrills and magnificently sets the standard for the most popular movie series of all time. Approximate Feature Running Time: 1 Hour 51 Minutes, COLOR * 1962
* DIGITAL VIDEO TRANSFER * PG ALBERT R. BROCOLI and HRRY SALTZMAN present IAN FLEMING`s "DR. NO" starring SEAN CONNERY as JAMES BOND and URSULA ANDRESS JOSPEH WISEMAN JACK LORD also starring BERNARD LEE screenplay by RICHARD MAIBAUM * JOHANNA HARWOOD * BERKLEY MATHER directed by TERENCE YOUNG music composed by MONTE NORMAN produced by ALBERT R. BROCOLI * HARRY SALTZMAN technocolor Personal Opinion: Well this James Bond is most definately a five,
and features one of the best and most beautiful of the bond girls! If only she was naked on the beach like she was in the novel, instead of that WHITE BIKINI.
Rating:
Summary: "I am a member of SPECTRE."
Review: Synopsis(NOVEL): Bond is sent on an easy assignment to Jamaica, to tidy up a minor mystery surrounding Dr No and his island, Crab Key. Once there he becomes the target of someone's attempts on his life. Synopsis(MOVIE): Strangways, a British Secret Service agent, is murdered whilst investigating the toppling of several American rockets. Bond is sent to investigate. As the Americans are planning a moon launch in four days, time is running out.
Rating:
Summary: 4 1/2 Stars for one of the strongest Bond films
Review: Dr. No hasn't aged as well as some of the Bond films, but the strongest elements of the film still outshine those of lesser Bond classics. Dr. No is the meat and potatoes of the Bond series; the gadgets are kept to a minimum and Bond's cold warrior is direct, brutal and without remorse when dispatching the bad guys. What makes Bond so fascintating in this early effort is the cold detachment exhibited by Connery over the fate of those on the wrong side. As the series continued Bond became more complex but never overcomplicated. The best Bond film in the series is still On Her Majesty's Secret Service. There's a tragic, human quality that is finally revealed about Bond. A warning, if you haven't seen Secret Service I'd suggest skipping the rest of this paragraph.Although there is little reference to the murder of his wife in later films, there's a thematic undercurrent that follows and effects the character into future films. Joseph Weiss does a fine job as the title character (although I would have much preferred to see Christopher Lee in the role. Ian Fleming had Lee in mind when he was writing the novel and did suggest him to producers for the film. Sadly, Lee never got a chance to audition for the film)although he paints the character in broad (some would call it racist)strokes. Ursula...well she set the standard for all Bond girls to follow. The streamlined story, lack of gadgets and characters make this Bond a tough one to top. Only a couple of the Bond films really compare to the original debut film.
Rating: 
Summary: Bond. James Bond. Her Majesty's Secret Service. 007
Review: Bond. James Bond. Member of Her Majesty's Secret Service. Code number with the double-oh prefix - 007. The double-oh prefix thus gives him a license to kill. He has worked with Her Majesty's Secret Service since 1952, and for the first ten years of his service his preferred sidearm was the Beretta, a weapon to which his superior, Sir Miles Merservy, and the service's Armorer, Major Geoffrey Boothroyd (here played by Peter Burton as a straightforward bureaucratic type), take serious disapproval; Sir Miles Meservy cites as proof a mission by 007 some years earlier where his Beretta jammed and despite the mission's successsful implementation Bond spent six months in hospital in consequence. With a threat of demotion to standard intelligence duties, James reluctantly acquiesces to the issuance of a Walther PPK automatic sidearm. James Bond is also a fancier of beautiful women and an inveterate gambler who rarely if ever loses. His gambling will keep him awake through the wee hours of the night, and he makes sure that when he does sleep, it is never on the firm's time. He also takes a liking to Sir Miles Meservy's handsomely attractive secretary, Miss Moneypenny, whose own attraction to James is flirtier. Such is the introduction to the most famous espionage agent in the annuls of page or screen. Dr. No was not the first James Bond story to be laid down on either film or videotape - a mid-1950s television special of Casino Royale offered the very first screen introduction of the character - but Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Salzman's 1962-released treatment was the most spectacular and began a motion picture series that remains a force in the opening years of the 21st century. James' assignment is to Jamaica, where a British intelligence officer, John Strangways, and his secretary are mysteriously killed and dossiers on a scientist, Doctor Julius No, are missing. Strangways was checking reports of mysterious radiation from the island area that has been plaguing US space launches. As for Julius No, he is a Chinese-German who owns a bauxite mine off the shores of the island of Crab Key, and his paranoia for security ensures that no one goes near the island - on threat of death. James first encounters a fisherman, Quarell, with whom Strangways often sailed. The encounter soon leads to a brief scuffle and a meeting with Felix Leiter (a pre-Hawaii Five-0 Jack Lord), a CIA operative who also worked with Strangways and who will figure prominently with James in the future. Strangways' investigations sometimes took a back seat to meetings with friends at a nearby club, and James' own investigation encounters him with one of Strangways' club pals, geologiost Professer Dent. When a claim by Dent proves false, James realizes that Strangways latched onto something at Crab Key that involves radiation - and is thus serious. Despite two attempts on his life - the first, the planting of a tarantula, remains one of the most chilling scenes of the entire series - James and Quarell push onward and land at Crab Key, where they run into Honey Ryder, a collector of seashells. They are soon pursued by armed men to the interior of Crab Key, and a firefight leads to Quarell's death and the capture of James and Honey, where they find a fantastic sight - a massive decontamination chamber, and a palatial estate built into the coral and rock below the ocean, the handiwork of Doctor No and his Chinese and Jamaican henchmen. Doctor No is as confident as he is ruthless, to the point where he holds a dinner date for James, to try and recruit him to the organization to which No owes his loyalty, The Special Executive for Counterintelligence, Terrorism, Extortion, and Revenge. But James cannot be bought, and it will take all he has to stop Doctor No's next radio beam aimed at the launch of another US spacecraft. Dr. No introduces Monty Norman's classic guitar-horn-cymbal-drum driven theme cue, and also nicely grounds the varied characters so the audience can truly identify with them as the film proceeds. James Bond gets off to an exciting start here, and his run shows no sign of ever stopping.
Rating:
Summary: Along Came A Tarantula
Review: Then, along came a tarantula...Dr. No (DN) is best remembered in a scene where Bond wakes up in the middle of the sleep, with a crawling big spider at his back. Who could not forget that? I always laugh when I watched the perfect timing of the background music with him hitting the spider on the ground. It's so comical. DN was where it all started. The first James Bond (Sean Connery), the first nemesis Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman), the first babe Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress), the first theme song, the first appearance of M and Money Penny, though Q was not yet introduced. Until then, the breathtaking saga of Bond continues. The Plot (4 stars). Bond was assigned to Jamaica to inspect a colleague's murder plus a rocket launch interference according to US enquiry. During the investigation, Bond found out it was SPECTRE's (an arch enemy) delegate Dr. No was behind all these and that the operation of world domination was about to be discovered by Strangways. At the middle of the unfinished investigation, Bond was caught as the enemy's prisoner. Together with Honey Ryder, they escaped and saved the world from the iron hands of Dr. No. DN never fails to bring the momentum of mystery throughout the film, where mystery circles on the murder, the mysterious island, the guardian dragon and of course Dr. No. The Players (4 stars). It's Connery in his most serious act. I haven't seen Connery so serious, but it looks good at him. Wiseman appearance as Dr. No could bring chills to your bones. Dr. No is one of the greatest villains ever. Ursula is almost innocent and simple yet stunning. Bond's sidekicks like Felix Leiter (Jack Lord) and Quarrel (funny names trademark) are tolerable as well as the enemy's assistants like Prof. Dent and Miss Taro. The Production (3 stars). No silhouette women, no brief introductory appetizer, no gadgets, no original song, limited locations, limited car chase, stunts or actions. With not so big budget, the usual ingredients for a great Bond movie were definitely lacking. Not enjoyable for a modern viewer. But for a Bond fan like me, this is still fine. The detective plots and mystery were pleasant. Plot (4 stars X 40%) = 1.6
Players (4 stars X 40%) = 1.6
Production (3 stars X 20%) = 0.6
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Total is 3.8 or 4 stars - - excellent; highly recommended
*Check the criteria on how I decide to select stars for movies at my profile. I hope my review helps you a lot. Thanks.
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