Dr. No (1962)

Ah. The majestic riff of John Barry (Or Monty Norman, I won't get into that here). Was there ever such a defining piece of music? And let me answer that for you: No.

The "Three Blind Mice" makes for a riveting introduction and with a swift assassination at a very exotic location, we are off to a good start. With Bond introduced gambling, stating his name only his second line. Genius.

Connery is suave on the verge of comedy seen in these days, but his appeal and danger are both undeniable from the first scene. Charming when it suits him, violent and deadly to men and women alike when he has to be. He even shoots an unarmed man from point blank. Truly the killer Ian Fleming created. Not to mention ridiculously flirtatious.

The introduction of characters is generally fantastic here, and the Bond-Girl Honey Rider (Ursula Andress) is the stuff of legend. So great they made a remake with Halle Berry 40 years later. Even for an early Bond-girl, she is a spunky one. She is introduced too late to make any impact though, and mostly strengthens the feeling that all characters are props for 007 to shine as different henchmen and girls (some both) come and go.

As a villain Dr. No is introduced in a futuristic and strange room only through a calm and callous voice. As most early villains he is very courteous until Bond starts provoking him, but Dr. No doesn't really fall for Bond's petulant attempts. Joseph Wiseman plays him with great stoicism. 

Made in 1962, this flick still has plenty of low-tech smartness that Bond uses throughout and with the recent explosion (pun intended) of CGI instead of script, it's quite titillating for the brain to see a spy that's actually smart and thinking on his feet. It doesn't have the set-pieces Bond-flicks were later known for but there is suspense and action in decent doses.

It has some pace-issues at times, but all in all this is a fine start to perhaps the most successful franchise in Hollywood to date.

And in closing: What's Bond without a bit of trivia?

Best car used: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
Best drink served: Medium dry martini, lemon peeled, mixed, not stirred
Henchman: No one of note
Villain: Dr. No representing SPECTRE
Best one-liner: "That's a Smith & Wesson. And you've had your six."
Bond-girl: As good as they come.

7/10