My quest to watch all the James Bond films continues, and Dr. No was the first, starring a young Sean Connery who is a bit rough around the edges and looks almost thuggish. But the main elements are in place and it’s a bit stunning to see that much of what people expect from a Bond film today, was present right out of the gate back in 1962.
I think I’ve just seen one of the best, if not the best, Bond film. Suddenly I “get” what Bond is about, and why so much time spent (and so many movies made) trying to replicate the suspenseful experience that is Thunderball.
Diamonds Are Forever, a 1971 James Bond (Sean Connery) film, is a fair return to the Bond franchise after the odd duck of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. However, there are some plot problems and Connery doesn’t seem into it. This was his last go-round as Bond (for some time).
You Only Live Twice, a 1967 James Bond (Sean Connery) movie, although an action-packed entry into the Bond franchise, at times crosses over into the realm of cinematic cheese. It’s mostly about excitement, as if the makers worry people may be tiring of the 007 formula. Therefore, everything zips along and as a result, certain scenes feel tragically rushed.
I’m not a big James Bond fan but still find the movies reasonably entertaining. There’s enough of a mix between the standard Bond cliches (spy gadgets, car chases, nefarious evil-doers, hot babes) and unpredictable plot twists.