DR NO was a hit so a sequel was ordered and the budget was doubled and it shows. This one further cements the groundwork that will be a James Bond film and introduces Q, the head of British Intelligence Gadgetry and the Bond series is off and running.

He’s up against SPECTRE again who is seeking revenge for his murder of their agent Doctor No— the lead villain is Blofeld who will be the only truly recurring villain in the series, although his face is not seen, he is the man behind the treachery.

Robert Shaw is Red Grant, the assassin assigned to take out 007 and he’s truly a threat. We also get tiny little german woman Rosa Klebb who has knives in her shoes and she’s a kicker so it’s a dangerous combination.

Connery is getting comfortable in his role but he’s still giving it his all, he’s on the verge of being the best Bond he can be. This one is more serious and less gadget laden than the series will become making it a favorite among fans of the original books by ian Fleming.

BOND: Connery is figuring out James Bond. ****1/2
VILLAIN: Blofeld is the Bond Villain. *****
THEME SONG: A little too flowery for my liking. ***
HENCHMAN: Red Grant is a man of steel. ****1/2
OVERALL BOND RATING: 9.2

It’s worth noting that PLUTO is offering a James Bond channel right now.