Should You Watch It? | The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Review | What A Guy!

With Guy Ritchie at the helm of the movie, does The Man From U.N.C.L.E deserve your AED 35? Here’s our The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Review:

Basically…

The movie, inspired from the 1960’s TV show of the same name, begins with a beautifully re-constructed Germany, set in the year 1963. We have the suave Henry Cavill, playing an American CIA agent by the name Napolean Solo. Once a master thief, he is tasked with finding Gaby Teller, played by Alicia Vikander, who happens to be the daughter of a Nazi mastermind in-charge of designing nuclear missiles. But his mission is hampered by Russian KGB operative Ilya Kuryakin [Armie Hammer], as he is asked to ensure that Gaby does not leave with Solo. After their initial encounter, they are asked to make peace and team up to impede a criminal organization. The two lead men share a very fun dynamic, which ensures that you remain entertained in an otherwise stale plot screaming typical. Oh and bringing the oomph is Elizabeth Debicki playing a powerful Italian aristocrat.

What A Guy!

Now, as much as we love the Warner Brothers-style of packaging a movie, we have to call them out when they begin production of a movie, on what can only be referred to as a ‘first draft’ version of a script. Here I would have liked to say “Enter Guy Ritchie”, but sadly, Guy was one of the writers himself. My point is that the script is mediocre, but, boy, has Guy Ritchie (also directing this movie) saved it from being a stinker. Right from his elliptical style of storytelling (which, I must add, has gotten better) to the crisp montage sequences and how they have been edited, Guy Ritchie deserves all the plaudits for making what could have been the The Boy from U.N.C.L.E., The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Another element of production that must be highlighted is art and production design by Oliver Scholl, David Allday , Elli Griff (set decoration) and Joanna Johnston (costume design). Each frame of the movie looks great, again, a big thumbs up to Guy Ritchie and his team for making this happen. Don’t miss the opening or closing credits scene as they’re very artfully done and will give you a good dose of visual funk. BTW, the soundtrack is great!

Acting

Henry Cavill, who can even make most men insecure with his almost perfect existence, has surely made up for the largely negative reception after Man Of Steel, whereas Armie Hammer has come a long way from his role as one of the twins on The Social Network. Alicia Vikander is no Rebecca Ferguson, but she does manage to hold it together throughout. Elizabeth Debicki carries forward her sex appeal from The Great Gatsby and commends a powerful screen presence.

All in all

The movie succeeds admirably in its own terms but gives you nothing new. The vacuum created by the shortcomings in the plot are filled by some amusing action scenes and dialogue delivery. Nevertheless, a fun watch for all. Oh, and expect a sequel.