The Man From U.N.C.L.E Review
PG13: Sequences of Action Violence, Suggestive Content, and Partial Nudity
Warner Bros. Pictures
1 hr and 56 Minutes
Cast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, with Jared Harris, and Hugh Grant
Editor’s Note: This review was originally published during my adolescence. Outdated language might be seen in these old posts. Since then, my thoughts and values have grown. This review is being presented as they were originally written, grammatical errors, shitty sentence structure, and typos galore. Because to do otherwise would be that same as claiming these flaws never existed.
BACKSTORY: Monday August 10th my sister and I go to the premiere of the Man From UNCLE in NYC. Me and most of us common folk wanted to get a picture with Henry Cavill. My sister on the other hand wanted a picture with Alicia Vikander, so we all went to stupid lengths to achieve our goals. CHECK AT BACKSTORY TIME FOR MORE
STORYLINE: In the early 1960s, CIA agent Napoleon Solo and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin participate in a joint mission against a mysterious criminal organization, which is working to proliferate nuclear weapons.
REVIEW: Guy Ritchie just love bringing old things to life with style and fun. With his last two films being Sherlock Holmes 1 and 2 (2 kind of sucking to be honest), its nice to see him take a break with the popular mystery franchise and go into the spy action comedy genre. The Man From UNCLE may be the 3rd film in its genre (others being Kingsman and Spy) to be released this year. Undoubtedly its the weakest in terms of script and action, but does make it up in cinematography and style. The way how several action sequences are set up are just amazing. You have swish pan chases and fights that are maintained to being one shot at times. It is the equivalent of watching a theatrical spy show from the sixties (where this film was actually based on) The film itself is a shit ton of fun, but it lacks any character. We are immediately introduced to Cavill, Vikander, and Hammer as spies representing their home country and that's all you know. One is a playboy smart-ass, the other is a Russian badass who has anger issues, and a British beauty whose adorkable and is there to move the plot along to either a twist or romantic interest for the Russian. Even the villain is written poorly. Elizabeth Debicki makes a great villain but if she had better lines or even a backstory, she would've been memorable Films like Kingsman and Spy actually gave character to really each character even the minor ones. By then end you forget every character's name, but you will feel a rush.. This is one of those start and go films.The film moves by very quickly for what its worth. There isn't much story but just the generic spy film that retreads the same tropes and twists you'll expect. The cast is charismatic and share a lot of funny scenes especially between Cavill and Hammer. Some may say they see chemistry between them and some say there isn't much at all. If you are able to play jokes off each other and give the audience a great laugh, that is considered chemistry which there is a lot of.
LAST STATEMENT: If you are just looking for a dumb, but fun action film with style, flair, and funny moments, The Man From UNCLE is a great time just don't expect any memorable characters
Rating: 3.5/5 | 74%
Super Scene: Napoleon takes leisure time in the middle of combat
