The Man from U.N.C.L.E (2015) Review!!

Synopsis – 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.

My Take – This year seems like a good year for lovers of the spy genre. We’ve had the awesomely funny (Spy), the blockbuster (Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation), the stylish (Kingsman: The Secret Service), the poorly made teen comedy (Barely Lethal), and we’ve still got historical drama (Bridge of Spies), and classic Bond (Spectre) ahead of us & now we have something from director Guy Ritchie (One of my favorites) who seems to have blended in all the goodies from the above mentioned films (well of course the poorly made teen comedy part) & give a film which is surprisingly very delicious & entertaining. Based on a show from the 60s, which obviously I have never seen, the film apparently just borrows the title and the basic concept of the show, & provides a fresh take on the spy game. Placed on the backdrop of the cold war and the 1960’s, director Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes) incorporates a style of film making that is less Bourne and more retro-Bond. Well-dressed, cliched agents with well-timed dialogue that takes front stage over action. Not that there is not action, but the action that is provided is more stylized and methodical & of course fun! The director elaborated every detail down to the bits, each item corresponds to the time shown on the screen: attire, weapon, cars, bugs and spy tactics. Compared to “Kingsman“, the technical hardware we see here would be described as less spectacular. Compared to “Spy“, the wit we see in here would be described as less riotous. Compared to “M:I Rogue Nation“, the stunts we see in here would be described as less breathtaking. However judged on its own, this film by Guy Ritchie is awesome on its own. The 60s-inspired production design, hair and costumes were so fab. (Those huge yellow subtitles can be distracting and hard to read though.)

Despite having tentative pacing in some scenes, it was still fun and entertaining to watch overall. The story follows American CIA agent, Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) has been tasked to extract a beautiful auto mechanic Gabby Teller (Alicia Vikander) whose long lost father Udo Teller, a now American former Nazi nuclear scientist who might be helping the wrong people develop a nuclear warhead. However he is being shadowed by a KGB operative, Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) who also has orders to not let the woman be taken. Through unforeseen circumstances we see both Solo and Kuryakin paired up to help young Gaby rescue her father. This sets the stage for Kuryakin and Solo to one up another and “cordially” meet, as their bosses force them to set aside their differences and work together on finding the people who are hiring Gaby’s father to make the the nuclear weapon. The people in question can stand aside the best of the Bond villains as well, as they each have their one unique fashion statement or “skill” that sets them above the rest. This all sounds like quite the fun movie, right? Like I said before, this film is very enjoyable! Solo uses these vintage gadgets and cars to get around Europe, which is sure fun to watch as he finds Gaby, only to have Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), the Russian spy with psychotic episodes that cause him to wreak havoc on anyone and anything near him, try and capture Gaby for himself and his boss, which ensues in a fairly excellent car chase that is similar to something we would have seen in ‘Sin City‘. The opening sequence chase scene featured heavily in the previews, but surprisingly the trailer did not ruin the scene. It actually came across even more crisp and clever in the theater and was a great beginning for the movie. It perfectly sets the tone of the two spy characters and establishes their respectful rivalry. The movie isn’t wall-to-wall action, but there are enough action scenes to keep the pace lively. There is also a second chase scene towards the end of the movie that is perhaps even better than the opening scene’s chase. One thing that sets it apart from other recent spy thrillers is it staying set in the 60s time period and not being “modernized”. From the opening “spy jazz” music, it sets the tone for what will be a fun ride. The star of the show is undoubtedly the director, Guy Ritchie and like most film buffs, was more curious than excited about films arrival. I was curious to see what Ritchie could do with a television program that has been dead and buried for over fifty years. Was it going to be a serious take on the lighted-hearted spy genre? Who was going to be in it? I am really glad I am getting the chance to review one of Guy Ritchie‘s films because I am a fan. I enjoyed Sherlock Holmes and his gritty London underground films but was I going to enjoy this. He seems to be the go to director when Hollywood needs a relic dug up and brought back to life. Ritchie‘s unique directing style fits perfectly with this slick/stylish film and he proves once again to have the right touch when it comes to blending humor with serious moments (one example being in the most morbidly amusing torture sequence I’ve seen since Bond’s in Casino Royale). Guy Ritchie‘s trademark is everywhere on this film, from the stylish sets, to the retro fashion. The catchy score, the swagger, and the witty banter, all are part of the Guy Ritchie experience. His ability to take the audience back to the 1960’s was a master stroke and will keep the film unique when compared to the many other spy franchises that hit our cinema screens all too often. Ritchie was able to find the right balance of subtle amusement, keeping true to the television show, without making it into an obvious comedic sketch. Since this is a period piece, I think it’s important to point out that they went through a lot of effort to get things right. Fortunately, they did such a good job that it, that it didn’t feel like I was being beaten over the head with the 60’s. There were a number of iconic outfits, but overall it was subtle enough that I wasn’t jarred out of the movie, which says a lot about the great job they did. Director Guy Ritchie has taken a gamble on his two leading men with both heavily criticized in recent big budget roles but it pays off as Cavill and Hammer look comfortable in their roles with neither outshining the other, apparently the roles were written with George Clooney & Tom Cruise in mind. The two agents continually strive for superiority, mimicking their own countries need for supremacy in the volatile world of the 1960’s.

Hammer‘s short tempered psychopath is perfectly balanced to the cool, slick ladies man of Cavill. Henry Cavill with his elegant chiseled looks, Cavill credibly portrayed the cool and capable spy Solo, as much as he was able to credibly portray Superman last year. He also succeeded in pulling off the smart-alecky personality of Solo, a man with a bristling sense of humor, something we would not have expected from his deadly serious Superman performance. Henry Cavill was suave personified here. Armie Hammer could not really lift his career off the ground after his breakthrough role as the Winklevoss twins in “The Social Network.” Forgettable films like “Mirror Mirror” and worse “The Lone Ranger” did not do his career any favors. Here he is so original and genuine in his Russian spy performance. Of course his persona is a perfect match for the role – with his innocent boy face and haircut and that massive energy of a muscular Russian spy. The juxtaposition of his sweet vulnerable personality and massive destructive energy is also irresistible. Eventually we learn more about his past, making us (the audience) care for him and love him even more. The symbolism of his father’s watch ties the beginning of the movie with the end. At first his character is reminiscent of a slight terminator-ish sort of spy, but it is through his rivalry and later his forced cooperation with Solo (Henry Cavill) and Gaby (Alicia Vikander) that his humanity evolves. And we learn that, he too, has a big heart under an iron fist. Alicia Vikander recently gave us a great performance with Ex-Machina —- now we see her here, a prickly rose amongst steel thistles (Solo and IIlya). Alicia, as Gaby, brings balance and contrast – a young passionate girl that appears to be innocent later on in the movie surprises us when we discover who she really is. But her personality – sweet and explosive and delicate make her a great match for the trio. She brings the softness in Armie Hammer‘s character, she teaches him to be more human. And of course, she learns to be a better human too. The high fashion she wears throughout the movie is also delightful. Elizabeth Debicki makes a good impression as the main villain Victoria, with her towering beehive, striking haute couture and naked ambition. She is chilling, sexy and cold as the she-devil villain we all would love to fall for. In a minor role, Hugh Grant is used to perfection by Ritchie. Grant adds a bit of star recognition to the film but comes across as rather likable with well timed appearances. His charm and mature wisdom with his natural lovable British sense of humor make him completely adorable to watch. He is now the boss of this nascent discordant team! On the whole, ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E (United Network Command for Law and Enforcement)‘ is a very enjoyable popcorn flick with a clear intention to just provide fun to its hungry audience. A ride that engrossed the audience from start to finish with enough action to keep the doubters glued to the screen. Towards the end of the movie, Henry Cavill‘s Napoleon Solo asks, “How’s THAT for entertainment?” (when teaching the movie’s villain a lesson about monologueing), and my answer regarding this movie would be very much indeed!! Being a member of the audience, I just didn’t want the movie to end! In the last scene I was convinced these characters are here to stay. Even though it unfortunate the film is not doing well at the U.S. Box Office, hopefully an excellent foreign haul will guarantee a sequel. Meanwhile, I will be seeing this film again sometime soon.