​FILMS

the man from u.n.c.l.e.

2015 review number 117:

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: (Action/Comedy): 67 out of 100: Based on the TV series of the same name from the 1960s, this espionage caper is a bit light on substance but makes up for this deficiency in the style department, where the production values are first-rate in showcasing the Swinging Sixties. The story isn't particularly memorable but if you go along for the ride, you should enjoy a few laughs and indulge in several exciting action sequences.

 

CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) are wary of each other, especially in the era of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. Despite their differences, they must join forces to eliminate a mysterious crime organisation led by Victoria Vinciguerra (Elizabeth Debicki), who has desires of ruling the world through the stockpiling of nuclear weapons. To prevent this from happening, they must prevent the development of the nuclear bomb. Gaby Teller (Alicia Vikander) is an auto mechanic whose father has disappeared. It is assumed that he has been instructed to develop nuclear capabilities for the heinous organisation. She teams up with Solo and Kuryakin to rescue her father and eliminate the threat of the criminals.

 

This is an origin story so we see how the U.N.C.L.E. (United Network Command for Law and Enforcement) organisation was set up. There are some fun moments to experience while we witness the formation of the partnership between Solo and Kurayakin. We are also introduced to their boss, Waverly (Hugh Grant).

 

Guy Ritchie directs with style, maintaining a steady pace throughout the film. Some of the editing is frenetic and it certainly didn't help this viewer being seated in the front corner of the cinema. Thankfully he doesn't resort to slow motion sequences which are often a trademark of his action films.

 

The location shooting in places like Rome and London helps elevate the production levels. It's beautiful to look at, in many respects. There's the retro fashion which has the actors superbly dressed. The production design is exemplary, with the sets looking like they are straight out of the 1960s.  The music score and soundtrack are cool and snazzy. The authenticity of all these features is definitely to be admired.

 

The actors do their best with the story they are given. Debicki's character unfortunately isn't menacing enough to be a convincing villain so the tension levels aren't high at all. Cavill is suave and debonair as the CIA agent. Hammer uses the Russian accent he adopts for this film, to great effect. Vikander shows promise as a leading lady, and adds spunk to her role. All three main actors have terrific chemistry.

 

Some witty dialogue has been included to enhance the chracterisations. It's a shame that more effort wasn't exerted in the story department. It just seemed like it was cruising along in need of more excitement and tension.

 

Having not seen the original TV series, a comparison cannot be made with the movie. It wouldn't surprise if there was a sequel, and now that the characters have been formed, hopefully there will be more excitement in the next instalment.

 

Starring Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki and Hugh Grant

(116 minutes)

Parental advice: Violence

Additional scene during or after credits: We see the dossiers of Waverly, Napoleon Solo, Illya Kuryakin and Gaby Teller.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x08iNZ8Mfc (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Friday 14th August, 2015)

 

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