Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Screenplay by: Guy Ritchie and Lionel Wigram
Year: 2015
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. was a television show that I am not familiar with in any way. I know next to nothing about the show apart from the fact that it inspired the making of this picture. So I watched this film completely missing any references that might have enhanced the viewing experience, though I do not believe my thoughts on the film will have changed too drastically after watching the show. So then, is this movie executed as elegantly as its lead is portrayed, or is it yet another forgettable, messy spy flick?
Set during the 1960's and during the Cold War, Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill), an agent for the CIA, and Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), a Russian KGB operative must put aside their differences as they are assigned to a joint mission, in which they must stop a criminal organization from creating world catastrophe through nuclear weaponry.
By the end of the year, there will have been quite a number of spy movies to have come out in 2015. To name a few, Kingsman: The Secret Service, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, Spy, Spectre, and Bridge of Spies. However, most if not all of these films take place in modern day. This picture, on the other hand, is set in the 1960's. As a result, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. has a very distinct feel and atmosphere that sets it apart from the other spy entries this year. The period looks great for the film and allows for some opportunities that I will discuss a bit later.
Henry Cavill leads the cast and he is absolutely charming as Napoleon Solo. Cavill slips into the role with ease, turning the dial of suavity and class to the maximum level. I really want to see more of this character as he is just so humorously engaging. Think of the Sean Connery Bond, only a lot funnier. Armie Hammer also does a great job as the Russian agent. He provides plenty of deadpan humor and his entire personality clashes with that of Cavill's portrayal, which makes for some very comedic moments and plenty of fun banter. Hammer's character is a disciplined, stern, physical operative that likes to do things his way. Mentioning the rest of the cast would be quite useless because Cavill and Hammer steal the entire film. They outshine all of their fellow cast members, who fail to leave a mark.
The story is, unfortunately, rather weak and muddled. The premise has been done to death, whether or not it follows the foundations of the television show being irrelevant. Two very different people must work together to accomplish a goal. But the actual story does not help. The plot gets lost within itself and events begin to occur with little to no reason. The story is also not very original, with criminals wanting to acquire nuclear weapons being a spy movie cliche at this point.
Sadly, the villain fails as well. It is nice to see a female at head of this organization to mix things up a bit, but she does not do anything that we have not seen before. There are also a number of double crosses and not knowing who to trust moments that ultimately do nothing for the plot. These twists should have been cut out and the time should have been dedicated to building up this villain as an actual villain.
On a more positive note, I do believe that Guy Ritchie was the best choice to direct this film. His style of directing fits these characters and premise very well. In fact, this film is incredibly similar to Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes (2009). We have two very different characters that must work together to stop an evil organization. In any case, Ritchie's fingerprints are clearly shown throughout the film. The way he captures the action and the comedy is very similar to his other films.
In addition, this film was very cleverly edited. This is that opportunity I spoke about earlier. The use of old, classic techniques from the 1960's was a very nice touch and enhances the mood and time period. These specially edited sequences are some of the highlights of the entire movie. However, there are other edited sequences that fall flat. I am speaking of those moments where there are a few disjointed clips, followed by a major event, followed by those same disjointed clips we saw earlier, only they are extended to reveal what is really going on. This happens about three times in the film and each one only takes place within about a two minute period. Because the reveal comes so shortly after the tease, it begs the question, why was this done? It can come across as quite sloppy.
This film attempts to be very old school and succeeds in most regards. Where it fails is during the third act. The third act of this film has been done many, many, many times before. Chances are, you have seen this ending. It boils down to an underwhelming car chase with muted colors as our heroes must prevent the delivery of the bomb. But the rest of the action in the film is quite good. Nothing tops the opening car chase, which pits Solo against Kuryakin in an enjoyable and comedic fashion. But there is another scene involving a boat chase with an absolutely hilarious break in pace. Fighting scenes are actually kept to a minimum, harkening back to the spy films of old, and there is more of an emphasis on espionage.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is another generic spy film, just with a special coat of paint on it. The old school execution and choices of the picture really go far and are much appreciated, but it is Cavill and Hammer that truly make this film work. Their chemistry is electric and their interactions engaging. I could have watched a two hour film of them conversing and would have been easily satisfied. The rest of the film is nothing special but still very fun. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. would have been a forgettable, if enjoyable, flick had it not been for some stylistic choices and two outstanding lead performances, which elevates the movie to a positive rating.
Grade: B-
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