Today’s quick review: The Man from U.N.C.L.E. During the Cold War, Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill), a smooth CIA agent, and Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), his blunt KGB counterpart, are forced to work together to rescue a nuclear scientist from the hands of a terrorist group. Their way in is a risky undercover operation involving Gaby Teller (Alicia Vikander), the kidnapped scientist’s daughter.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a spy action comedy from director Guy Ritchie. Adapted from the classic television series, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is an energetic, stylized adventure with a complicated plot and a wry sense of humor. The film is led by a capable duo of actors in Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer. However, it is a step down from Guy Ritchie’s best work, and it’s missing the careful precision of his crime movies.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. draws much of its strength from its distinctive style. Playful camerawork, omnipresent yet understated comedy, and a varied and well-deployed soundtrack give the movie a flavor of its own. The movie channels the savoir-faire of the spy genre in creative ways, allowing its leads to serve as comedic figures without sacrificing their sense of competence.
The film is also notable for its main characters. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer make an excellent pair. Cavill plays the suave spy Napoleon Solo, a rogue in the mold of James Bond. Hammer plays opposite him as Illya Kuryakin, whose brusque mannerisms hide inner conflict. The two are born rivals, and their partnership is a constant stream of one-upsmanship and petty competition that fuels the film’s comedic side.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. has two chief flaws: its complexity and its lack of a real villain. The complexity stems from a director known for his unconventional storytelling style presenting a plot with plenty of moving parts. Not all of Ritchie’s tricks have their intended effect, and several of his flourishes only serve to confuse a film that already has a lot to take in.
As for the villains, Victoria (Elizabeth Debicki) and Alexander (Luca Calvani) Vinciguerra are adequate but not memorable. Given how much mileage The Man from U.N.C.L.E. gets from its main characters, an equally forceful villain would have rounded out the movie nicely. Instead, Victoria and Alexander go through the motions without every really establishing themselves. This weakness also robs the ending of some of its impact.
Still, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is well worth watching for its fast-paced spy action, its sharp sense of humor, and its creative direction. Though its plot is a shade too convoluted and not entirely rewarding, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is an entertaining watch with a unique sense of style. Skip it if you’re looking for more out-and-out action. For a high-tech take on the spy genre with a sense of humor, check out Mission: Impossible.
7.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for stylish and entertaining spy action, held back slightly by its complexity.