Hollywood’s fascination with remaking old television shows into film continues with our subject for today, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., a slick action spy caper from director Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes). The film serves as an origin story to the original premise of the television show as we witness the birth of the relationship between the characters and their graduation to becoming the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. Step inside the world of espionage and intrigue as we venture back to a time where the world was on the brink of crisis and the men responsible with protecting their countries didn’t wear capes.
Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. centers on CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB agent Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), two foes forced to put aside their differences, to team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization, bent on creating nuclear weapons with the goal of world domination. How will they find this mystery organization? Through the daughter of a vanished German scientist, Gaby Teller (Alicia Vikander) whom the two believe might be the key to unlocking the mystery, but they must contend with Victoria Vinciguerra (Elizabeth Debicki), a widowed industrialist who is working with the mystery organization to develop the nuclear technology and stop them from foiling their plan. Can the trio put their differences aside long enough to stop the destruction of the world?
Director Guy Ritchie has incorporated his wonderfully clever, stylish film making with this intriguing cast of characters to create an intelligent spy caper that doesn’t take itself too serious and allows it’s campy nature to weave its way into the tone of the film to create one heck of a fun time. Henry Cavill is outstanding as the debonair thief turned super spy. Cavill’s charm and delivery are perfect for the setting and his presence on screen is reminiscent of an early Bond. Armie Hammer has his ups and down in the this film, but overall he does a fine job creating his character. Alicia Vikander is absolutely stunning in this film. Vikander, who stole the show in this year’s Ex Machina, again steals the show with her beauty and grace. Elizabeth Debicki is devilishly mesmerizing as the villainess of the film. Debicki brings a sense of calm beauty that you are intrigued to find out more about her. For a film driven by male performances, it’s the women who steal the show of this film.
Overall, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a truly enjoyable film and one that will keep you entertained all the way thru.
Stars:
3 1/2 out of 5
After Credit Scene?
None
Trailer:
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