The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Movie Review
A movie set in an era chock full of dangers, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. fully accomplishes the mission of delighting movie-goers.
September 6, 2015
Suave and seductive, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is a refreshingly stylish film set during the Cold War.
Its 1963 setting resembles that of the television series, “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” which ran from 1964 to 1968. Fortunately, while the entire premise of the movie is a nod to “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” knowledge of the original television series is unnecessary to follow the movie.
The plot orchestrates the unlikely partnership of spies American Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and Russian Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) and follows their mission to save the world. Lots of ribbing ensues between the two, emphasizing the fact that they come from extremely different cultures that have historically been pitted against each other(history geeks—you know this, communist vs capitalist). Did I mention that they’re both top notch actors, as well as extremely attractive?
Directed and co-written by Guy Ritchie, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. dazzles audiences with stunning era-appropriate costume and flawless set designs and locations. The retro 1963 European settings and spy movie pastiche worked well together, highlighting the innate and keen ability of the spies in the midst of a time without technology.
Yes, you won’t see anyone take a selfie in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. And thank god for that. The movie served as a reminder of a simpler time, and how people(including spies) survived just fine without the latest iPhone. And that’s a memorable message.
The music of the movie is—dare I say it?—music to my ears. The famous theme from the TV show is used sparingly, but the slick jazz of the show abounds throughout the movie. The music gave the movie just the right mood, and a couple of the needle drops—when a piece of music interrupts the score or “drops” into a scene—are spectacular.
As for the plot, it was pleasant, but predictable. It basically boils down to good guys vs Nazis. Again with the Nazis?
But overall, the great chemistry between its leads and respectable action scenes make this a fun homage to the cold war spy movies. So if you’re into action movies and want to see attractive male actors save the world, then this is the movie for you.
Grade: B+
Rating: PG-13 for “action violence, some suggestive content, and partial nudity.”
Running time: 116 minutes
Playing at: Edwards 14 Theater, Cinema City
Cast and crew: Armie Hammer, Henry Cavill, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, Luca Calvani, Hugh Grant, Jared Harris. Written by Guy Ritchie and Lionel Wigham, based on characters created by Sam Rolfe. Directed by Ritchie.
