Tags
2010's, Action, Alicia Vikander, Armie Hammer, Elizabeth Debicki, Guy Ritchie, Henry Cavill, Hugh Grant, Spy, The Man from U.N.C.L.E
Film Title
The Man from U.N.C.L.E
Director
Guy Ritchie
Starring
- Henry Cavill as Napoleon Solo
- Armie Hammer as Illya Kuryakin
- Alicia Vikander as Gaby Teller
- Elizabeth Debicki as Victoria Vinciguerra
- Hugh Grant as Alexander Waverly
A super slick and retro-tinged reboot of the 60’s television show brought to life by the great direction of Guy Ritchie, The Man from U.N.C.L.E is a stylish and delightfully light-hearted spy movie that will leave you with a ridiculous grin on your face because of the utter enjoyment and excitement there is to be had with it.
The year is 1963 and the Cold War is at its height. Suave and super cool CIA agent Napoleon Solo, who was once a former thief, manages to extract the beautiful mechanic Gaby Teller from East Berlin. Their attempt at this is only hampered by the interruptions of violent and hulking KGB agent Illya Kuryakin. Gaby is the daughter of a scientist who has been kidnapped and forced to help craft a nuclear bomb. With Gaby now seemingly safe for the time being, Solo is briefed by his CIA head about a dangerous new mission, with a very big and unexpected difference. All traces of this potential nuclear disaster point to a shipping company headed by the seductive Victoria Vinciguerra and her husband, who are both Nazi sympathizers. With their plan for the nuclear bomb, both the KGB and CIA are worried about the potential worldwide crisis it would bring. The two agencies agree to work together, and this is where the debonair Solo comes into contact once more with the taciturn and efficient Kuryakin. They are to work together to infiltrate the Vinciguerra company and rescue Gaby’s estranged father, along with acquiring his research for either government covertly. As part of the cover, the quick-witted Gaby comes along pretending to be the fiancée of Kuryakin. The mission, that takes them from Germany to Rome, is not going to be easy, especially because of the intense rivalry and dislike between Solo and Kuryakin. But soon enough, the mismatched agents see that they must put aside their differences and competitive nature aside in order to work as a team in order to avoid a world destroying plan, that is now dangerously in quickening motion.
From the opening of the movie with a groovy title sequence detailing the history of the Cold War set to a slinky soundtrack, you know that The Man from U.N.C.L.E will definitely be a delightful way to spend a few hours. Guy Ritchie directs with colourful exuberance, crafting this world of espionage as one of glamour and danger, which often intertwine. From the use of split-screen and unusual camera angles, Ritchie seems to be firing on all cylinders and this is for the better as it gives kinetic energy and well-timed humour to the proceedings. A quick fire script of blisteringly amusing one-liners and situations is an utter marvel and really delivers in the thrill department too. Costume design is suitably eye-catching and the sets recall the early Bond movies with luxurious mansions, castles and racetracks. A jaunty and adventurous score underlines the light-hearted, breezy atmosphere of the film, merging perfectly with well-chosen songs from the 60’s. You’d think that with all this visual splendour taking place that The Man from U.N.C.L.E would suffer in the story department. Thankfully, the plot of the movie retains interest throughout with its pastiche of spy action and mismatched buddy humour between the dashing Solo and moody Kuryakin keeping everything ticking over with panache. There will be those that will hop on the bandwagon and say that the movie is nothing but a show of excessive style, but I for one loved the style and thought that it complimented the movie, rather than hindered it.
Ritchie assembles a truly inspired and game cast who play their roles with such ease and charm. Heading this is the dapper Henry Cavill, whose smooth and cool as a cucumber personality make Solo a likable maverick style hero. Relishing the humour and equally adept with the physical stuff, Cavill shows that he has the requisite skill set to become a future contender for the role of James Bond. Equally as impressive is Armie Hammer, who uses his large frame and imposing stance to portray the violent and tough Illya. Yet he resists the temptation to just make Illya a massive brute and nothing else. He does this by infusing the character with a reluctant humour that is very funny as he begins to come around to the idea of working with Solo, who he holds deep animosity for. The wonderful Alicia Vikander( who is fast becoming one of my favourite actresses) is luminous and sparky as Gaby, who in the beginning comes across as just a quick-witted but very sweet pawn in the game. In reality, she is whip-smart and knows a lot more than she’s letting on. All of this, plus sparkling chemistry with the leading men, make the performance by Alicia Vikander a joy to watch. As the other female in the movie, Elizabeth Debicki is delightfully cunning and poisonous as the femme fatale with dangerous plans on her mind. And rounding out the cast is Hugh Grant, who has the necessary adroit humour and authority to play a spymaster, pulling many of the strings on the mission.
A colourful, amusing and thrilling spy caper, The Man from U.N.C.L.E is in a nutshell a movie that is full to the brim with wit, action and fun.
reviewedbymarkleonard said:
It’s a terrific film, Vinnie. Tragically dumped in the middle of August. Hopefully, it will find life on home video. ML
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vinnieh said:
I had heard it went sort of unnoticed a lot in cinemas because of its release time, but it’s a wonderfully enjoyable movie.
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beetleypete said:
I watched the TV series from the age of 12, until I got fed up with it about three years later. At the time, it was something really different, and it was hugely popular. I didn’t want to watch the film, but I can understand the appeal, for those of you too young to remember it on TV. I expect it will be on Channel 4 soon, and I might give it a look then.
Cheers mate. Pete.
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vinnieh said:
I think my late granddad was a huge fan of the show. You definitely should see it Pete, it’s a real blast.
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fragglerocking said:
will have to find this on blurry I think. It got a b it slated here with many people comparing it unfavourably with the original TV series, but I really am inspired by your review. Also I can spend a couple of hours ogling the handsome Cavell quite easily. 🙂
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fragglerocking said:
haha that should be blu-ray not blurry!
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vinnieh said:
I got what you were saying.
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fragglerocking said:
good job someone does 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Haha, I like your humour.
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vinnieh said:
I think the whole world loves to ogle Mr Cavill and why not, he’s damn fine.
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fragglerocking said:
🙂
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vinnieh said:
I have a lady in my life but Cavill is hot.
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transforminglifenow said:
I loved the way this was shot. The attention to detail was terrific! The colors that were used and the filming was just beautiful. I hope they make more of this.
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vinnieh said:
The visuals were just awesome and really made an impact on me.
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itsmyhusbandandme said:
I actually watched this the other day so your blog was great timing. I loved it.
JP
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vinnieh said:
Talk about coincidence. Great to know you enjoyed it like I did.
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deaconsden said:
This made my top 10 of 2015. It really was a gem. I’m a huge James Bond fan and was disappointed with Spectre. I saw this later and it scratched that spy/action itch. Just a fun caper with some really cool performances. I also loved that Guy Ritchie’s style isn’t as overbearing in this as his other films.
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vinnieh said:
Good to know you’re a Bond fan like myself. This definitely scratched that spy itch you mentioned, though I actually did enjoy Spectre.
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KittNoir said:
I loved it. Gorgeous style plus those boys are darn hot 😉
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vinnieh said:
Who doesn’t love a good spy caper? And I must say I’ve got a man crush on Henry Cavill.
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KittNoir said:
He’s a very handsome fellow indeed.
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vinnieh said:
No arguments there.
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KittNoir said:
😁
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vinnieh said:
As I said in my review, Hebry Cavill would make a great Bond.
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KittNoir said:
Totally agree!
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vinnieh said:
He nails the debonair charm needed for the part.
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imustseemovie.com said:
Terrific movie
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vinnieh said:
Indeed it is. I couldn’t stop smiling after watching it.
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Keith said:
Glad you liked it. I really felt it was criminally tossed aside by critics and audiences. I loved the dry wit that we get.
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vinnieh said:
I can’t understand the mixed reviews, I had a great time watching it. The dry wit was a delight, couldn’t stop laughing at the nicknames they called each other.
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reocochran said:
I like the actors in this, particularly Armies Hammer and the girl playing Gaby. She is being recognized and nominated for awards due to her “The Danish Girl.” I wanted to rent this over Christmas and my brother said “No.” He liked “Spy” which really made me happy with a smart spoof on James Bond. Definitely laughed st that one! 🙂
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vinnieh said:
The actors are all on great form in this movie. I reckon you’d really like this movie.
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Mario said:
I really enjoyed the film, though the stakes never felt as high as they actually were. Great visuals.
Cheers!
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vinnieh said:
The visuals really were something special.
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Tom said:
Yessir, a very delightful and surprisingly entertaining little flick. I look forward to another if he so chooses to do go ahead with a sequel. I do have to say though, this didn’t feel much like a Guy Ritchie movie. The humor is a little more broad and the overall piece isn’t very indistinguishable from other Bond-like outings but those aren’t necessarily the worst sacrifices anyone has had to make.
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vinnieh said:
I loved the hell out of it. The whole cast was great, especially Cavill, Hammer and Vikander.
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lauren said:
I really liked this film, and it was nice to see a summer blockbuster that wasn’t all doom and gloom.
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vinnieh said:
It was refreshing to see a breezy and frothy affair that could make you laugh and deliver adventure.
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jwforeva said:
Glamour and danger? Seems like the perfect spy movie. And as I read your review, I’m liking it more and more. Ooo especially Alicia Vikander 🙂 Don’t know I haven’t watched it yet, maybe its because I thought it’s just some James Bond or MI wannabe, but I’ll definitely be catching this! Thanks for the review!!
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vinnieh said:
It’s a movie that is full of fun, right from the very beginning. Thank you for commenting.
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Scotty H. said:
I have not seen the film and the review sounds great but am put off by the description of Ilya Kuryakin as “violent and hulking”. I just remember how cool and svelt David McCallum was – not at all like his modern day replacement. And In the original they worked for the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement (or was it United Nations?), certainly not the CIA!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting. I haven’t actually seen the original television show so I can’t really compare. I’d definitely advise watching it.
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Scotty H. said:
Ah! The two agencies working together become UNCLE!….
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vinnieh said:
That’s right, for a while I was wondering when Uncle was going to be mentioned but it does eventually.
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Scotty H. said:
I watched the TV series for years withou knowing how UNCLE came into being. So I have learned something!
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vinnieh said:
I reckon you would dig this movie, it’s really smooth and sharp with lots of cool visual flourishes and retro charm.
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alexraphael said:
it didn’t get good reviews at the time so interesting to get a different take on it. I never had any attachment to the TV show so didn’t plan on seeing it but certainly sounds a fun film.
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vinnieh said:
I have never seen the original show either, but I really enjoyed this movie. I can’t understand the mixed reviews accorded to it. It was a funny, thrilling spy caper with a great cast. What more can they ask for?
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alexraphael said:
That’s always a good question
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vinnieh said:
And you had great chemistry between the cast members. And the dashing Henry Cavill to boot.
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In My Cluttered Attic said:
Guy Ritchie, has a habit of turning out films for entertainment purposes only. Nothing wrong with that. Besides, these day’s who needs real life on the screen when we get so much of it on the news, and all of it depressing. We go to the movies to escape reality—at least, we used to. So, right from the beginning, this film looked like a lot of fun from the trailers, and yet the critics trashed it—I’d love to trash more than a few critics. They get paid to watch films and don’t have to pluck down any hard earned cash. So I’d take whatever these lugheads have to say about any film with a grain of salt—many are horrible journalist, and some, failed actors anyway—a bitter lot to be sure. No, The Man From Uncle will not win any Oscars, but it never pretended to be anything more than a fun way to spend a couple of hours, and on that level it delivers. I always ask; why does every film made have to be evaluated by some so called expert with an eye to being worthy of an Oscar? Near as I can tell, many of the films that get nominated these days are mostly trash, anyway. If you doubt that, look at the failing box office and dwindling numbers for the Academy awards. The public does not subscribe to the criteria of the Academy or the critics. All art is subjective, so the bottom lone; The man From Uncle was a great piece of fun and I enjoyed it as such, and that’s perfectly acceptable. ;o)
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vinnieh said:
I love your impassioned love for cinema and this movie. It’s very refreshing and I’m totally on board with your opinion on movies being escape.
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In My Cluttered Attic said:
Thanks. I’ve always felt that way about films. We go to be entertained. And, since we the customer have to pay for the experience, I think our views should carry some weight.
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vinnieh said:
Entertainment is a key part of it. Yes I don’t mind seeing a serious movie every now and then, but nothing beats the escapist enjoyment of some movies.
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In My Cluttered Attic said:
Films should make you feel. Drama, comedy, suspense, horror, its all good as long as it can transport us to another place and time. I think it’s a way of venting pent up frustrations within ourselves and the world in general.
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vinnieh said:
You said it, films should make you feel deep emotions. I like to be invested in the stories.
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In My Cluttered Attic said:
When the acting is that good, then it happens.
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vinnieh said:
I love seeing an actor or actress really commit to a part, it always come across so well on screen.
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In My Cluttered Attic said:
;o)
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badblokebob said:
I watched this just this evening and also thought it was a really fun spy flick. I don’t think it’s particularly faithful to the TV series, which is maybe why some turned against it (I believe Kuryakin’s character has been changed quite a bit), but as a ’60s spy caper in its own right, it’s highly entertaining.
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vinnieh said:
It was as you pointed out a good 60’s style spy caper. It was breezy and frothy, you just couldn’t help but enjoy yourself.
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dbmoviesblog said:
I am yet to see this movie, but from people who have already seen it I hear only positive things.
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vinnieh said:
If you want a fun way to spend an hour or two, this movie is the ticket.
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greercn said:
I really liked this movie and I am glad you did too. I cannot imagine why so many critics didn’t like it. For me, it was fun and full of good acting and action. Perhaps there was some snobbery about the material not being seen as worthy enough? There’s a big place in my heart for movies that entertain me with action and style.
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vinnieh said:
You hit the nail on the head, this movie was fun. It was trying to be serious and up for Oscars, it just wanted to entertain with style, great acting and thrills.
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Khalid Rafi said:
Great review Vinnie! thought this was pretty fun and enjoyable and just a really good time at the movies
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vinnieh said:
Hi Khalid, nice to hear from you man. Fun was the name of the game with this movie, and it delivered that in spades.
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ruth said:
Y’know Vin, I actually wasn’t too impressed by this one even though generally I liked Guy Ritchie’s style. I dunno, it felt like watching two gorgeous mannequins on screen, ahah. It sure is breezy & frothy affair and not much else.
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vinnieh said:
Sorry to hear you didn’t love it more. But I love hearing your opinions on movies. “Two gorgeous mannequins on screen” that did make me chuckle.
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ruth said:
Ahah well those two boys are very pretty 😉 Hey hope to see you around FC soon!
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vinnieh said:
Henry Cavill is a man crush of mine. I’ll head over to your site now.
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ruth said:
Oh I think he’s beautiful! But I find that he somehow lacks charisma. I think Armie Hammer is more playful and charismatic. Sorry Vin, I wish I could like the movie more but maybe I’ll rewatch it at some point, perhaps I’ll like it more.
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vinnieh said:
I respect your opinion on this movie and any movie Ruth. It would be boring if we all loved the same thing. I love discussing movies with everyone and you are always a great person to talk about movies with Ruth. I’ve said it to many people that I have a lady in my life, but I can’t deny that Henry Cavill isn’t hot.
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Paul S said:
I’ve never really been a Guy Ritchie fan (outside of Snatch) and that’s what’s put me off watching this film. You’ve convinced me otherwise.
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vinnieh said:
I’m happy to convince you to check it out. It’s a great bundle of fun and the humour is really something.
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vinnieh said:
Thank you so much for the shout out Ruth, it’s really heartwarming.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m so glad you liked this Vinnie. I’ve heard som mixed reviews so I was going to skip this, but after reading yours I think I’ll give it a shot.
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vinnieh said:
I had a lot of fun with this movie, I loved how it didn’t take itself to seriously. The cast were great, Henry Cavill was super suave and a definite man crush. Armie Hammer had fun with his role and the gorgeous and wonderfully talented Alicia Vikander had such presence.
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Ricardo said:
I do not much care for Henry Cavill as a performer-felt nearly insulted by Man of Steel and thought Batman V Superman was laughably terrible. So consider my surprise this time.
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vinnieh said:
He played the smooth, womanising agent very well and with dapper charm.
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