Monday, 17 August 2015

FILM: The Man From U.N.C.L.E. IMAX (dir: Guy Ritchie, 2015)

"Smoothly done."

This loose first-mission prequel to the 1960s TV series absolutely nails the period's aesthetics and cinematic stylings.  Like Ritchie's previous mismatched-buddy movies, it looks great, the set-pieces are well-realised, and the lead trio of Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer and Alicia Vikander are great fun and hugely watchable in their individual performances as well as together.  Rather than go for purely consistent dynamic action, Ritchie does like going for cinematic tricks such as repeating scenes but with added information or a different point of view, which does make the storytelling somewhat leisurely, but this film does allow the main characters and relationships to breathe and to develop very effectively, even if the villains are predictably underused.  The Man From U.N.C.L.E is a solid, enjoyable and stylish romp that never quite hits the heights but is a well-made antidote to modern dour spy thrillers.

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