The newest addition to our team, Jill Robi, had the opportunity to see an advanced screening of the Guy Ritchie film The Man from U.N.C.L.E., starring Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer. These are her thoughts on the film.
While waiting for the “Batman V. Superman” panel at San Diego Comic Con, the audience got their first glimpse of Henry Cavill on stage for “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” panel. While looking at Henry isn’t a bad deal (nor is looking at Armie Hammer), I wasn’t exactly excited about the panel, or hearing about the film, exactly. Until I saw the trailer. SDCC screened an extended trailer that was five minutes long, much to the enjoyment of the crowd. This got me pumped for the film, and when I received free screening passes for an early preview of it, I couldn’t resist.
Directed by Guy Ritichie, this movie is an adaptation of the 1964 TV series of the same name. In the film, however, they provide an origin story for team U.N.C.L.E. (United Network Command for Law and Enforcement). I never watched the TV series, but apparently, it didn’t cover that. The film integrates stylistic spy tropes (albeit ’60s style, which stays true to the series) with a buddy film. Henry’s character, Napoleon Solo, works for the CIA, whereas Armie’s Illya Kuryakin works for the KGB. The relationship between the two was reminiscent of John McClane and Zeus Carver from “Die Hard with a Vengeance” but with actual fighting.
It was antagonistic to start, but comes with a lot of heart. Hammer and Cavill have great chemistry that absolutely shines on screen. When the movie was over, I thought, “Wow. I don’t want this to end. I wish this was a show. Well wait, what about a sequel?” Torn between wanting more of this on the big screen as well as the little screen, I walked away a more than happy viewer.
The film also has its romantic moments, comedic moments, and dramatic moments, it’s also good on action. Guy Ritchie set out to “cross genres, to a degree,” and I must say that he succeeded with flying colors. “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” has somehow found a wonderful way of entertaining all pieces of the demographic pie—young or old, male or female—it would entertain [I feel pretty confident in saying] them all. If Goldilocks was giving this review, I’m sure she’d say it was “just right.” So if you want a date night film or a family night film, or a film to enjoy with your buddy, or even on your own, this weekend, go see “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”
If you want to be thoroughly entertained, then this is the film for you.
…And make sure you stay until after the credits. I sadly learned of a post-credits scene only after leaving the theater. Le sigh.
