Film Review - The Man From U.N.C.L.E

 

Spy Hard

Film: The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Cast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer

Directed by: Guy Ritchie

Duration: 1 hr 55 mins

Rating: * * * 1 / 2

Based on the television series of the 60’s, Guy Ritchie’s reboot of the spy series is a delight to watch. Even though a story based during the cold war where a Russian and American agent team up to save the world may not be as relevant now but all the ingredients are in the right measure in this action comedy flick to give you your time and money’s worth. 

Guy Ritchie has taken up challenges in the form of Sherlock Holmes giving it a slick look and manages to pull this one off as well. The Snatch (1998) and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (2000) directors touch is still very much intact. 

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. also works as a period film. Set during the America Russia conflict, two spies are forced to come together for an assignment. Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill of Amn of Steel fame) and Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) of the KGB refer to each other as cowboy and Peril respectively. They have a rather bumpy start with each other and the repartees continue pretty much throughout the film. Giving them company on the mission is Gaby (Alicia Vikander) who has been smuggled out of East Germany. 

The cause of concern is a nuclear warhead manufactured by a seemingly normal corporate house but they do have nefarious plans. 

Ritchie goes all out to ensure that the pace never slackens and the next action scene or clever line is never too far. Even though the two main characters are American and Russian, the humor is essentially British with the suave Solo getting some of the best lines. 

The film focuses on all aspects in equal measure – it never gets too serious like a Jason Bourne film nor does it appear like a parody at any point. The production design is fantastic and add to it, there is also vintage music to complete the package. On the acting front, Armie Hammer has to look tough and expressionless which he does while Henry Cavill fares very well as the more charming of the two spies.  Their exploits are eminently worth a dekko. 

Published in The Navhind Times on 6th Sept. 2015
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