The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)

Directed by Guy Ritchie

Story by Guy Ritchie, Lionel Wigram, Jeff Kleeman, David C. Wilson

Screenplay by Guy Ritchie, Lionel Wigram

Starring: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Luca Calvani, Elizabeth Debicki

Talented CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Cavill) and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin (Hammer) have been working for opposite sides in 1960s Cold War Europe. Now they’ve been asked to join together to fight a dangerous organization seeking to obtain nuclear weapons.

This is the latest film from writer/director Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes). The story was developed by a team of writers including Ritchie, Lionel Wigram (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II), Jeff Kleeman (The Judge), and David C. Wilson (Supernova). The cast for the film is led by Henry Cavill (Man of Steel) and Armie Hammer (J. Edgar). Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina), Luca Calvani (The International), and Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby) are also featured.

This story is built around a highly stylized world of the 1960s that feels right for a Guy Ritchie film. The action takes the lead, with a number of exciting stunts that really keep this one fun. Unlike most action films, this one has a lot of fun with the possibilities. The characters are all versions of characters we’ve seen before, but the flair that the story works with keeps them from becoming tired stereotypes. The dialogue is often predictable, but it’s still fun. The story is predictable, so don’t expect to be blown away with sudden twists. It’s still a fun ride through the unique world that Ritchie and the other writers have created.

The cast was nicely chosen for this film. With a somewhat weird version of the 1960s, the story really needed the right people to bring it to life. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer were great choices for the two main characters in this one. The two of them do a great job bringing two very different characters together. Throughout the film they’re also able to bring out some of the unique similarities. They’re also both great in all of the unique action sequences of the movie.

The two stars of the film are paired up with great actors like Luca Calvani, Alicia Vikander, and Elizabeth Debicki. These three actors all do good work with some fun parts in the film. There is an almost “James Bond” feel to these roles that really works nicely in Ritchie’s version of reality. Like Cavill and Hammer, these guys benefited from pretty good writing. They’re also joined by Hugh Grant (About a Boy), one of my favorites, who does a nice job as well. Overall, this movie has a nice collection of performances from all of the cast members.

This movie looks great thanks to awesome set designs, great costuming, and excellent props. The style of the film depended on all of these aspects fitting together perfectly. None of these aspects of the production should disappoint. The film also benefits from nice camera work from Oscar-nominated cinematographer John Mathieson (Gladiator). The score, composed by Daniel Pemberton (The Counselor), also adds a nice layer to this one. All of the production efforts in this film pay off in a well-rounded movie. It doesn’t do anything new, but it’s a solid effort from everyone involved.

Like the production work, this isn’t a movie that broke any new ground. Despite being very predictable at times, the story and acting help to make this a fun romp with some great moments. If you’re a fan of any of the stars, this is one to check out. I would also suggest this one to fans of Ritchie. I give this one 3.6 out of 5 stars.

Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 116 Minutes