If you're looking for something to do this May long weekend (Canada), you may want to consider The Man from Uncle.
What a pleasant surprise it was to watch a remake of the 60s television series Man from Uncle.
Typically, I'm not into the "action" film genre but this movie packed a punch with these things I enjoyed:
- A cast of beautiful people: they were very cool
- Fabulous fashions
- Style galore: the set, the stars, the fashions
- A throwback from the 60s vibe and styles
BACKGROUND:
Set during the height of the Cold War, KGB Agent Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) is sent to capture Gaby Teller (Alicia Vikander), the daughter of a former Nazi scientist who previous worked for the US. However, before Kuryakin can reach her, smouldering CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) gets there first. The next day, they’re both notified that they need to work together as it comes to light that Teller’s father has been forced to work for a billionaire diabolical genius who’s building a new type of atomic bomb. (COURTESY of Stylex)
CHARACTERS:
Napolean Solo
Henry Cavill looked familiar to me so I had to dig a little to recall where I had seen him last: VOILA! the latest Superman flicks.
Henry is going to continue to climb on the manly meter. He has style and substance as Napolean Solo with his dreamy presence crafted by Director Guy Ritchie and cowritten with Lionel Wigram.
Illya Kuryakin
Armie Hammer has been on the film radar with movies The Social Network (2010), Mirror Mirror (2012) and The Lone Ranger (2013). He may not be ultra smooth with his Russian accent, but he doesn't make just make his co-star character (Telly) swoon. My guess is the young ladies are going to keep Armie on their "hunk" radar.
GabyTeller
Alicia Vikander has been flittering across our screens in notables such as The Danish Girl and A Royal Affair
Victoria Vinciguerra
Elizabeth Debicki commanded the screen as femme fatale villainous character Victoria. We can't quite hate because her magnificent style. We've seen her before alongside Leo in The Great Gatsby (2013) and one of my noted favorites Everest (2015).
Victoria captivated this fashionista with the eye-popping style, makeup and hair.
Waverly
Hugh Grant has been a fan favorite since his popularity rose in the 1990s with such memorable films as Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) and Bridget Jones Diary (2001). Safe to say fans have forgiven him for his past digressions as he solidly portrays CIA commander, Waverly.
FASHION
To drool over. Even Vogue took notice of the outstanding looks, fashions, hair, makeup.
SET
The mood of the film was arresting because of the brilliant set design. The backdrops were incredible, they complement the action and scenes and styles. From dark alleys to elegant hotels, Architectural Digest gave it a nod with a feature on the production design:
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| A cast-iron public restroom is the setting for meeting between CIA and KGB |
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| Even a casual meeting was surrounded by artful decor. |
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| Solo’s West Berlin apartment is a colorful contrast to the other dark interiors. |
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| The historic architecture of Rome: the Spanish Steps and Teatro di Marcello. |
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| The bygone era of the Cold War |
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| The Grand Hotel Plaza. |
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| The interiors of the aerospace facility were shot on a soundstage |
MUSIC:
I discovered some new favorite music from great artists from the 1960s. Many will be strikingly familiar (think Michael Buble and the Blues Brothers). Have a listen:
Solomon Burke: "Cry to me"
Solomon Burke: "Everybody needs someone to love"
Nina Simon: "Feelin Good"
Roberta Flack: "Compared to What"
REVIEWS:
The reviews from critics could have been a lot better, in my opinion. It only goes to show you that often the critics are not in sync with the audience who were far more entertained. I think more will agree with me after they watch it. (p.s. I did go and add my own 4.7 stars at Rotten Tomatoes)
Critic reviews
Though the pic is solidly made, its elegant vintage flavor simply doesn't feel modern enough to cut through the tough summer competition. Full review
Peter Debruge·Variety
Note to millennials: No one stops to text or take a selfie. You've been warned. Full review
Peter Travers·Rolling Stone
Though I strive to set aside all prejudices when the lights go down, I had a hunch that The Man From U.N.C.L.E. would be excruciating. Well, it turns out to be absolutely delightful. Full review
David Edelstein·Vulture
If stylish spy thrillers are your thing, look no further – Guy Ritchie is back with his reboot of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. – a tongue-in-cheek and highly polished take on the '60s television series. Stylex
TOMATOMETER
Average Rating: 6.2/10
Reviews Counted: 228
Fresh: 152
Rotten: 76
The period spy thriller “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” is only intermittently engaging and amusing, and those portions of the movie that succeed are also frustrating. Because they’re cushioned by enervated, conceptually befuddled, and sometimes outright indifferent stuff.
TRAILERS:
Take a test spin by visiting Warner Bros. dedicated site to view the trailers to tempt you more. Or just get to it. It currently is available "On Demand" from Telus.
