Update from RCR Entertainment Correspondent, Eddie Villavueva follow him on Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram @anticfire
There are certain signature trademarks you look for when you go see a film.
When you go see a J.J. Abrams film, you expect to see his signature lens flare, as well as a blue filter over some scenes to give a distinct ominous vibe. When you see a Quentin Tarantino film, you expect to see violence, raw and masterful imagery, and a colorful story that engages film lovers, worldwide. When you go see Michael Bay, you get- explosions. That’s it. Now, when you think about
you expect to see a gritty, humorous account of someone’s misfortune, narrated by key characters, tangled flawlessly with other engaging characters, and wrapped high speed photography in action sequences. From Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels to RocknRolla, Ritchie has made a name for himself as a man who had found his unique niche in cinema as the man who brought attention to films coming out of the U.K. since the days of Monty Python. Ritchie, where have you gone?
Ritchie latest film, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., is a tale of two special agents from different sides of the world being forced to work together to stop a common enemy that threatens the security of both home countries. The film stars Henry Cavill as CIA agent Napoleon Solo (no relation to Captain Han Solo, just saying) and Armie Hammer as KGB operative Illya Kuryakin. The story takes place in the early 1960’s, at the height of the nuclear arms race, Solo and Kuryakin are recruited by their own agencies to work together in infiltrating an arms dealer who is on the brink of creating a nuclear bomb, with the help of Gabby Teller (Alicia Vikander), a lowly mechanic from East Germany, whose father, being a scientist, was kidnapped and is being forced to complete the bomb for the dealer.
I have to say: I thought the film was good. Not great. Good. The plot behind the film has been done before, but in the telling of it through actors like Cavill and Hammer, it worked out well. The film makes it clear that as much as it gives homage to the original TV series, it is certainly a whole new entity all on its own. Thankfully, this is my first time seeing Hammer on the big screen, and missed out on The Lone Ranger mess. Hammer’s chemistry with Cavill was obvious early in the film, and seeing the two bros create a dynamic duo that could possibly pour over into a sequel was a treat. Vikander brought a sincere vibe of female strength to the testosterone filled film, showcasing not only her acting prowess, but also her ability to throw down with the big boys, as in the scene where she wrestles with Hammer’s character. The humor was quaint, not shying away from sexual innuendos and plenty of humor in violence. It didn’t quite carry that Ritchie-esque style of humor that we’re used to, but it was colorful enough to enjoy in its small outbursts.
Although the film carries a star-studded cast, and a well-balanced story, coming to see a Guy Ritchie film comes with certain expectations. The film carried very little of Ritchie’s memorable trademarks, and that kind of bothered me. As I said, the film was good. But in the mindset of seeing a film by the man who created characters like Boris the Blade in Snatch, One Two in RocknRolla, and Bacon in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrel, I got a mere glimpse of the genius that made me fall in love with those movies. It seemed a bit toned down compared to other films, almost tame in comparison. Other than the fight scenes that cause a bit of a chuckle, or the intense movement of the camera in certain sequences, or the one and only mention in the beginning of Hammer’s character being possibly invincible due to the fact that he was pursued by someone who was “barely human”, the film carried no mark on it that clearly would indicate that it was a Guy Ritchie film.
I don’t say that to knock the film, by no means. As I said, I think the film is good. I’m just a guy who enjoys the finer things in life: a good Tempranillo wine, a beautiful deep dish pizza, and a film that showcases the director’ creative outlet. I’m a big fan of his older films, but ever since 2009’s Sherlock Holmes, Ritchie has become – I dare say – tame. His ability to create a story filled with discombobulated characters who seemingly find a way to intertwine their lives with others, like themselves, while interjecting humorous violence, all the while, having someone narrate the tale throughout its entirety, has diminished, possibly disappeared. Where has it gone, Mr. Ritchie? I don’t know if we’ll ever see it again, but maybe, just maybe, it’s out there somewhere, waiting.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. hits theaters this Friday, August 14th
Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer star in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. – in theaters August 14th
Henry Cavill (“Man of Steel”) stars as Napoleon Solo opposite Armie Hammer (“The Social Network”) as Illya Kuryakin in director Guy Ritchie’s action adventure “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” a fresh take on the hugely popular 1960s television series.
Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” centers on CIA agent Solo and KGB agent Kuryakin. Forced to put aside longstanding hostilities, the two team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization, which is bent on destabilizing the fragile balance of power through the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technology. The duo’s only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist, who is the key to infiltrating the criminal organization, and they must race against time to find him and prevent a worldwide catastrophe.
“The Man from U.N.C.L.E” also stars Alicia Vikander (“Anna Karenina”), Elizabeth Debicki (“The Great Gatsby”), with Jared Harris (“Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows”), and Hugh Grant as Waverly.
Photos Courtesy “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”
