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Guy Ritchies The Man From U.N.C.L.E. - Review

Declan Keeble - 10 October 2015

The highly anticipated and long-in-the-making reboot of the 60s television show The Man
From U.N.C.L.E is finally here, and trust us, it was definitely worth the wait. The United
Network Command for Law and Enforcement (U.N.C.L.E.) consists of suave CIA agent
Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and his new partner Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), a
KGB operative who is equally as suave, but with his short temper and bursts of psychotic
episodes, this soon diminishes. The pair dont take well to each other, as America is
teaming up with Russia, with both alpha males trying to outwit each other for the
duration of the film - this seems to be one of the films subplots, with the on-screen
brother-like duo providing a sense of warmth and comedy to the audience as they
progressively, but subtly, begin to admire each other and not just as co-agents in the field.
Their mission, should they chose to accept it, is to work together along with the company
of German auto mechanic Gaby Teller (Alicia Vikander) to track down her father, Dr. Udo
Teller, a man who was once Hitlers favourite rocket scientist. The core narrative regards
the locating of Dr. Udo as a result of his abduction by an international crime organisation

THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. - REVIEW - DECLAN KEEBLE

thats sole aim is to take over and destroy the world with nuclear weaponry. The film
takes us on the journey of this mission, along with an extensive amount of action, comedy
and lots of character development. As stated before, we see the relationship between Solo
and Kuryakin progress into an almost brotherly one, from one that was full of spite and
caution as the thought of double-crossing each other lurks around in their wary minds. A
love affair also develops between the KGB agent and Miss Teller, although in all of their
attempts of love, they are halted and disrupted, mainly by Solo. In addition to their
undercover fake marriage, this prolonged affair will continue to keep the audience
frustratingly wanting the pair to eventually fully demonstrate their feelings - but,
despite all attempts of advancing towards each other, this never happens, with thanks to
many intruding characters.
What does it for me though, in terms of film favouritism, is everything else. Yes the
characterisation and witty dialogue are instrumental to this film, but the films vintage
theme and style is what truly captivated me into a second watching at my local IMAX. Its
the little components of this film (that everyone just expects of a film based in the 60s)
that turn it from a reboot of the silly James Bond copy-cat television series, into a truly
compelling piece of cinema. The stunning locations, 60s costumes and iconography
propels us into an iconic era in which most of the teenage audience will have had no
experience of, and the editing and music is so distinct of Guy Ritchies style that it fits
within the films colours so smoothly.
Overall, if you like myself have never seen the TV series before, then have no fear as the
storyline of the film is easy to figure and go along with. A back story of Napoleon Solos
past and how he became the CIAs number one agent is also shown to us, which was
simply ignored in the television show. This action-packed film with take you on a truly
immersive ride, transporting you to a world of sophistication, smoothness and wonderful
fashion. Comedic tones run throughout the films themes and soften all serious subject
matter, which at times is slightly bothersome in comparison to the contemporary James
Bond films which disregard much humour. The addition of Hugh Grant as Waverly, the
titular man for U.N.C.L.E., is a favourable choice, despite not much screen time (although
having said this, there isnt much room for a longer appearance within the specific
narrative of the film).
Upon leaving the cinema, the film had me wishing I was Napoleon Solo for the whole car
journey home. For a sexy, stylish and colourful film full of action, laughs and lots of plot
twists, watch Guy Ritchies The Man From U.N.C.L.E., out on DVD 27/10 and Blu-ray
17/11.

A sequel would be fantastic but also

unlikely, as U.N.C.L.E. proves to be a
huge flop at the domestic box office.
THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. - REVIEW - DECLAN KEEBLE