Reel Rating: 5 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for action violence, some suggestive content, and partial nudity
Released in Theaters: August 14, 2015
Best for Ages: 13+
Genre: Action, Adventure, Based on a TV Show
Runtime: 116 minutes
Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Studio: Warner Bros.
Cast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Hugh Grant
SYNOPSIS: Based on the classic TV show, this slick movie takes place in the early 1960s, with CIA agent Napoleon Solo and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin participating in a joint mission against a mysterious criminal organization working to proliferate nuclear weapons.
REVIEW: If you were around in the 1960s when "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." aired on NBC, you no doubt fondly recall this show that set the standard for suave, stylish spy capers. The series ran from 1964 to 1968, and immediately earned its status as a cultural icon that's still talked about to this day.
This movie reboot is just as stylish, boasting iconic clothes, cars and music from
the 1960s era. And because it's set in the 1960s, it's all old-school maps, roll-up
car windows, dial phones, and push-button transistor radios in the cars. Not a cell
phone in sight, and it's utterly refreshing.
And when a movie opens with Robert Flack's jazzy rendition of "Compared to
What," off her debut album "First Take" in 1969, you know good things are in
store for the next two hours.
The story once again takes place in the Cold War era of the early 1960s, with
debonair American spy Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) on a mission to transport an
East German mechanic, Gaby Teller (Alicia Vikander), over the Berlin Wall to West
Germany.
Hot on their trail is Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), a Russian spy possessed with
superhuman strength, speed and focus. Soon after the rescue, Napoleon and Illya
are partnered up, with the assignment to use Gaby to infiltrate an Italian shipping
company that's thought to be keeping her father, a famous German physicist,
hostage in order to build a nuclear bomb. The trio heads to Italy on their mission,
but their mutual distrust results in lots of snappy banter and competition,
sometimes with hilarious consequences.
Guy Ritchie, who wrote and directed this film, is becoming known for fun thrillers
like the "Sherlock Holmes" franchise, and this one doesn't disappoint. As
Napoleon Solo, Cavill is equal parts James Bond and Thomas Crown, with calm,
measured speech and beautifully-tailored bespoke suits. He's one smooth
operator, and he loves the ladies, as well.
As Illya Kuryakin, Hammer gets to play the heavy here - a KGB spy with anger
management issues and a no-nonsense attitude. That's why his pairing with the
resourceful and beautiful Gaby is sheer brilliance (they're assigned to play a loving
couple about to be married). I also love that SHE is the gearhead in this movie,
which makes her an anomaly in that time period.
Blessed with beautiful cinematography, an inspired soundtrack (Nina Simone,
Solomon Burke and Daniel Pemberton are among the artists), gorgeous costumes,
and snappy banter, not to mention the "look" and "feel" of the original TV series, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." is a really fun "popcorn" movie. Oh, and Hugh Grant plays Mr. Waverly, the head of the newly-formed "U.N.C.L.E." group! Veteran English actor Leo G. Carroll played the character in the TV series, and I can't think of anyone better to take on the role than Grant.
I only hope we'll see more films in this franchise. How about a "Girl From U.N.C.L.E." movie? Noel Harrison passed away in 2013, but I bet Stefanie Powers is available.
THE DETAILS (May Contain Spoilers):
Sex/Nudity: Napoleon Solo is a chronic womanizer who sleeps with at least two women in the film. A woman is shown in lacy, see-through underwear and no top as she walks away from him. The sex is off-camera, but there's kissing and moaning. Sex references include "I gave it all I've got" and "all turned on now." Illya and Gaby pose as an engaged couple. They sleep in the same hotel room and one scene of dancing, wrestling and roughhousing nearly results in a kiss.
Violence/Gore: Violence throughout includes brawls, shoot-outs and fist-fights, but nothing gory is shown. A man is tortured on an electrocution table, but survives. Another is actually electrocuted, with smoke and fire shown in the background. A truck lands on a boat, causing mayhem, but no bodies are shown. A character nearly drowns.
Profanity: Includes "idiot," "hell," "balls" and "p---y."
Drugs/Alcohol: Adults drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes. A woman drinks straight from a bottle and acts drunk.
Which Kids Will Like It? Kids aged 13 and older who like action movies about spies.
Will Grownups Like It? "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." is a stylish reboot of the classic TV series. Go see it, especially if you remember the TV series.
JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM:
One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.
Two Reels – Coulda been a contender
Three Reels – Something to talk about.
Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!
Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.
Jane Boursaw is the film critic and editor-in-chief of Reel Life With Jane. Contact her at jboursaw@charter.net. Images in this review used courtesy of Warner Bros.
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