Review of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) by Evan W — 02 Oct 2017

Harking back to an era famous for dynamic duo's and classic pairings; Man of Steel's Henry Cavill teams up with The Lone Ranger's Armie Hammer to resurrect one of the most iconic 1960s small screen series. But can something with such old fashioned sensibilities really engage with a modern audience?

Set against the early 1960's Cold War laden backdrop, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. centers on womanizing CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Cavill) and rival hot-headed KGB agent Illya Kuryakin (Hammer).

Forced to put aside longstanding hostilities, the gentlemen's joint mission is to stop a mysterious international criminal organization determined to destabilize the fragile balance of power through the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technology.

Their only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist and the key to infiltrating the criminal organization. In cat-and-mouse race against time, can they prevent a worldwide catastrophe before killing each other?

Although the concept of secret international counter espionage doesn't seem to take unless it includes the words Mission Impossible, Jason Bourne or Counter Terrorism of course, there is something appealing in Guy Ritchie's re-imagining that feels somewhat similar to his Sherlock Holmes cannon, but I doubt with the sequels.

The leads have a surprising amount of chemistry and capitalize with an easy banter, Hammer's latter's love interest (played by Alicia Vikander) is a spicy welcome addition. A cameo from Hugh Grant feels awfully familiar but adds extra warmth.

The Verdict: Unlikely to receive any real accolades, this is the kind of film you can enjoy in a multi-generational outing. A father/daughter expedition perhaps where at the post-movie coffee he explains; in excruciating detail, what it lacked from the original show and could have been done differently.

Published: Canberra Weekly.

Date of Publication: 20/08/2015.