If you didn’t already know that the man responsible for the Robert Downey Jr. led, “Sherlock Holmes” was also behind “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” (a 1960’s television show, that I had never heard of…shame on me) you might have guessed.
There are more than a few comparisons to be drawn between Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Watson, and Irene Adler and his latest trio: Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill), Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), and Gaby Teller (Alicia Vikander…with a repeat appearance in the 2015 Summer of Blockbusters!).
Our story begins in 1960’s Germany, smack dab in the middle of the Cold War, on the wrong side of the wall, American agent (and “former” felon) Napoleon Solo is sent to retrieve Gaby Teller (and the information she may have about a nuclear weapon being built by her former-Nazi father). Of course, this plot is complicated by the interference of Russian agent Illya Kuryakin. So naturally, once it’s discovered that Gaby will have to meet with her uncle to uncover the whereabouts of her father (and the bomb), the two are asked to work as partners. High-jinx, wit, charm, and hilarity ensues accordingly. It has all of the makings of a classic spy film, with just enough self-awareness and humor to keep things interesting.
Most importantly, this movie is a whole lot of fun. It’s not perfect, but it’s good enough that I am seriously looking forward to the sequels (there better be at least three). Not to mention, it’s hard to imagine a more dashing duo than the combined powers of Armie Hammer and Henry Cavill (but I welcome Hollywood to accept that as a challenge), but this film is deeper than the incredible good looks of its leading men, and that depth is helped significantly by its leading lady, Alicia Vikander (with a repeat appearance in the 2015 Summer of Blockbusters!).
This is the perfect film for the end of the summer. It’s fun, smart, fast-paced, and requires just enough thought to make you feel like you got something of value (intellectually speaking) out of those hours spent in the dark.
…bi-daily smile…
