All flash but no dash, a 60s mission impossible film without the impossible mission.
Photo via www.beliefnet.com
Both based on a 60s spy television series of the same name, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Mission Impossible bears an undeniable resemblance, it even fails its debut in a very similar yet different way.
The Guy Ritchie directed action flick follows the unlikely partnership of CIA agent Napoleon Solo and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin in the early 1960s in order to stop a mysterious organisations from succeeding in launching and spreading nuclear weapons.
With a creative introduction, thrilling action scenes, a surprisingly-innovative use of subtitles, and not to mention a memorable/quirky sound track, act 1 should definitely capture the audiences’ attention. But as Henry Cavill (Solo)’s distinct humour and Armie Hammer (Illya)’s nifty Russian accent wears off from our interest, inevitably in the midst of twists and turns the plot becomes quite the murky mess without an obvious focal point to keep us entertained.
Sporting a wonderfully composed makeup set which inevitably brings about the impression of Audrey Hepburn, the female villain of the story Victoria (Elizabeth Debicki) though possess all the sense of mystery a man can dream of, lacks the intimidation one would expect with a build up as vivacious as that of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. And with it, upon leaving the theatre one can’t help but wonder why Superman (Cavill) opposite Lone Ranger (Hammer) fails to bring a lasting impression and begin to ponder where through all the zestfully slick editing did the plot venture into.
Aside form the questionable durability of the film, the distinct charm of Guy Ritchie is still worth a trip to the cinema, and those who enjoy a feast of dissimilarly pleasant vintage songs, a myriad of delightfully stylish clothes and a special brand of action humour could be much satisfied.
Plus, with a sequel virtually announced at the end, can U.N.C.L.E. become the new Impossible Mission Force with the aid of a decent box office? Fingers crossed.
In theatres everywhere from 13th of August 2015 in Australia
MPAA Rating: PG-13
ACB Rating: M
Run Time: 116 min
-Henry Pan
An overzealous film critic wannabe, Henry Pan makes a trip down cinema lane once a week, in order to decrease his ever-increasing massive watch list.
