The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Review
Where to Watch: Netflix
In the 1960s with the Cold War in play, CIA agent Napoleon Solo successfully helps Gaby Teller defect to West Germany despite the intimidating opposition of KGB agent Illya Kuryakin. Later, all three unexpectedly find themselves working together in a joint mission to stop a private criminal organization from using Gaby's father's scientific expertise to construct their own nuclear bomb. Through clenched teeth and stylish poise, all three must find a way to cooperate for the sake of world peace, even as they each pursue their own agendas.
What I Thought:
I'm a Henry Cavill fan so I was going to watch this no matter what. I was disappointed to have missed it when it was in our theater and had been looking forward to it coming to Netflix for a while.
From the trailer you get a great sense of humorous action sequences and the movie didn't disappoint. The characters have some of the best lines and the action sequences and banter are smart and witty. "When you hear something that sounds like a gunshot, drive." The story is thought out and keeps you engaged the entire time.
Watching this so many years after it's release makes you relate Hammer's real life actions too much with his character but that is a Hammer problem and not a problem of the production. In fact; Hammer, Cavill and Vikander are fantastic in this film. This is what I want a spy movie to feel like.
The end of the movie does set it up for sequels but I think they would have to have an actor change for that to happen as I don't see Hammer's work getting much attention in the future.
As I have never seen the classic tv show; I couldn't tell you if it did it justice or not. I do have to say, if the show is anything like the movie; it too is worth watching.
Not all Guy Ritchie movies are home-runs but this one knocked it out of the park.