The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

As if made for a trip to the forgotten local cinema, where Italian architecture, old-fashioned form, and a nostalgic soundtrack quickly immerse the viewer. It was Daniel Pemberton's music that transported me to the sixties right from the first notes because this love letter to the divine Ennio Morricone is no rip-off but, fortunately, an honest and completely accurate tribute. Surprisingly, Guy Ritchie remains on the same wave as Sherlock Holmes, but because in practice this mainly translates to deadly exchanges of dialogue between the main duo, I have no problem with that. It just could have used a few more viewers. With its unexpectedly poor turnout, the combination of Henry Cavill's elegance, Armie Hammer's stubbornness, and Alicia Vikander's charm does not bode well for a series. (2015-08-20)

(over) An over-the-top stylized, undemanding spy retro one-time movie, which is not purely comedic, but it make you smile throughout the footage. Unsurprisingly, it is entirely dependent (even thanks to the unnecessary bad guys) on the squabble of the central trio, which usually works. Most of the time. And if not, "sixties" Ritchie, "Morricone-like" Pemberton or Uncle Rudi with his fairy tale carry it. (2015-08-13)

The cool soundtrack saves an otherwise average spy story set in the days of The Berlin Wall. Pemberton is Morricone’s reincarnation. Ritchie has an incredible feel for music, but the catchy sixties hits were completely overshadowed by excellent instrumental music oscillating between western, spy genre and some weird ethno mix. The acting duo (Cavill, Hammer), trio (Alicia), quartet (Grant) is welcome, I wouldn’t turn down another adventure with them, with a bit more complex story of course. Some isolated scenes are actually genius (the snack in the car), but in general I expected just a little bit more. A fine chill. Noting more, nothing less. Damn. I left my jacket in the other room. (2015-08-21)

So in this year of spies (Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, Kingsman, Spy and I have no doubt about the quality of Spectre), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is unfortunately the weakest link. The film has a solid retro look, with beautiful fashion (hats, big glasses, admirable dresses and suits), gallantry and elegance at every turn, not to mention the cars. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer are OK, but not dazzling, but Alicia Vikander has a decent shot at being the new Hollywood power star, last year that name meant nothing to me, and this year she has dazzled in Ex Machina, Seventh Son and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., a positive calling card for this up-and-coming lady who strongly resembles Audrey Hepburn. What’s disappoints, however, is the action, which is underwhelming and not very satisfying. There is little action and it mostly consists only of car chases (there is one fight and two shootouts) – at least the finale is beautifully set in the mountains with a cross country and an off-road Jeep. However, it lacks a moment that made me want to watch the film again, which is a bummer when I've seen other spy films at least twice. Entertaining yes, but not riveting or spectacular. 75% (2015-08-22)

A breezy and relaxing retro film with a very likeable cast (Armie Hammer, Henry Cavill, Elizabeth Debicki and Alicia Vikander), which, despite being labeled a comedy, has the kind of humour that makes you laugh internally. The interactions, and banter between the three main characters worked to a tee, as did the action scenes, of which there were plenty. A decently made genre mash-up with some good plot twists that manages to keep you both in suspense and mildly entertained. (2016-08-02)