Koodinimi 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. (20.08.2015)

I’m really glad that Guy Ritchie was given an espionage farce screenplay to turn into a movie. I said ‘farce’ on purpose because it really does come across like that. The term definitely fits better than the usual term ‘comedy’. At the same time, I’m a bit sad that I didn’t enjoy the movie as much as I’d hoped I would. I was quite unhappy when giving the movie a three-star review after watching it. You see, there are some great scenes in the movie – Guy Ritchie sure is good at those. The fact that Guy Ritchie’s movies are supposed to make a certain impression, but that he is not as good at story-telling is simply true, but on the other hand, he managed to create a great retro atmosphere and a whole number of great action scenes (the final action scene, or the scene at the base near the sea). You simply need to put up with the fact that in terms of the plot, this movie is dead and buried at the bottom of the lake. And Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer don’t really help things either. I really had to work my way towards their characters; nevertheless, I feel that the second time around, it would definitely be a lot better, which is not me saying that I won’t give the flick another chance in the future – I might even change my opinion. If nothing else, the absolutely fabulous Alicia Vikander had so much charisma that it helped heal some of the film’s wounds. So, if nothing else, she definitely was a pleasure to watch – more than anybody else in any other movie for a long time. (27.10.2016)

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% (22.08.2015)

A movie that is pleasant to watch, but you don’t care what’s going on in it. Attractive and stylishly dressed actors who have nothing to do and a likeable retro audiovisual aspect. There’s always something going on, but the runtime feels longer than it actually is. The catchphrases and building of the dynamics of most scenes need more work on the screenwriters’ part. The comic book-like beginning of the final action scene is fantastically bolstered by the music used. A strong three stars. (12.08.2015)

(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. (13.08.2015)