Argylle

Espionage films have been a main staple genre that Hollywood has produced for decades. Usually they are written in a dramatic way, however, "Argylle" has been written practically as a spy spoof or satire in that when it comes to creating most, if not all the stereotypical spy films, however they were written, this brings out all the stops in parlaying a good deal of wit when it comes to this genre. 

Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard), the reclusive author of a series of best selling espionage novels, whose idea of bliss is a night at home with her computer and her cat, Alfie (Chip). But when the plots of Elly's fictional books--which center on secret agent Argylle (Henry Cavill) and his assistant, Wyatt (John Cena), and their mission to unravel a global spy syndicate--begin to mirror the covert actions of a real life spy organization. Quiet evenings at home become a thing of the past. Accompanied by Aidan Wilde (Sam Rockwell), a cat allergic spy, Elly (carrying Alfie in her backpack), races across the world to stay one step ahead of the killer's as the line between Elly's fictional world and her real one begins to blur. 

Others to round out the cast are Bryan Cranston as Director Ritter, Catherine O'Hara as Ruth, Richard E. Grant as Director Fowler, Dua Lipa as Lagrange, Ariana DeBose as Keira, Samual L. Jackson as Alfie, Tomas Paredes as Carlos and Daniel Singh as Armed Guard #1. 

This was slickly and brilliantly directed by Matthew Vaughn ("Layer Cake" '04, "Stardust" '07, "Kick-Ass" '10, "X-Men: First Class" '11, "Kingsman: The Secret Service" '14, "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" '17, "The King's Man" '21) plus a short. This filmmaker directs in a similar vein of that of Guy Ritchie in that both direct in a very slick way, quick editing to show frenzy, premises can be similar, and they are typically dramatic with a fair amount of humor or comedy. Vaughn's 'Kingsman' films are very much helmed in that way. If you can appreciate this director's brand, his "Courage" is in production. It was penned very well by Jason Fuchs ("Rags" (TV movie) '12, "Ice Age: Continental Drift" '12, "Big Thunder" (TV movie, creator) '13, "Pan" '15, "Wonder Woman" (story) '17, "I Still See You" '18) plus a short. Again, the slickness in which this was executed was sheer genius--the editing, stunts and photography was synchronized so well that it seemed effortless. Other than a very small continuity issue and a couple of very small places of slowness, this script soared. If I had to choose any of the actors of stealing the show, it would that of Sam Rockwell as Aidan, although all in this this was cast perfectly. The trailer of this film is one of the reasons I went to see this--it has got to be one of the best trailers I've seen in years, and the film definitely lived up to it.

If you like Matthew Vaughn's 'Kingsman' films, you love this. In fact, when the end credits start rolling, wait, because inserted within the credits, there is a teaser clipping, so there will be a sequel for sure. This is a great 'popcorn' film to sit back and relax and have a ton of fun with this roller coaster ride filled with several twists and turns. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                           Rated: PG-13                                         139mins.