Film Review: Argylle

  Genre: action/comedy/thriller

Cert: 12A

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Screenwriter: Jason Fuchs

Starring: Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Daniel Singh, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, Richard E. Grant, John Cena, Jason Fuchs, Tomás Paredes, Bobby Holland Hanton, Greg Townley, Alaa Habib, Clementine Vaughn, Raagni Sharma, Chip, Jing Lusi.

Running time: 2h 19m

Parents are advised to read before viewing the film as some scenes may contain scenes unsuitable for younger viewers.

Sex & Nudity: A dance move is shown several times called the "Whirlybird". In it, one person jumps on another's shoulders and sits there with their legs spread out, similar to "sitting on their face".

A kiss at 15:55 lasts for 20 seconds.

There's another kiss at 2:07:20 which lasts for about 10 seconds.

Violence & Gore: Lots of peril and martial arts fighting, shooting and explosions. But very little blood or injury is shown after.

A person is tied to a chair and punched several times.

Many armed people surround a man in a bar and point their guns at him; the room is filled with smoke and we hear gunfire as the man escapes unharmed.

Expect lots of fist fighting, hand-to-hand combat, shootings, deaths and inferred deaths, very mild animal violence, and a variety of weapons including guns, knives and explosive devices.

Frequent action violence throughout with little blood shown.

Many people are shot with very mild blood sometimes.

A man is brutally beaten up during a fight. He is kicked and hit in the face several times in this scene. Not graphic, but some blood.

In one scene, many people are beaten up on a train, but still somehow comedic.

Profanity: Strong language includes one use of "f-cking". Plus not frequent but somewhat regular uses of - "shit" "ass" "goddamn" "hell" "goddamnit" "bitch".

Alcohol/drugs: Some alcohol consumed.

Frightening/Intense Scenes: Although there is a lot of action and gunplay it is played more humorously than intense.

 Story: Elly Conway, an introverted spy novelist who seldom leaves her home, is drawn into the real world of espionage when the plots of her books get a little too close to the activities of a sinister underground syndicate. When Aiden, a spy, shows up to save her (he says) from being kidnapped or killed (or both), Elly and her beloved cat Alfie are plunged into a covert world where nothing, and no one, is what it seems

Review: "Argylle": A Stylish Spy Thriller with Flair and Flaws

"Argylle" bursts onto the screen with slick action, suave spies, and a cocktail of twists and turns. Directed by a seasoned filmmaker, the film serves up a high-octane espionage adventure that delivers both thrills and spills, albeit with a few hiccups along the way.

One of the film's strongest suits is its stylish presentation. From its sleek cinematography to its pulsating soundtrack, "Argylle" oozes with cinematic flair. Each action set piece is choreographed with precision, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as the spy shenanigans unfold. The film's slick aesthetic and globe-trotting locations add to its appeal, transporting viewers into a world of glamour and intrigue.

The cast is led by a charismatic ensemble of actors who inject life and personality into their respective roles. The protagonist, a suave and skilled spy, is brought to life with charm and swagger, making him a captivating centrepiece for the film's escapades. Supporting characters, including fellow agents and nefarious villains, add depth to the narrative, though some feel underutilized and lacking in development.

Furthermore, "Argylle" boasts a plot riddled with twists and turns, keeping audiences guessing until the very end. The film's labyrinthine storyline is peppered with unexpected reveals and double-crosses, ensuring that viewers remain engaged and invested in the characters' fates. It's a rollercoaster ride of espionage and intrigue that delivers plenty of popcorn-worthy entertainment.

However, the film is not without its drawbacks. Despite its stylish presentation, "Argylle" occasionally struggles to find its footing amidst the cacophony of action and plot twists. Certain scenes feel rushed or overstuffed, leading to moments of confusion and disorientation for the audience. Additionally, while the film's twists are undeniably thrilling, some may find them overly convoluted or contrived, stretching the bounds of believability.

Moreover, "Argylle" falls short in its character development, with some members of the ensemble cast feeling like mere caricatures rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. This lack of depth in certain characters detracts from the emotional impact of key moments and prevents the audience from fully investing in their arcs.

Overall: Despite these shortcomings, "Argylle" remains a stylish and entertaining spy thriller that offers plenty of excitement for fans of the genre. With its slick presentation, charismatic performances, and twist-filled plot, the film delivers a fun-filled adventure that is sure to satisfy audiences hungry for espionage escapades. While it may not reach the heights of some of its genre predecessors, "Argylle" still manages to leave a lasting impression as a flashy and enjoyable romp through the world of international espionage.

Rating: 5 out of 5 for Entertainment / 7.8 out of 10 for comedy action

Rating: 5 out of 5 for Entertainment / 5 out of 10 for story