Codename U.N.C.L.E.

1963, the height of the Cold War. In an unlikely alliance, a CIA agent, Napoleon Solo (played by Henry Cavill) and KGB agent, Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), band together to save the world from nuclear disaster. A top nuclear scientist, formerly employed by the US, has gone missing. It is suspected his brother has kidnapped him to work on a nuclear bomb. Solo and Kuryakin accompany the scientist's daughter, Gaby (Alicia Vikander), to Rome, as this is where her uncle is based. The idea is to covertly investigate his company and, hopefully, find the scientist and the bomb. Things aren't all plain sailing though. This is heightened by the fact that Solo and Kuryakin aren't sure they can trust each other and, to some extent, still regard each other as enemies.

An entertaining action-espionage caper. Decent plot, though a tad basic and formulaic. Some great, humorous banter, and that's what elevates the movie above the average spy or action movie.

Solid performances from Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer in the lead roles. The stand out performance, however, is from Alicia Vikander who is delightful as Gaby.

The cast also includes Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Debicki, and neither of them disappoint.

I just saw a sneak preview of this movie and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will have to preface this review by saying that I have not seen the original show, so I can't say whether this paid appropriate homage to the original, or if it is a bastardization.

The opening sequence chase scene featured heavily in the previews, but surprisingly the trailer did not ruin the scene. It actually came across even more crisp and clever in the theater and was a great beginning for the movie. It perfectly sets the tone of the two spy characters and establishes their respectful rivalry.

The movie isn't wall-to-wall action, but there are enough action scenes to keep the pace lively. There is also a second chase scene towards the end of the movie that is perhaps even better than the opening scene's chase.

I think the real strength of the movie is the comedic element. The banter is quite snappy and a few of the lines I couldn't hear because of the laughter filling the theater. In particular Henry Cavill delivered as the slick cool spy Solo.

Armie Hammer also delivered as the Russian counterpart, Illya. In many ways he plays the straight man to Cavill's comedian, which is actually the harder part to play. It was also apparently the harder part to direct and/or film since a few of his scenes came across as a bit clichéd.

The third part of the group is Gaby, played by Alicia Vikander. The part she played is the most uneven of the group. To an extent it seemed like they couldn't quite figure out her role, so she ended up being a bit of a third wheel. That being said, she didn't detract from the movie, and serves as another foil for the two main characters.

As long as I'm mentioning actors/actresses, I have to say that Hugh Grant did a superb job in a relatively minor role. Also Elizabeth Debicki did an excellent job as the female villain.

Since this is a period piece, I think it's important to point out that they went through a lot of effort to get things right. Fortunately for me, they did such a good job that it, that it didn't feel like I was being beaten over the head with the 60's. There were a number of iconic outfits, but overall it was subtle enough that I wasn't jarred out of the movie, which says a lot about the great job they did.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and would recommend it for anyone who enjoys spy movies, or action/comedies. Also, if you've seen the trailer and thought it showed promise, then you should definitely see the movie, because the trailer doesn't show all (or even most) of the good parts, but gives a good sampling.

I never watched the original TV show, but a friend of mine did, and he was really excited about this movie. Even I could tell they really put some effort in this. You get thrown back into an era you might (very likely) not know. But that shouldn't take away the fun you can have with this.

It's a mystery why this underperformed at the box office, but might have to do with the fact, that people could not really tell what this is. The TV show is not as accessible as other (A-Team, Mission Impossible and so forth). If you get a chance and you like spy comedies, you should check this out. Even if it goes a bit overboard towards the end (a twist that doesn't make too much sense), it still pretty fun

Never watched the show, so can't compare the two, or whether or not this is a faithful adaptation of it or not, but I loved this film. It perfectly rides the fine line between straight 1960s spy movie throwback, and satire of one.

Villain is pure 1960s vamp/ femme fatale, Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer's chemistry alone makes this worth watching. Hammer's twitch as his anger reaches boiling point is a great bit of detail. Cavill really reminded me of Roger Moore's Bond, specifically from The Spy Who Loved Me. He has a suave, "Trust me, I know what I'm doing" attitude throughout.

Several scenes creatively have the action taking place in the background, while the focus is on the foreground. A perfect example, and maybe my favourite scene in the film, is Cavill sitting in a truck, basically picnicking, with a large sandwich and bottle of Chianti, while boat chase is playing out in front of him, reflected on the windscreen.

The film is rated PG13, but it doesn't look watered down to get that rating, ... Henchman's electrocution torture scene was both graphic and simultaneously funny- another case of the action playing out in the background, while Cavill and Hammer debate the fate while in the next room.

The plot is a bit of a mess, especially toward the end, but a great cast, sharp dialogue, and great attention to detail, and good action makes this a winner

Gimmicky Director Guy Ritchie is on full Restraint in this Reboot of the Popular 1960's TV Show. Deliberately making a Movie that Bucks postmodern Trends and audience Expectations.

It's a Smoothy of a Groovy Movie as it takes its Time presenting Action Scenes with Screen Time that allows the Brain to take in what the Eye Sees, and what the Eye Sees is a Beautifully Crafted Film that not only takes place in the Sixties, but could have been a Movie Edited in the Sixties.

Elegant, Frothy, and full of Eye Candy that often times looks like Magazine Ads and just as Glossy. There is no shortage of Beautiful People on Screen as Armie Hammer, Henry Cavill, and Alicia Vikander try to find a Nuclear Scientist that has been Kidnapped, before He can Deliver a Device.

It's standard Cold War Stuff and the Movie handles it Cool. It is a welcome Breather from the Hyper-Ness of other Franchise, Super-Hero, Spy Stuff and Audiences should be Prepared for the Change.

Because Frankly it is quite a Different way to Present This type of thing Today and the Knee-Jerk reaction is to Reject its deliberate Style. But it mostly works as one can see the Pendulum Swinging Back to another Era in the way Movies were made and Enjoyed.

It's Retro in the purist Sense and deserves Kudos for giving it a try, because it isn't a Given that this Type of Thing will be Accepted. Overall, if one gets the Vibe, it can be a pleasant Diversion and a Delightful Experience if nothing more than a Contrast to Current expectations.