Man From U.N.C.L.E movie - Part 1

[Raiden]

I haven't seen it yet (and I doubt I will have the time to), but in a year with several high-profile spy movies (MI:RN and Spectre), this movie appears to be the weak link. It's too bad, since Guy Ritchie is actually a competent director, but the reviews indicate that it's an uneven movie at best.

 

[Bruce Malone]

This is the type of film that needed really good reviews to break through. Otherwise yeah it's just going to be seen as filler in between M:I and Bond.

 

[-Kal-Elle-]

I saw UNCLE last night with 5 friends and we all enjoyed it. It was a lot funnier than I anticipated - I knew there would be humour but there was more than I was expecting, which was nice. The movie wasn't without its issues - the main thing for me was that the last act was a bit all over the place. But it still was fun and enjoyable for all of us - two girls, three guys.

Reviews have been mixed so it's understandable our views here will be mixed, but I completely disagree with some of Slumcat's points so am going to give my spin on a few things he said. And for the record, while I am a Cavill fan I am more than capable of criticising him when I think he's poor in a role or inconsistent! (eg. Immortals!)

I think this movie is wildly miscast. From the trailers Cavill looked good but in the movie he seems rather ill-suited for the role. Hammer was also cast against type but made it work. But Cavill, I think the accent was a huge challenge as he said in his interviews. He seemed very uncomfortable talking in an American accent.

I thought they were both well cast. I really liked Hammer, which I wasn't expecting. But we all agreed Cavill gave the stronger performance. He didn't seem uncomfortable at all with his accent, and that was one of the things my friends commented on after - how good it was and also how well it lended itself to his lines and character and made his quips funnier. But we are Brits, so perhaps we wouldn't pick up on subtle errors as well as an American, but if we're talking about him seeming uncomfortable, well I didn't see that at all.

This role is not going to do any favors to Cavill. I think the reason he might have less dialog or less of fast dialog in MOS is his American accent. I think Snyder might be purposefully be using him that way.

Couldn't disagree more here! However well this movie does, it's going to do Cavill some favors. For people who have only seen him as Supes, it will show he can absolutely play someone totally different. He had great comedic timing IMO (some of his expressions were just hilarious too) and showing he can do humour and more light-hearted roles can only be a good thing. (Also, his accent in MoS was totally different to this and he nailed that IMO so...)

And the film is kinda strangely scripted so that no one character emerges as a lead though I got the feeling that with a big star in the role, Solo might have been the lead. Cavill is actually billed second in the opening titles, so it's not just BvS where he's being demoted.

There are two leads. Hammer was billed first in opening credits, Cavill was billed first in closing credits. Cavill was billed first in all the ads/TV spots so if anyone is being demoted, its not him.

The best performances are undoubtedly by the women. Their utter confidence and panache specially shines through when you see the men struggling though Hammer is decent. I don't see a sequel happening at all. The movie's kinda a misfire I would say.

Disagree here too - because surprisingly, I wasn't overly impressed with Alicia Vikander. I love her on the whole and think she's an excellent actress, but she was a little flat here in my opinion. She had some great moments, but from my POV no way did she outshine the male leads. Maybe it was just a character thing but I felt she didn't add much to the movie on the whole apart from in terms of the plot and her relationship with Ilya. Elizabeth Debicki I thought was fantastic, so I agree with you there!

This is the thing - all of this just comes down to personal opinion so there's no right or wrong. I've read reviews saying Hammer and Cavill's chemistry is the best thing about the movie; I've read others saying they have absolutely none whatsoever. I've read reviews saying Alicia Vikander is the best thing about the movie; I completely disagreed. Some reviewers totally 'got' Cavill's accent and thought it was great; others thought weird or misplaced or whatever. Critics aren't necessarily right or wrong - it's just THEIR opinion.

 

[slumcat]

I think this film should get two Oscar nominations - one for Best Costume Design and one for Best Original Score.

 

[Rocketman]

I love Cavill and I think he's a great actor and screen presence, but if he were to do a romantic comedy or something along the lines of a Nicolas Sparks movie - or even Fifty Shades - his career would absolutely skyrocket. He needs to do something that women want to see, and they will flock to it... Just like Magic Mike or Twilight. Let's be honest. He won't win an Oscar anytime soon. And he should be Superman for the next 25 years as far as I'm concerned... but in between the DC films, movies aimed at women should be his main focus.

 

[Hush]

I loved the Movie, really a fun film, I have never seen the show so I have no idea what it was supposed to be but this seemed like cool idea. Hugh Grant was very funny in his role and should have had a bigger one in my opinion, I really hope this gets a second movie and Cavill gets a bigger portion of screen time as I find the man Charismatic as all ****.

 

[-Kal-Elle-]

BTW, I think people have been way too quick to write this off as a flop or base overall reception solely on the U.S box office; as expected, it's doing well internationally:

http://deadline.com/2015/08/man-from-uncle-overseas-box-office-warner-bros-1201499808/

 

[InCali]

I just got back and really liked it. I gave it 8 out of 10. A step down from MI:RN, but that's no slam on it. Parts of it had a Sergio Leone, spaghetti western feel to it and I liked the soundtrack as well. I thought both of the male leads were just fine. Vikander was fine also, but, to me, she didn't seem quite as comfortable in her role. I hope it does well enough to warrant a sequel, because I would definitely give it a shot. It has a 3.9/5 on the audience score so most people think it's doing something right.

 

[InCali]

I saw UNCLE last night with 5 friends and we all enjoyed it. It was a lot funnier than I anticipated - I knew there would be humour but there was more than I was expecting, which was nice. The movie wasn't without its issues - the main thing for me was that the last act was a bit all over the place. But it still was fun and enjoyable for all of us - two girls, three guys.

Reviews have been mixed so it's understandable our views here will be mixed, but I completely disagree with some of Slumcat's points so am going to give my spin on a few things he said. And for the record, while I am a Cavill fan I am more than capable of criticising him when I think he's poor in a role or inconsistent! (eg. Immortals!)

Immortals was just AWFUL!!!! LOL. I'm a lousy critic, but that was almost unwatchable. I just checked and it got 35% on RT....I don't know how in the world they were able to find a group of critics that contained 35% that would give a thumbs up on that movie.

 

[godisawesome]

Just saw it, and I liked it a lot. Biggest weakness was the main conflict's resolution; the "epilogue" was actually pretty good when it focused on our heroes and the final reactions that made them friends and start up UNCLE, and I did enjoy most of the endgame against Debicki's villain, but most of the stuff leading up to it after the torture scene was bland.

Okay, as an American from the Midwest, I'm going to say that Cavill's accent was perfect. We had this discussion on the BvS boards, and I think the concensus was that while the UK has very specific regional accents, the U.S. has enough bleed over between the various dialects that a "generic" American accent is perfectly believable. There was one line where Cavill sounded a bit too clipped, but that just made him sound a bit more like a New Englander for half-a-second.

And Cavill oozed so much pure charm I would have bought the Statue of Liberty from him if he tried to sell it. He's easily the actor whose skill was exploited the most, and he still retains an edge over a lot of his contemporaries when it comes to non-verbal facial dialogue, all while still having a great command over his voice and tone.

Hammer was fun and consistently believable, but did seem to shine more when his character was given more emotional sequences. He also works very well as a foil to the other characters, though his Hulk-like moments were built up well with generally disappointing climaxes; if a guy's going to go berserk, I expect him to wreck $#!+ up in an epic way, not just stab a guy.

Vikander and Debicki were perfect, though that's because I'm seeing the former's awkward moments as being in-character for her after the reveal. The latter was just pure awesome as a main villain, which is probably why it's so disappointing that her character's husband had an even vaguely important part of the climax, considering how shallow he was in comparison.

 

[InCali]

Just saw it, and I liked it a lot. Biggest weakness was the main conflict's resolution; the "epilogue" was actually pretty good when it focused on our heroes and the final reactions that made them friends and start up UNCLE, and I did enjoy most of the endgame against Debicki's villain, but most of the stuff leading up to it after the torture scene was bland.

Okay, as an American from the Midwest, I'm going to say that Cavill's accent was perfect. We had this discussion on the BvS boards, and I think the concensus was that while the UK has very specific regional accents, the U.S. has enough bleed over between the various dialects that a "generic" American accent is perfectly believable. There was one line where Cavill sounded a bit too clipped, but that just made him sound a bit more like a New Englander for half-a-second.

And Cavill oozed so much pure charm I would have bought the Statue of Liberty from him if he tried to sell it. He's easily the actor whose skill was exploited the most, and he still retains an edge over a lot of his contemporaries when it comes to non-verbal facial dialogue, all while still having a great command over his voice and tone.

Hammer was fun and consistently believable, but did seem to shine more when his character was given more emotional sequences. He also works very well as a foil to the other characters, though his Hulk-like moments were built up well with generally disappointing climaxes; if a guy's going to go berserk, I expect him to wreck $#!+ up in an epic way, not just stab a guy.

Vikander and Debicki were perfect, though that's because I'm seeing the former's awkward moments as being in-character for her after the reveal. The latter was just pure awesome as a main villain, which is probably why it's so disappointing that her character's husband had an even vaguely important part of the climax, considering how shallow he was in comparison.

You forgot Vikander's dance scene.

doncha feel like fain....tin'? doncha feel like faintin'?

 

[terry78]

Yeah, I hopped into after Compton like I said I was last night, and it's a decent ride. I do think Hammer kinda stole the show at the screening I was in due to him being the most humorous and kind of the implacable brute force badass in contrast to Solo's more finesse laden attacks, but they meshed well. On that note about Hammer, I do hope he gets cast as Shazam, if only to see him and Cavill's Supes fight.

 

[Rowsdower!]

I love Cavill and I think he's a great actor and screen presence, but if he were to do a romantic comedy or something along the lines of a Nicolas Sparks movie - or even Fifty Shades - his career would absolutely skyrocket. He needs to do something that women want to see, and they will flock to it... Just like Magic Mike or Twilight. Let's be honest. He won't win an Oscar anytime soon. And he should be Superman for the next 25 years as far as I'm concerned... but in between the DC films, movies aimed at women should be his main focus.

Bingo. Cavill and his agent need to realize that he could easily have a string of hits if he stars in films that appeal to female audiences. He's a better actor (and better looking) than guys like Tatum but he hasn't gone after the roles that would make him a household name. Hopefully he will. JL doesn't start filming until January; easily enough time for him to film a chick flick or something.

 

[flickchick85]

Well, I had a blast with this. It is unfortunate that it's coming off the heels of MI5 because that's just in another league, imo, and the fact that they basically occupy the same genre will only invite comparisons. But ignoring any comparison, I thought this was well-made and highly entertaining in its own right. Cavill was the standout to me, but I didn't hate Hammer (which is unusual for me), so that's something. Vikander was more fun than I expected her character to be, too. It's a shame it's not doing better because I would love to see a sequel. Oh well.

 

[Voltron]

I love Cavill and I think he's a great actor and screen presence, but if he were to do a romantic comedy or something along the lines of a Nicolas Sparks movie - or even Fifty Shades - his career would absolutely skyrocket. He needs to do something that women want to see, and they will flock to it... Just like Magic Mike or Twilight. Let's be honest. He won't win an Oscar anytime soon. And he should be Superman for the next 25 years as far as I'm concerned... but in between the DC films, movies aimed at women should be his main focus.

Too bad Cavill didn't end up playing Tristan in Tristan and Isolde, all the women would go insane. That was a wasted opportunity since it had all the elements for a perfect romantic movie and the director was pushing for Cavill in the role but the studio wanted a big name at the time. Instead you got James Franco butchering the English accent.

 

[flickchick85]

Good Lord, Franco was horribly cast in that movie.

 

[Rocketman]

I have to say, the scene where Solo was sitting in the truck watching the boat chase almost made me piss my pants. One of the funniest things I've seen in a very long time. Probably the highlight of the film for me.

 

[flickchick85]

Yeah, that was definitely my favorite scene. Hilarious.

 

[scifiwolf]

Th wife and I saw his last night. We both loved it, but it wasn't without its criticisms. I don't remember if it was a critic review or a poster on this thread, but someone mentioned not playing up the intrigue between Napoleon and Illya as Cold War adversaries. I'd agree with that. There was a solid amount of friction with their personality types, and typically a standing order for each to kill the other if necessary, but the script never really turns up the heat with the threat of a double cross or ulterior motives. It was all the more glaring to me being bookended with the sublime car chase and the scene in the hotel at the end.

Everything else was spot on - actors, production, plot, humor, etc. Oh, and that soundtrack! My wife really can't stand jazz, but we came home and just listened to Nina Simone for a while before going to sleep.

I sincerely hope this movie kicks ass overseas, because I really want a sequel. I loved the three main actors individually and together in this, and just need to see more of them.

 

[tamron]

but the script never really turns up the heat with the threat of a double cross or ulterior motives. It was all the more glaring to me being bookended with the sublime car chase and the scene in the hotel at the end.

Their confrontation in the hotel room just before the very end didn't serve that exact purpose, iyo?

 

[scifiwolf]

Their confrontation in the hotel room just before the very end didn't serve that exact purpose, iyo?

It isn't enough. Like I said, that fear and suspicion kind of disappears once they're assigned to work together, and we're left with just the clashing personalities.

 

[Mysteryman]

Unfortunately no.....I was hoping for a surprise up until the credits ended.

Odd that they didn't do it .
Missed opportunity IMO.

 

[InCali]

I have to say, the scene where Solo was sitting in the truck watching the boat chase almost made me piss my pants. One of the funniest things I've seen in a very long time. Probably the highlight of the film for me.

That scene reminded me of living in Santa Cruz. Just about everyone is on Santa Cruz time (except me because I'm "not" mello); which means you NEVER show up when expected (Santa Cruz time is just a "little" bit earlier than Hawaii time).

Spoiler

I'm sitting there squirming in my seat during that scene and going "Get the frell out of the frelling truck. The frelling boat is on fire."

The way he resolved it was so awesomely cool that it almost made me want to be mello or patient or something like that.

I'm really hoping they see some potential for this going forward and make a sequel. If done right, it could work.

Agree with Flick WRT MI:RN.

 

[godisawesome]

This has been a great year for spy films, since while this film seems likely to be the loser, it still seems successful on a basic level.

 

[MadVillainy]

This was a "cool" movie. And I dont mean cool as in good, although I did enjoy it. But this was the first movie in a while that really made me wanna be a spy.

The leads were great. The humor was good.

The only problems I had were with the pacing (it was too slow in beginning) and I wouldve liked more action.

I hope this does well enough overseas to warrant a sequel. I really wanna see Cavill, Hammer, and Vikander act again. They did so so well together