“Argylle” fails to live up to its potential as a spy caper, relying heavily on tired tropes from the Bond and ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchises without adding anything fresh or original. Despite the presence of talented actors like Sam Rothwell in the lead role, the film feels soulless and lacks the charm that made the ‘Kingsman’ films successful.
Released alongside ‘American Fiction,’ which offers a more compelling narrative featuring Bryce Dallas Howard as a reclusive author blurring the lines between fiction and reality, ‘Argylle’ pales in comparison. While ‘American Fiction’ explores intriguing themes of fantasy versus reality, ‘Argylle’ struggles with tonal inconsistencies and improbable character arcs.
Although there are some humorous moments where events from Howard’s character’s books come to life, the film ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging storyline. With a runtime of around 135 minutes, ‘Argylle’ overstays its welcome and lacks the wit and sophistication of classic spy thrillers like ‘North By Northwest.’
Overall, ‘Argylle’ is a forgettable misfire from the team behind the ‘Kingsman’ films, failing to offer anything new or exciting in the spy genre.
“Argylle” attempts to explore metafictional themes but ultimately falls short, resulting in a disjointed and unengaging caper that fails to connect with its audience. The film blurs the line between the cartoonish shenanigans depicted in the books and their real-life counterparts, where characters die without consequence and events unfold without emotional impact.
While there are moments of inspiration, such as when fictional characters come to life to confront their creator, the film lacks emotional depth and fails to evoke any genuine sentiment. Despite its dazzling visuals, scenes like Howard’s character skating through oil and effortlessly annihilating her enemies feel out of place and disrupt the movie’s coherence.
As a result, “Argylle” becomes wearying to watch before the halfway mark, with disjointed scenes that fail to integrate with the rest of the narrative. Despite its attempts at metafiction, the film ultimately falls short of delivering a cohesive and satisfying viewing experience.
“Argylle” brings a fresh and entertaining twist to the espionage genre, borrowing elements from pulp-flavored adventure movies and spy-memoir satires. Jason Fuchs’ script, inspired by films like “The Lost City” and “Romancing the Stone,” provides a fun and lively platform for a female protagonist, a departure from the typically testosterone-heavy genre. Bryce Dallas Howard takes center stage as Elly, presenting a relatable Everywoman who adds a new dimension to the spy narrative.
The film opens with a flamboyant set-piece from Elly’s latest Argylle book, featuring lively cameos from Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, and John Cena. Director Vaughn cleverly invites the audience to question the artificiality of the scene while setting up comedic clichés that will be subverted later in the movie. Elly finds herself unwittingly caught in a dangerous situation, surrounded by passengers on a train who want to kill her. Sam Rockwell’s character, Aidan, emerges as an unexpected ally and a potential inspiration for Elly’s fictional spy.
Vaughn employs a neat trick by shooting a sequence from Elly’s perspective, seamlessly blending scenes from the fictional Argylle with the real-world spy drama. The film embraces artifice, with intentionally unconvincing visuals in contrast to the practical stuntwork of other spy franchises. “Argylle” keeps the audience on their toes with unexpected twists and turns, playing with preconceived notions and subverting genre expectations.
One of the film’s standout moments involves Bryan Cranston, who appears first as an evil Division head named Ritter and later surprises the audience with a completely different character. Vaughn’s approach thrives on keeping the viewers guessing and delivering fresh surprises at every turn.
In summary, “Argylle” is a delightful and innovative take on the spy genre, injecting humor, unpredictability, and a strong female lead into the mix. The film’s commitment to artifice and constant subversion of expectations make it an engaging and enjoyable cinematic experience.
In “Argylle,” Sam Rockwell’s character, Aidan, takes on a prominent role, establishing a quirky and humorous dynamic with Bryce Dallas Howard’s character, Elly. As Aidan guides Elly through their perilous adventures, the film strikes a balance between comedy and action, with Elly’s discomfort at Aidan’s lethal methods adding an additional layer of tension.
Director Vaughn’s irreverent approach to violence is evident throughout the film, with a tone that is consistent with his previous work but less extreme. Unlike his previous films, which often earned R ratings, “Argylle” opts for a relatively tame PG-13 rating. The film eschews graphic violence, with no exploding heads or gruesome scenes typically associated with Vaughn’s style.
Instead, “Argylle” delivers its action with a Looney Tunes flair, culminating in a figure-skating finale that features wild choreography and a brief bit of gore. Despite the lack of bloodshed on-screen, the film maintains its energetic and entertaining pace, ensuring that audiences are captivated by the thrilling escapades of Elly and Aidan without relying on excessive violence.
If Matthew Vaughn aimed to attract a younger audience with “Argylle,” he succeeded without alienating his adult fans. The film’s trailer, running at 160 seconds, provides a glimpse of its ridiculousness, setting expectations appropriately.
However, the full-length feature, running well over two hours as is common with Apple co-productions, allows viewers to fully immerse themselves in Vaughn’s kitschy style.
While Vaughn’s garish and over-the-top approach may initially challenge common sense and good taste, the film eventually finds its rhythm. Moments like Howard and Rockwell bursting from a bunker amid a Barbie-pink smokescreen, leaving a trail of heart-shaped sparks, capture the essence of the film’s whimsical charm.
Initially unlikely, the budding romance between Elly and Aidan becomes endearing as they navigate near-death experiences together.
Despite its initial brashness, “Argylle” ultimately succeeds in finding its groove, offering an entertaining and charming experience for audiences of all ages.
Vaughn’s knack for blending humor, action, and romance ensures that the film appeals to both younger viewers and longtime fans of his work.
Also Read | The Vampire Next Door (2024) Movie Review and Storyline