Director Guy Ritchie ("Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows", "Snatch") gives us look back into the 1960's espionage: we have an American CIA Agent, Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) teaming up to take down the threat of a nuclear weapon, while still protecting the beautiful chop-shop girl, Gaby Teller (Alicia Vikander).
Acting: I read on the internet a lovely synopsis of the actors and their characters in the film: "a Brit playing an American, an American playing a Russian, a Swede playing a German, and an Australian playing an Italian." If that doesn't impress you, then I don't know what does. The tension between Hammer and Cavill was both intense, and comical at the same time. In addition, the attraction between Vikander and Hammer's characters was sweet and playful. Basically, what I have to say is there was top acting within this piece. Every character had me hooked, and had me rooting for the CIA and KGB! ...wait...
Editing/Cinematography: I have to say, the editing style in this movie is one of my favorite parts! The editor for this film, James Herbert, paid important detail to what this film was about. The use of the quick close ups and zoom outs was very quintessential for the 60's. This mixed with the montage of shots in one frame were amazing! I felt as though I were watching Sunday evening action shows about to eat some Ruffles and drink Diet Pepsi! (Read about it: http://www.bonappetit.com/restaurants-travel/article/a-history-of-american-snack-foods-from-waffle-cones-to-doritos)
Music/Sound Editing: The music choice was one of my favorite parts of the film. Going with the classic 60's trope would have been too easy. Instead, our ears are treated with some fantastic over the top, inspired pieces that really take the fun, happy 60's and puts it in the modern 2010's! I thoroughly enjoyed this piece. Kudos to Daniel Pemberton, the composer for the film.
Production: Any good filmmaker knows that creating something that has props, sets, and clothes from a different time period is going to cost you a pretty penny. And the later you go, the more expensive it gets. The car that drove Gaby Teller (Vikander) to her important lunch was a Jaguar MK9, with a price of around $50k, alone. Impeccable attention to detail and an exquisite choice in fashion, this piece was as if it were pulled through a time machine, and given a hint of modern flair.
Writing: Story, I'll be honest was a little hinky to me. While I enjoyed the dialogue and the lines, especially when presented by the actors, the story was not my favorite. The whole idea of the threat of nuclear war was a little too easy for me to take. It's hard to describe, but in all honesty, what I wrote down in my notebook was the word "convoluted."
Final Grade: Even though this piece had amazing actors and fantastic costumes and scenery, I feel that that was all that was holding it up. Story wasn't amazing, but it was a feast for the eyes and has made me want to be a spy in the 60's more than ever (and I never thought I'd actually say that)!
FINAL GRADE= A-
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