The thing about film critics over the last few years is that they seem to be more concerned about crafting the most quotable putdown than actually reviewing the film.
Is this a groundbreaking film? No. Is it hugely thought-provoking? No. Is it a future classic that'll stand the test of time? Probably not. But it is a good watch and keeps you entertained, and at the end of the day that's what we want when we go to the cinema.
So, bad stuff first. It does start off slow and seem a little one dimensional. The dialogue isn't great and while there's plenty of quirkiness to Elly (Bryce Dallas Howard), it doesn't feel like enough to be engaging for the whole film. Enter Aiden Wilde (Sam Rockwell).
As soon as he's introduced it picks up. There's a tongue in cheek, lighthearted approach to the fight scenes and a good connection between the two leads, which I think is the point.
Spoilers incoming.
Given that it turns out that Elly used to be Agent R Kyle and was also romantically linked to Aiden, the writing of the film was reflecting the character's life. It seemed one dimensional because that's what Elly's (suffering amnesia) was, and it brightened up when Aiden turned up because he was a huge part of her life she was missing, even if she didn't realise. So, even though it was a slow start it was a good bit of writing and foreshadowing throughout the film.
It does feel too long and it does take a while to get where it's going, but that's going to happen when you throw in so many twists and turns. It could have done with fewer of those and remained just as entertaining. And even though it does get better from the train scene, the writing and dialogue never really goes above average.
Big names pop up throughout, which is always nice to see. A standout is definitely Catherine O'hara because, let's be honest, she's just always brilliant.
I like a good action movie with well choreographed fight scenes, but there's also something refreshing about ones that tread a little on the side of ridiculous, too. And Argylle is packed full of them.
It's a farce and as long as you never take it too seriously, it's one you'll have a lot of fun watching.
There is a mid-credit scene that features a pub called The Kingsman. Given that the director is Matthew Vaughn, is this an Easter egg or a hint that Argylle is part of a much bigger world? Either way, it looks like there may well be another film on the way.
Is this a groundbreaking film? No. Is it hugely thought-provoking? No. Is it a future classic that'll stand the test of time? Probably not. But it is a good watch and keeps you entertained, and at the end of the day that's what we want when we go to the cinema.
So, bad stuff first. It does start off slow and seem a little one dimensional. The dialogue isn't great and while there's plenty of quirkiness to Elly (Bryce Dallas Howard), it doesn't feel like enough to be engaging for the whole film. Enter Aiden Wilde (Sam Rockwell).
As soon as he's introduced it picks up. There's a tongue in cheek, lighthearted approach to the fight scenes and a good connection between the two leads, which I think is the point.
Spoilers incoming.
Given that it turns out that Elly used to be Agent R Kyle and was also romantically linked to Aiden, the writing of the film was reflecting the character's life. It seemed one dimensional because that's what Elly's (suffering amnesia) was, and it brightened up when Aiden turned up because he was a huge part of her life she was missing, even if she didn't realise. So, even though it was a slow start it was a good bit of writing and foreshadowing throughout the film.
It does feel too long and it does take a while to get where it's going, but that's going to happen when you throw in so many twists and turns. It could have done with fewer of those and remained just as entertaining. And even though it does get better from the train scene, the writing and dialogue never really goes above average.
Big names pop up throughout, which is always nice to see. A standout is definitely Catherine O'hara because, let's be honest, she's just always brilliant.
I like a good action movie with well choreographed fight scenes, but there's also something refreshing about ones that tread a little on the side of ridiculous, too. And Argylle is packed full of them.
It's a farce and as long as you never take it too seriously, it's one you'll have a lot of fun watching.
There is a mid-credit scene that features a pub called The Kingsman. Given that the director is Matthew Vaughn, is this an Easter egg or a hint that Argylle is part of a much bigger world? Either way, it looks like there may well be another film on the way.
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