The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
for action violence, some suggestive content, and partial nudity.
Reviewed by: Pamela Karpelenia
CONTRIBUTOR
| Moral Rating: | Offensive |
| Moviemaking Quality: |
|
| Primary Audience: | Adults |
| Genre: | Spy Crime Action Adventure Comedy |
| Length: | 1 hr. 56 min. |
| Year of Release: | 2015 |
| USA Release: |
August 14, 2015 (wide—3,450+ theaters) DVD: November 17, 2015 |
| Featuring |
Henry Cavill … Napoleon Solo Armie Hammer … Illya Kuryakin Hugh Grant … Waverly Alicia Vikander … Gaby Teller Jared Harris … Sanders Elizabeth Debicki … Victoria Vinciguerra David Beckham Ekaterina Zalitko … Pit girl Christian Berkel Luca Calvani … Alexander See all » |
| Director |
Guy Ritchie |
| Producer |
Davis Entertainment Warner Bros. |
| Distributor |
“Don’t kill your new partner on the first day”
“The Man from U.N.C.L.E” is a stylish spy film with comedic flair. We meet Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill), an American spy sent to find a woman whose estranged father is helping build a nuclear weapon. They are followed by a Russian KGB (Armie Hammer) agent, and, to their surprise, they end up working together to impact the Cold War.
The plot has a familiar spy film storyline, but a more stylized take on the traditional spy movie which can only be attributed to the director Guy Ritchie. Actor Henry Cavill, who we know as Superman does an amazing job of breaking character and taking on this entirely different role. He conveys the dapper spy perfectly. His co-star Armie Hammer, who we know as The Lone Ranger, has a convincing Russian accent to go with great performance as a KGB agent. Alicia Vikander (“Ex Machina”) is the female lead, and seems out of place with the caliber of acting supplied by her two co-stars. The supporting cast is so precise in their roles, it truly makes the film enjoyable.
The objectionable content, although not gratuitous is a cause for concern. Let’s start with violent fist fights, a gritty car chase and Nazi implied elements of torture with graphic pictures. While no overt sex is shown, it is highly implied, with a woman half naked shown from the back. Alcohol is used frequently. Much of violence is conducive to the plot.
There isn’t much biblical truth to draw from this film. One recurring theme is the importance of following orders and coming to a point where you stand up for what is true and what is right. We, as Christians, are getting a point in our society where the world is telling us to ignore the Bible and the truth of Scripture and just follow orders or political correctness—social pressure.
As for recommendation for this film, I enjoyed the cool feel and look, the intricate plot, and the top shelf acting, so I think it’s worth seeing on the big screen. It is a Hollywood film, with objectionable content, so be aware of that if you decide to view it.
Violence: Heavy to extreme / Language: Moderate—hell (1), damn (2), a** (1), p*ssy (1) / Sex/Nudity: Moderate
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.
Mr. Cavill, in particular, reveals good comic timing in his double entendres. There are worse ways of spending a rainy afternoon than watching a film set in la dolce vita era Rome.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
On the positive side, there was good direction and photography and interesting plot twists, even a good payoff at the end, but it just took too long to get there. Maybe they’ll do better with the implied sequel.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3½
PLEASE share your observations and insights to be posted here.
Overall, it reminds me of classic 60s spy movies. It has the slower pace and filmmaking style of the era where it’s set. I love classic movies, but I worry the pace might be too slow for a generation used to fast-paced action movies. The movie feels more like a TV show pilot put on film, than a stand-alone feature film.
Still, it’s a good homage to classic 60’s spy movies and shows. I would recommend the movie if that’s what you’re looking for, just leave the kids at home.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4