MOVIE MONDAYS: THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E
If you read my last Life Edit post you already know how I feel about this film. This is a movie that is just beyond amazing. Okay, that statement may be a tad over-dramatic but you know what? I don't really care. It is how I feel at this moment so it is what it is - beyond amazing. I did not know what to expect really except that there was a high chance that it would be an action movie if the poster was anything to go by. It was so much more than that...
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Source: Man from U.N.C.L.E
The script was just... no words. And the direction was just... And the soundtrack?! Okay, bear with me as I attempt to make complete sentences. Right, all I know is I was hooked right from the get go until the very end. It is no secret that I am a Henry Cavill fan. And when I discovered that he had a new film soon-to-be released, I called up my sister and she knew what our weekend plans were going to consist of. So, we got up super early on Saturday the 29th of August and made our merry way to the cinema to see the first screening of the day hoping that the theatre would not be ridiculously filled up - it wasn't. We ordered the biggest bag of popcorn and waited patiently for the film to begin. When it did, we both sat up that bit straighter and watched frame-by-frame go by with increasing need and excitement.
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Napoleon Polo and Gaby Teller // Source: Photo by Daniel Smith - © 2013 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E is based on the popular 1960's TV series of the same name created by Sam Rolfe (Have Gun - Will Travel). It is set in the 1960's amidst the Cold War and revolves around an oh-so-important mission involving nuclear weapons that has caught the attention of a pair of highly skilled agents who are from organisations known not to play nicely with each other - the CIA and the KGB - leading to quite an entertaining set of events. Directed brilliantly by Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes; RocknRolla; Snatch), this film is sure to make you chuckle and appreciate the work of teamof filmmakers who certainly know their stuff. The comical, action-packed screenplay that has pockets full of drama was written by Guy Ritchie (RocknRolla; Revolver; Snatch) and Lionel Wigram (Sherlock Holmes). And the manner in which it was brought to our screens was nicely done. The visuals and editing were as slick as the characters in this story; the director of photography was Oscar-nominated John Matheison (47 Ronin; X-Men: First Class; The Phantom of the Opera) and the editor was James Herbert (Edge of Tomorrow; Gangster Squad; Sherlock Holmes). The characters' costumes were so good I know exactly what items are going to feature in my fantasy wardrobe. I am not saying I can pull any of the looks off but there were so many pieces I want to at least try on and it is Joanna Johnston (Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation; War Horse; Forrest Gump), the film's Oscar-nominated costume designer that I have to thank. The hair and make-up department also did a fantastic job. Once my hair is long and compliant enough I, shall try to recreate some of my favourite styles. Overall, The Man from U.N.C.L.E is very visually pleasing and an interesting film that I think you should see if and when you get the chance to.
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Alexander and Victoria Vinciguerra // Source: Photo by Daniel Smith - © 2013 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Now, there is plenty to say about the characters in this film but I shall try to keep it short. The cast gave such arresting performances that I think it would be hard for your attention to waver from the events unfolding on your screen of choice. Henry Cavill (Man of Steel; The Tudors; Red Riding Hood) stars as Napoleon Polo, an expert CIA agent with a coloured past who believes in honour and is proud asshat at times. But you cannot fault him though, he is mad resourceful. Alicia Vilkander (Ex Machina; Testament of Youth; The Fifth Estate) plays the role of Gaby Teller, a wicked smart multi-layered woman who knows a thing or five about what makes a car tick and would do anything to protect her own. Illya Kuryakin, a unique and driven KGB agent who is slightly temperamental and more of a punch-first-ask-questions-later kinda guy but definitely has a softer side to him was portrayed by Armie Hammer (Entourage; The Lone Ranger; The Social Network). Elizabeth Debicki (Everest; Macbeth; The Great Gatsby) stars as Victoria Vinciguerra, a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go get it whilst Alexander Vinciguerra, Victoria's sleezy husband, is played by Luca Calvani (Una buona stagione; When in Rome; The Good Guy). Uncle Rudi, one of my favourite characters in this film, is a man who lives to learn more and is not afraid to share what he knows is portrayed by Sylvester Groth (Sense8; Tatort; Inglorious Bastards). And then we have Hugh Grant (Cloud Atlas; Notting Hill; Sense and Sensibility) making an appearance as Alexander Waverly, a powerful and resourceful British Intelligence officer. These characters as but a few who makeThe Man from U.N.C.L.E the fascinating watch that it is.
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The Man from U.N.C.L.E is one of the few films I know that has action sequences that will have you bustin' a move the entire time. If you are in the mood for a bit of drama, action and more than a few laughs then I think you should check this movie out. It was so funny. the entire cinema laughed in unison at particular points in the film that made me feel a lot less alone in this world.
Mo x