Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill
Release Date: February 2, 2024
Platform: Theater
Rating: 2/5
“Argylle fails to deliver a cohesive narrative or memorable characters.”
If there was ever a movie trailer seen far too many times, Argylle takes the cake. Known for his successful spy series The King’s Man, director Matthew Vaughn is back with another spy film that attempts to blend action, comedy, romance, and then some with Argylle. Initially, the filmshows promise with its quirky charm and entertaining first act. However, as the film progresses, it descends into absurdity, culminating in over-the-top fight scenes and a bewildering climax that leaves the audience scratching their heads.
Actress Bryce Dallas Howard stars as Elly Conway, an illustrious writer known for her fictional spy series of the same name. Stuck on how to complete the fifth installment of her series, Elly takes off on a trip to see her mother and get clarity on how to finish her book. What beings as a typical train ride quickly escalates into a real-life spy escapade. Rescuing Elly from the clutches of assassins, Sam Rockwell impresses in his role as Aiden, propelling Elly into a whirlwind of adventure and peril. With finesse and charm, Rockwell portrays the savvy, multifaceted spy, making Aiden a standout character.
Throughout the film, Henry Cavill sporadically appears as the elusive Agent Argylle, a figment of Elly’s imagination and the star of her hit novels. As Elly’s grasp on reality begins to shatter, Cavill’s character blurs the lines between fiction and reality, leaving audiences questioning his true existence. Despite the anticipation set by the movie trailer, Cavill’s limited screen time may disappoint viewers expecting him to be in a more prominent role.
While the cast of Argylle boasts a constellation of stars, including Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, John Cena, Ariana DeBose, Catherine O’Hara and Dua Lipa, their performances fail to elevate the lackluster storyline. For instance, Bryce Dallas Howard delivers a commendable performance in the first half of the film, but as the plot twist unfolds her charisma diminishes leaving viewers with an unlikeable lead. Similarly, even an Academy Award winner, like Ariana DeBose was unable to bring any substance to the film with her portrayal of a throwaway character.
Speaking of throwaways, falling disappointingly flat was the romantic subplot, which was a wasted opportunity in an already convoluted storyline. While the writers could have created a strong bond of friendship between characters, they opted for a romantic route that lacked chemistry and believability. Regardless of the actors’ efforts, the romantic scenes come across as cringeworthy, and fail to evoke any genuine emotion. Ultimately, the subplot feels forced and unnecessary, adding little depth or value to the overall film.
Amidst a cast where many faltered one true standout emerged. The film’s unexpected star is none other than Alfie, the beloved cat of director Matthew Vaughn’s real-life daughter. With his fluffy charm and adorable antics, Alfie injects a delightful dose of comedy into the film, offering a welcome reprieve from the frenetic action sequences and corny dialogue.
While the film’s attempt to blend genres is admirable, its execution feels disjointed, and the comedic elements often miss the mark. Argylle seems unsure of whether it wants to be a fun spy thriller or a flat-out parody, resulting in inconsistencies that distract from the overall experience.
In conclusion, Argylle falls short of expectations. The film fails to deliver a cohesive narrative or memorable characters. While it may provide some entertainment for those looking for a mindless dive into absurdity, it ultimately disappoints as an action spy film. Proceed with caution, and perhaps view Argylle as a full-on parody, rather than a serious cinematic endeavor.
Editor Side Note: It should be a criminal offense to make Henry Cavill unattractive. Also, the Taylor Swift conspiracies are very much untrue. Taylor would have written a much greater story with a flawless romantic subplot.
