Argylle - Review

Your Word is My Command.

3.5 / 5

Directed by Matthew Vaughn.

When the plots of reclusive author Elly Conway’s fictional espionage novels begin to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organization, the line between Conway’s fictional world and her real one begins to blur.

A fun and care-free action flick let down by an overwhelming and misaligned marketing campaign that dares to question: "Who is the real Agent Argylle?" Even if no one was asking…

Matthew Vaughn returns to the director's chair with a spy film with all the energy of Kingsman but none of the suave charm. In an attempt to stay in the realm of 12/PG-13, it plays things far too safe throwing as many colours, twists and recognisable actors at the screen to distract the audience into thinking it's stronger than it is.

But despite messy marketing, a convoluted plot and self-censorship, there was one thing I was not expecting… Argylle is really… fun. Half the time I had no idea what was going on but I enjoyed every minute. Accept the absurdity of rainbow tear-gas, crude oil skating and spies in disguise and it's hard not to have a good time. Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell are fantastic on screen together as they fight to make it make sense.

Did I want more from Argylle? Sure. Did I expect to enjoy it this much? Absolutely not.

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