Read Mixed User Reviews for The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

5

TyranianApr 13, 2019

Ritchie at his worst, this is all style no substance and terrible acting. Disappointing.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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5

NikolayGDec 6, 2015

I recall the 1960s TV show barely but viewed this without any regard for whether it's true to the TV show or not. The trailer for this movie misleadingly makes it look really good, but do not be fooled. It is pretty mediocre until the lastI recall the 1960s TV show barely but viewed this without any regard for whether it's true to the TV show or not. The trailer for this movie misleadingly makes it look really good, but do not be fooled. It is pretty mediocre until the last half hour. Henry Cavill is handsome but has zero personality in this, and that is a big big problem. The Russian guy is much better. I had thought the two would be competing for the woman's favor throughout to add a little fun pizzaz, but no. Cavill shows no interest; it's as if he knows he's too boring for her. The whole film is done in a manner that is very stiff and rigid. Nothing really flows organically. I've never before seen a movie that was bad in the peculiar way that this movie is bad. And of course like many films today, it was significantly too long given the amount of story it had to deliver. An hour and forty five minutes would have been plenty. They could have cut out a chunk in the middle. If you are just dying to see a spy story and there's nothing else available, then rent this. Otherwise make another choice. The latest Mission Impossible or James Bond. I've seen them both and they both beat this.… Expand

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6

sanyrubMar 5, 2016

It´s not the greatest film out there and its pace is far from thrilling. But still a lot of effort was put and there are action sequences to really enjoy and with a lot of personality. The bromance between the two male leads is a great watchIt´s not the greatest film out there and its pace is far from thrilling. But still a lot of effort was put and there are action sequences to really enjoy and with a lot of personality. The bromance between the two male leads is a great watch and makes one desire it could have gone further in a way. Was probably the best part. But it still worked as a love/hate friendship. Entertaining watch.… Expand

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6

Voodoo123May 30, 2018

Excellent cast elevate the average script. Ritchie shows a great sense of style and cinematography is great with some nice lighting in key scenes. Ultimately the play-it-safe inconsequential plot serves to honour the feeling of the tvExcellent cast elevate the average script. Ritchie shows a great sense of style and cinematography is great with some nice lighting in key scenes. Ultimately the play-it-safe inconsequential plot serves to honour the feeling of the tv original but feels like the producers wanted to take more risks with the characters and make something more realistic but switched to something more mainstream at the last minute. Overall very entertaining yet shallow.… Expand

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6

smiyamotOct 6, 2016

The movie was okay, but not good or great. Interesting plot twists, and that's about all I can recommend. A cut below James Bond movies, maybe on the level of "I Spy."

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6

EpicLadySpongeMay 1, 2016

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. looks nice to watch, but its flaws is making me stop enjoying this, but I still watched the entire thing no matter how bad the flaws are.

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6

GinaKAug 17, 2015

I enjoyed this very pleasant summer entertainment starring two handsome and personable actors with an excellent performance by Alicia Vikander. She made her character believable, human, and also fun. The audience was laughing, and I think weI enjoyed this very pleasant summer entertainment starring two handsome and personable actors with an excellent performance by Alicia Vikander. She made her character believable, human, and also fun. The audience was laughing, and I think we all enjoyed ourselves at this movie, which was full of action, beautiful locations, and a script that was not too far over the top.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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6

ahnehnoisAug 15, 2015

It feels like there are so many remakes of '60's TV shows and the spy genre that it's hard to imagine what this one could bring. It's funny at times, and reasonably slick and fast-paced, but it's not a smart movie and it's not saying anythingIt feels like there are so many remakes of '60's TV shows and the spy genre that it's hard to imagine what this one could bring. It's funny at times, and reasonably slick and fast-paced, but it's not a smart movie and it's not saying anything new.

I wasn't a huge fan of most of the characters. Henry Cavill is so American in this part, it's almost a parody, and Armie Hammer is not Russian, and his rage-driven characterization seems kind of a relic of some need to demonize the Soviet Union (or maybe just to make men look like thugs). I liked Ex Machina quite a bit, but this wasn't a good part for Alicia Vikander; she seemed less spunky than pouty. As a whole, it's hard to take the team seriously, which is why the only parts of the movie that really work are the jokes.

But hey, if you're up for some 60's cheesiness, you could do worse.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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6

FilmPhonicAug 21, 2015

The tongue-in-cheek nature and iconic style of the early “Bond” films is a clear inspiration for Guy Ritchie’s ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’… and the key word here is “style”, the film drips with it and it often overpowers any substance andThe tongue-in-cheek nature and iconic style of the early “Bond” films is a clear inspiration for Guy Ritchie’s ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’… and the key word here is “style”, the film drips with it and it often overpowers any substance and everything else.

From the clothes, cars and gadgets, to the cinematographic contrast between a dreary divided Cold War Berlin and the vibrant sun-kissed panoramas of southern coastal Italy, great effort has been taken to bring to the screen a sense of style that’s rare in modern Spy films and can only be achieved with a movie that’s heavily anchored in genre and period.

We’ve come to expect a certain level of style from a Guy Ritchie film but without a tour-de-force central performance as in ‘Sherlock Holmes’, or an inventive and engrossing storyline like ‘Snatch’ , the result is an uneven film that although entertaining, offers little to an oversubscribed genre.

Aside from the obligatory opening action sequence, ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”features a slow-build first half that tries to infuse the characters and story with a comic tone which harks back to early “Bond”, with limited success, when the story and action picks-up, the film then changes tone to your typical modern Spy action film and any charm evaporates as the tension and action set-pieces ramp up.

Despite the lack of an engaging storyline or real chemistry between the two leads, not to mention the adequate if unmemorable performances from the rest of the cast, ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ has more than mere stylistic merits, managing to re-introduce a period in history which cemented the very notion of a Spy into the popular consciousness and that established the entire “Spy” sub-genre… and it looks good while doing so.

The Bottom Line…
Meticulously stylish, faithfully nostalgic and moderately entertaining, ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ takes the Spy sub-genre full-circle back to its roots while offering nothing particularly new, Warner Bros. will surely be hoping that Guy Ritchie has ignited a franchise to trouble the “Bond’s” and “Bourne’s” of this world.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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4

StevieGJDSep 3, 2015

This was a great TV show. This is a mediocre movie. The casting is standard Hollywood blah. The only intriguing character is Elizabeth Debicki as a femme fatale chanteuse who, while over the top, is enchanting, Guy Ritchie may be popularThis was a great TV show. This is a mediocre movie. The casting is standard Hollywood blah. The only intriguing character is Elizabeth Debicki as a femme fatale chanteuse who, while over the top, is enchanting, Guy Ritchie may be popular but he is a bad director. This movie feels as tired and overwrought as his other movies. But this not about good movies, its about pretty people in cool places that make money. Too bad.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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6

MattBrady99Aug 20, 2015

So this movie is basically about Superman and The Longer Ranger teaming up to save the world from evil doers, but in 60's style... should be interesting at least.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E is set around the early 60's, as CIA operation and aSo this movie is basically about Superman and The Longer Ranger teaming up to save the world from evil doers, but in 60's style... should be interesting at least.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E is set around the early 60's, as CIA operation and a KGB agent join forces to take down a mysterious organization seeking to profit on nuclear proliferation.

So I just seen The Man From U.N.C.L.E and it was okay. Now Guy Ritchie may be a mix bag for most people and he kind of is sometimes, but I got to admit that Ritchie really injects a feel of energy and style into his movies that really makes them quite enjoyable to watch. And once again Guy Ritchie doesn't disappoint when it comes to action scenes and it's sense of style, but the one thing that Guy Ritchie doesn't do well on is it's story and characters which is the movies biggest flaw.

Henry Cavill, Alicia Vikander and Armie Hammer all do a solid and decent performance in this movie. I also like how the movie looked as it fitted the 60's perfectly. Some of the action scenes are enjoyable to watch and that's really it for the good.

The characters and the story isn't anything special. The movies pasting can be off at times and I got to admit that I was a bit bored mid way through the film.

Overall The Man From U.N.C.L.E is decent enough, but not as great as I wanted it to be.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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6

LamontRaymondAug 14, 2015

The Metascore is right on for this one. Something about the pacing and just the general "energy" of the movie wasn't there, and I thought I was in for a very LONG two hours after about the 30 minute mark, but it does pick up. And it makesThe Metascore is right on for this one. Something about the pacing and just the general "energy" of the movie wasn't there, and I thought I was in for a very LONG two hours after about the 30 minute mark, but it does pick up. And it makes for a somewhat satisfying ending. Of the 4 leads, I was the most surprised to be impressed by Armie Hammer. He's great in this, but the others give performances that are far from their best work - which I'm certain is not their fault.… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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5

foxgroveAug 18, 2015

A stylish but rather empty reboot of the classic 60’s series that is entertaining enough to keep one watching but never really excites. The jokey tone is set early and indulged by its two very handsome leading men, but they strangely lack anyA stylish but rather empty reboot of the classic 60’s series that is entertaining enough to keep one watching but never really excites. The jokey tone is set early and indulged by its two very handsome leading men, but they strangely lack any chemistry. Henry Cavill as the swathe Napoleon Solo tries way too hard as the American art thief and comes off as far too knowing. Armie Hammer fares better as the Russian KGB operative Illya Kuryakin, but is equally lacking in charisma. Ironically the film also stars Hugh Grant who twenty years ago would have made a perfect Napoleon Solo. Here, however, relegated to a less showy, albeit important, supporting role he hardly registers. On the distaff side the currently hot Alicia Vikander is ok, but the best performance to be had comes from ice cool villainess Elizabeth Debicki. The forced humour is occasionally successful in hitting its mark and two scenes in particular stand out. The first has Solo indulging himself in food and wine whilst a speed boat chase is taking place around him and the second involves an electrocution. Both are perfectly timed and genuinely amusing.
The film looks great in all production departments; cinematography, Art-Direction and costume design and the location work is stunning. The plot is occasionally indecipherable and full of holes but strangely enough, unlike the latest Mission Impossible outing, the film is never boring. Another asset is the playful score which adds immeasurably to the class of the film and is just fantastic.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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6

TVJerryAug 18, 2015

Did you know that the titular TV series involved Ian Fleming (the creator of James Bond)? Unfortunately, this film bears little resemblance to 007's spy coolness. It revolves around 2 agents: Napoleon Solo from the CIA (Henry Cavill adoptingDid you know that the titular TV series involved Ian Fleming (the creator of James Bond)? Unfortunately, this film bears little resemblance to 007's spy coolness. It revolves around 2 agents: Napoleon Solo from the CIA (Henry Cavill adopting a somewhat stilted American delivery) and Illya Kuryakin from the KGB (Armie Hammer offering nothing special). They're brought together by their countries to save the world from catastrophe (nothing new here). The overabundance of dialogue could have been offset by snappy wordplay, but it's flat. To make matters worse, director Guy Ritchie's action sequences are uninspired. The only fun aspect is the groovy '60s fashions, but that's not enough to make this retro adventure worth wearing…or watching.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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5

chugheadSep 3, 2015

This should have been called 'The Man that S.T.U.N.K.'...How dare Guy Ritchie, a man of clever cinematography, sleek and fast adrenaline films feed his fans with this watered down stale reboot. The performances were wooden and lacked emotion.This should have been called 'The Man that S.T.U.N.K.'...How dare Guy Ritchie, a man of clever cinematography, sleek and fast adrenaline films feed his fans with this watered down stale reboot. The performances were wooden and lacked emotion. The characters were emotionless where you didn't connect with them and the abysmal dialogue dragged. Didn't meet Sherlock Holmes quality standards.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

MadMaxFuryRoadAug 19, 2015

It's pretty much your average spy thriller and VERY overlong movie. Pretty stylish at times, and funny, but overall, it's just the same plot over and over again. The acting was pretty amazing though and the action sequences were very well directed.

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4

Krypto_DoggOct 28, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. About 30 minutes in, I fully realized this was at least half stealth chick-flick. About the time it took for them to partially force a romance you could see coming a mile away.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

ydnar4Nov 3, 2015

I had high hopes for The Man from U.N.C.L.E mostly because its a Guy Ritchie film and he has a pretty consistently strong record for a director but sadly this effort is not as good as his others. I think Ritchie's direction is great, he onceI had high hopes for The Man from U.N.C.L.E mostly because its a Guy Ritchie film and he has a pretty consistently strong record for a director but sadly this effort is not as good as his others. I think Ritchie's direction is great, he once again managed to put his own signature on his film. You can tell he is the director.

Both Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer are actors that didn't really earn their stripes yet in my opinion but they are fine here. They both just seemed to have scored big roles at a young age without really doing anything that memorable. I would say they play their characters well although both characters seemed like they had been done before. Their chemistry was fine as well, although the movie wasn't really that funny.

The major problem with Man from U.N.C.L.E is the script. I really didn't care at all about the story, I honestly found it boring and then by the time the third act rolled around I was completely disengaged. Sadly the script ruins the film for all the other excellent aspects of this movie.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

AliceofXSep 8, 2015

Style over substance is how I would describe The Man From U.N.C.L.E. as that often used expression is the first thing that comes to my mind as I dwell on the character of Napoleon Solo as played by Henry Cavill. Though he is supposed to beStyle over substance is how I would describe The Man From U.N.C.L.E. as that often used expression is the first thing that comes to my mind as I dwell on the character of Napoleon Solo as played by Henry Cavill. Though he is supposed to be the main character he never goes beyond a superficial caricature of James Bond. On the other hand the characters of Ilya and Gaby become more human as the movie goes on. Napoleon Solo on the other hand remains glib. He could practically not be in the movie at all as the story revolves around the romance of Ilya and Gaby and I now struggle to remember what Napoleon Solo was doing in the movie at all.

The story of this film is generic with nothing special about, but while I've seen worse I can't remember a film that bored me this much. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is in that awful middle where it's not good OR bad enough to be entertaining. There are some humorous scenes but the movie can't decide if it wants to be campy funny or serious but funny.

Also it feels like a bad prequel or one of those first films of a franchise, that exists only to get the team together, before the second much better film. Hence there are no real stakes to the plot and the origin story is not convincing.

Overall my low score is because I can't name single thing about this film that would serve as a recommendation for seeing it.… Expand

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6

LeZeeFeb 14, 2016

A very pleasing action-comedy with the balanced sensitive contents.

Another brilliant action-comedy from Guy Ritchie. I never saw the 60s television series of the same name, but this was very convenient for his style of portraying theA very pleasing action-comedy with the balanced sensitive contents.

Another brilliant action-comedy from Guy Ritchie. I never saw the 60s television series of the same name, but this was very convenient for his style of portraying the tough men showing off their strength. The actors were simply wonderful, two year commitment by the two lead guys for this project definitely payed off well and Alicia Vikander filled the feminine void perfectly. I think it was one of the best trio in the movies I ever seen, very powerful and I hope it lasts for a trilogy.

The story sets in the 60s during the cold war tension between the world's two superpowers. But the film's specialty was, it does not render clash between them, instead they come together to fight the rogue forces who plan blitz against them. Very humourous, highly entertaining with a swift pace and amazing action sequences.

I don't think the narration had any unique twist and turn, instead I call it a smartly written screenplay. So the overall movie was so good, but not a top-notch. My disappointment came from the technical side in some of parts, especially the bike and car chase in the last quarter that you can clearly tell a fake (greenscreen/bluescreen shot). Other than the main plot and its clever scenes, the movie did not offer distinctive features. Just taking away a ½ point is what places it on a line between good and average, but I definitely consider it a good.

6½/10… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

eagleeyevikingJan 5, 2016

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is an enjoyable action thriller with distinct visuals (reminded me of "24" at some points), charismatic leads and an above-average spy plot.

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6

mirj626Nov 1, 2015

Meh, unfortunately that what this film was. The characters seemed two-dimensional, the gruff Russian, the playboy American (who somehow gets laid having only sentence or one word conversations.) Alicia Vikanders character turned out to beMeh, unfortunately that what this film was. The characters seemed two-dimensional, the gruff Russian, the playboy American (who somehow gets laid having only sentence or one word conversations.) Alicia Vikanders character turned out to be more interesting as the movie progressed. But for a significant part of the movie she was just the mechanic who needs a break (from her dad and the Germans). The lack of (or minute existence of) diversity in their behaviour or emotions made it immensely boring.

**Spoilers**There were some great takes however like the first car chase, the scene where Henry Cavil rides a Truck onto a boat and final chase. But even during Henry Cavill's Truck scene, I couldn't help but get irritated on how he was having a sandwich calmly while his partner was being shot down. Could you imagine that happening in Mission Impossible or James Bond. I realise its meant to provide a comedic take, however, there ought to be some common sense. I mean you partner is dying for gods sake. All in all, could have been good if it was watered down to 1 hour 15 minutes, and/or given the characters more sense or dimension. 6/10… Expand

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5

zurnzurnNov 4, 2015

The opening credits and first few scenes are fun, but it turns into a bore after that. Kind of a shame, given how nicely it plays up the Cold War schlock at first.

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5

YorkManDec 23, 2015

The Man From UNCLE is an action/spy thriller starring Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander and is directed by Guy Ritchie.
Set in 1963 the film revolves around American spy Napoleon Solo (Cavill) and the need for him to work togetherThe Man From UNCLE is an action/spy thriller starring Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander and is directed by Guy Ritchie.
Set in 1963 the film revolves around American spy Napoleon Solo (Cavill) and the need for him to work together with his Russian counterpart Ilya Kuriakin (Hammer), in order to uncover a nefarious plot taking place in and around Southern Italy by some ex-Nazis, using the daughter of one of them, Gaby Teller (Vikander), as a means to work their way in.
The film is well directed and acted, has some excellent set-pieces and moves along at a decent pace. The main stars are all as gorgeous as they are required to be, and it does feel like a very 'romantic' view of what the television show it's based on was about.
The film blends action and comedy well, with the on-screen chemistry between the three stars really visible, whether at the height of the action between the two male leads, or the sometimes awkward back and forth conversations between them and the female lead. It's not laugh out loud, nor is the action so spectacular you finish watching and need 10 minutes for your heart-rate to come back down.
Overall, the positives are that it's a good all round piece of cinema, and sets itself up nicely for potential sequels.

It's not all good though because, as per usual, the film uses modern day sensibilities which didn't actually exist in the period the film is actually set.
No one smokes, there's no inherent sexism or racism, every locale is portrayed as fantastically 'polished', to the point it looks almost sterile. All the cars look like they've just strayed from some retro photoshoot for expensive Italian chocolates, rather than looking like actual vehicles being used everyday...
I find these things extremely niggling, as there are films from the era... Made in the same place(s), which the film-makers could have used to get a more realistic interpretation of the environment, beyond just the clothes people wore, and the make/model of cars they drove.
But, that's a personal issue I have, and if it doesn't bother you add 2 points to the score!… Expand

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