Directed By: Matthew Vaughn
Written By: Jason Fuchs
Cinematography: George Richmond
Editor: Lee Smith, Tom Harrison-Read and Col Goudie
Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, John Cena, Henry Cavill, Catherine O’Hara, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, Sophia Boutella, Rob Delaney, Ariana Debose, Richard E. Grant, Dua Lipa
A reclusive author who writes espionage novels about a secret agent and a global spy syndicate realizes that the plot of the new book she’s writing starts to mirror real-world events in real time.
Watching this movie, one constantly is wondering is this supposed to be a parody, spoof or do they honestly expect us to think of it as an action-comedy. Unfortunately, by the end that question is never answered. It is obviously supposed to be based on spy novels and espionage stories. More the fanciful ones that take place in movies and fantasy. Rather than the Tom Clancy para-military and political type stories.
As The scary part is that if this film came out in the early 2000’s. it might have to be considered of as stylish and be thought of as smart. This plays like more like THE AVENGERS (the classic British show) as there is a lot of spectacle. But not much sense to follow. Which is why one wonders what exactly is it trying to be or aiming for. Maybe as it comes across more comic book like and goofy than anything else.
I would say this is a perfect Netflix movie, but it looks way better and doesn’t rely on so much green screen or a muted look. It’s actually colorful and you can see the budget onscreen.
With all the dancing involved I believe this role was specifically written for Sam Rockwell. As that is something that he is known to with his characters on screen. Though the role he plays here feels familiar. As he played a similar role in the movie MR. RIGHT. As he can do action and seem like a more deranged comedic character.
The joke here is that he doesn’t seem like an action hero type. Just as lead Bryce Dallas Howard doesn’t usually come across that way. Not quite as the sexy seductress. Though by the end you beleive or at least are forced to. Though the film doesn’t embarrass them.
as that seems to be one of the films aim, whereas in the fantasy, we see more of the type of actors we would expect to play these types of roles effortlessly, but in the reality we get more stunt, casting or miss casted actors who are the real life counterparts and the leads of this film so it seems a little bit more often comedic watching them do action sequences, and thriller situations
The film unfortunately gets more ridiculous as it goes along and more confusing. As it keeps building where the film doesn’t even necessarily know if it all makes sense. As the film is trying to keep topping itself with surprise, after surprise after surprise and then many twits, double and triple crosses. Although it seems to want to have a. ROMANCING THE STONE vibe. Done better in films such as THE LOST CITY
it seems practically to be a reunion for director Matthew Vaughn and some cast members, like Samuel L. Jackson and Sophia Boutiella, but it still didn’t need to be this long.
It’s also hard to take the film too seriously. When there are comedic actresses like Catherine O’Hara playing someone dangerous.
By the end Dua Lipa’s cameo is the only thing interesting, entertaining or dazzling in this film overall. Other than some nicely choreographed and lit action sequences. That deserve to be in a better movie.
Even The ending makes no sense. As it is shocking this was not only supposed to be the first in a trilogy, but also supposed to be interconnected with the Kingsman franchise also directed by Matthew Vaughn.
So while throughout the film looks gorgeous. It just feels kind of misdirected like someone who doesn’t know how to do comedy trying to make one but knows how to do. The action sequence is really well and it’s a shame I was really rooting for this film.
Grade: D+
