Argylle Movie Review: Vaughn's Flamboyant Spy Comedy, Blending Action, Comedy & Captivates With Entertaining Espionage Twists
Elly's fictional creation, Agent Argylle (Henry Cavill), exposes a secret division of rogue agents called the Division. The narrative takes a surreal turn as actual rogue agents target Elly, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
"Argylle," Matthew Vaughn's latest venture into the spy genre, presents a flamboyant and kitschy escapade that seamlessly blends over-the-top action with a touch of comedy. Vaughn, known for his work in the "Kingsman" series, continues his distinctive live-action cartoon style, infusing Gen Z James Bond vibes, disco music, and vibrant greenscreen visuals into this spy caper.
The storyline revolves around Elly Conway, a hacky spy novelist portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard, who unwittingly becomes entangled in a real-life spy plot mirroring her bestselling books. Elly's fictional creation, Agent Argylle (Henry Cavill), exposes a secret division of rogue agents called the Division. The narrative takes a surreal turn as actual rogue agents target Elly, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Despite borrowing elements from pulp-flavored adventure movies and spy-memoir satires, the script by Jason Fuchs provides an entertaining way to place a female protagonist in a traditionally testosterone-heavy genre. Howard takes the spotlight as a relatable Everywoman, offering a fresh perspective to Vaughn's typically male-dominated spy narratives.
The film kicks off with a set-piece from Elly's latest book, creating an intentionally arch and cliché-ridden atmosphere, inviting audiences to question the narrative's authenticity. The juxtaposition of flamboyant scenes with cameos from Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, and John Cena sets the tone for a spy adventure with a comedic twist.
As Elly embarks on her perilous journey, encounters with potential assassins lead her to Aidan (Sam Rockwell), a seemingly unassuming bum who reveals himself as a spy. The film cleverly plays with deception and perspective, blurring the lines between Elly's imagination and the reality of espionage.
While "Argylle" embraces Vaughn's signature irreverent violence, it takes a milder approach compared to his previous R-rated works. The film maintains a PG-13 rating, avoiding extreme gore but delivering entertaining action sequences, including a Looney Tunes-inspired figure-skating finale.
View this post on Instagram
However, the film's runtime, exceeding two hours, may test the patience of viewers. Vaughn's garish style, initially off-putting, gradually finds its rhythm, offering an immersive experience. The dynamic between Howard and Rockwell injects a dose of screwball comedy, making Elly's transformation from a damsel in distress to an espionage-savvy action hero more engaging.
In summary, "Argylle" successfully caters to a younger audience while retaining the appeal for Vaughn's adult fan base. Despite its initial stylistic challenges, the film finds its stride, delivering an entertaining blend of action, comedy, and espionage. It's a spy comedy with a twist, leaving audiences amused and slightly cross-eyed by the time the end credits roll.
