 |
| Matthew Vaughn's 'Argylle' movie has released in theatres. |
Matthew Vaughn's penchant for James Bond pastiches takes center stage in "Argylle," as the film adds an extra layer to his homage to the iconic 007 franchise. The narrative kicks off with a Bond-esque scenario featuring Henry Cavill's Agent Argylle, a slinky femme fatale (Dua Lipa), and a Greek island setting. However, the twist unfolds as we discover that Agent Argylle's adventures are a product of the imagination of Elly (Bryce Dallas Howard), a bestselling spy novelist.
In this layered narrative, Elly's encounter with a real-life secret agent, Aidan (Sam Rockwell), who mirrors her fictional creation, propels them into a mission to secure a crucial "master file" against a sinister organization. While the film introduces unexpected plot turns, the challenge lies in the lack of contrast between Elly's mundane reality and the exaggerated spy fantasies she envisions. Both worlds are plagued by generic and cartoonish scenes, making it challenging to appreciate the premise's duality.
The screenplay, written by Jason Fuchs, contributes to the film's photocopy-of-a-photocopy feel, with unexplained details, unfilled plot holes, and dialogue oscillating between lazy and nonsensical. The forgettable villain, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, adds to the overall confusion surrounding the antagonist's motives and background.
Despite these drawbacks, "Argylle" remains distinctly a Matthew Vaughn film, featuring trademark acrobatic fights set to upbeat pop songs and subtle references to Vaughn's personal life, including his supermodel wife Claudia Schiffer. However, the absence of Vaughn's usual adolescent offensiveness, characterized by sex, gore, and swearing, may signify a departure from his typical style.
One notable aspect is Vaughn's influence in the music industry, evident in the film's use of the Beatles' "Now and Then." Yet, this choice raises eyebrows, considering the song's significance as one of the last releases from the legendary band. The decision to license it for a spy farce prompts speculation about financial motives and even internet rumors connecting Taylor Swift to the film's spin-off novel.
Ultimately, "Argylle" falls into the category of action-romance-comedy films released on streaming services in recent years, lacking the glamorous allure to justify its cinematic release. As rumors circulate about more films in the pipeline, including additional "Argylle" and "Kingsman" installments, Vaughn's relentless pursuit of Bond pastiches raises questions about the originality and sustainability of his cinematic ventures.
0 Comments