Spyjinks ensue in ‘Argylle’
From the twisted mind of Matthew Vaughn” cry the ads and posters of his latest movie, “Argylle.” Such a bold statement would be more expected if the subject in question were a filmmaker like David Lynch or David Cronenberg, perhaps Gaspar Noe. “Twisted” is not a word that comes to mind with Vaughn. What does come to mind is a predilection for fantastical espionage. Of his eight features as director, half (all the most recent ones) are spy flicks, with two more on the way. This is, of course, due to the successful Kingsman franchise, but with “Argylle” he takes a break from that world to indulge in a new lark with more or less the same exact flavor.
There are two realities at play in “Argylle.” There is the sleek and sexy spy story unfolding with Henry Cavill as the titular super-agent sporting a distractingly bad haircut (this is intentional; the movie calls it out later), aided by his trusty partner Wyatt (John Cena) as they contend with a seductive but lethal temptress played by Dua Lipa. Then there is the real world, inhabited by successful but reclusive author Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard), promoting her latest entry in the Argylle universe. Struggling with the finale of her famous character’s final adventure, she decides to take a trip to visit her parents, but on the train she meets Aidan (the always-welcome Sam Rockwell), a very un-chic spy who whisks her away from some ne’er-do-wells intent on doing her harm. As it turns out, Elly’s novels are so good and realistic that she has unwittingly detailed the operations of an actual covert sinister organization, who want to figure out how it is she’s doing what she’s doing. Aidan is a rogue agent who wants to take said organization down. Thus ensues a twisty-turny jetsetting adventure with cat in tow.
Throwback“Argylle” is a throwback to ’80s high-concept action comedies, doling out jokes and action with near-equal measure. The concept of “normie” taken hostage as they gallivant around the world with genuine espionage agents is well-trod ground and Vaughn gets to give it his own sheen, that is to say, glossy and half CGI. If you are familiar with his work then you know what to expect: some slow-motion, some long takes with well-rehearsed action choreography, some wirework. While he leans on the digital effects a little too hard, he always has an ace up his sleeve in the form of a showcase action centerpiece that becomes the water-cooler talking point of the movie. In “Kingsman: The Secret Service” it’s the slaughter in the church when Colin Firth goes absolutely bananas with his firearm. In “Argylle,” you have a choice of two: a hallway shootout with colored smoke where the will-they won’t-they couple work in tandem, and a slaughter-on-skates sequence that must’ve tickled Howard to be involved in.
It takes a little while to get going; the movie only really comes to life when the animated Rockwell enters the picture. It’s great to see him given some action scenes; his facial expressions really make them stand out and sells his “everyman” aspect. But of course, the main question: does he dance in this one? Reader, he does indeed. More than once. Actually, perhaps “Argylle”’s most surprising feature is how much dancing there is.Supporting players Cavill and Cena are game playmates, in on the joke and could’ve been pushed further, with Ariana DeBose as a required hacker and exposition machine. Catherine O’Hara is a standout as Elly’s mom, and seeing O’Hara sink her teeth into a new accent is always fun. Samuel L. Jackson must’ve enjoyed cashing his check for a role that is fifty percent spent watching a Lakers game on TV.
Turn off your brain
You’ll have to turn off your brain for this one. While the ads also ask “Who is the real Argylle?” and admonish audiences not to spoil the movie’s secrets, the twists are never really enough to pass muster, especially under scrutiny. They can be effective in the moment but once you apply a bit more thought it’ll fall apart like a sand castle. That overreliance is unnecessary as you already have the charisma of Sam Rockwell, and a nice, easy chemistry with Howard that culminates in an organic resolution.
“Argylle” is an unapologetic popcorn movie through and through; with that spirit in mind (and again, your brain off), you can sit back and enjoy some vicarious thrills. -BY RAMON DE VEYRA
