Even though the plot was convoluted, Matthew Vaughn’s 'Argylle' was a good watch. I said the plot was convoluted because the tricky spy life--i.e. not knowing who’s the true protagonist or villain from the get-go-- and a few twists left me puzzled. But what it lacked in a plot to keep up with, 'Argylle' made up in great acting led by Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell, well-executed fighting and dancing choreography, wily production design, and blazing pop or disco music.
Thrills come in the form of super-spy Sam Rockwell and author Bryce Dallas Howard in Matthew Vaughn's 'Argylle.' Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures.
'Argylle' is like 'Central Intelligence' in that a mild-mannered career person, this time an author played by Howard, unwillingly gets sucked into high-octane action, with her crazy guide being laid-back yet effective agent Rockwell. Once Howard managed to flip the script and get some action in her blood, I was impressed. I also liked her skating through danger and looking fabulous in spy dresses while doing it.
I know Rockwell won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and I haven’t seen much of his films besides G-Force, Iron Man 2, and The Sitter, but I thought this was one of his greatest performances. I liked his casual comic relief and going all Johnny Lawrence when the moment called for it. And I enjoyed his and Howard’s action dance in the final third of the film. It was beautiful and powerful.
Though I was caught off-guard, Bryan Cranston and Catherine O’Hara proved to be pretty crazy criminal masterminds in contrast to what I saw of them in Malcolm in the Middle and Home Alone.
Bryan Cranston is ready to come out and play in 'Argylle'. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures. Catherine O'Hara's not your typical housewife in 'Argylle'. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures.
The score by Lorne Balfe seemed like Henry Jackman back in 'Kingsmen', but it still worked well in highlighting the danger and thrills. Some disco and pop rock music really undercut the tone in the fight scenes.
Aside from the plot, I felt like despite the billing, Henry Cavill, John Cena, and Ariana DeBose were all underused for the film, i.e. not enough screen time.
In conclusion, great chemistry with Howard and Rockwell, and great acting, script flipping, music and choreography. Just give others some more fair screen time next time, Mr. Vaughn, and if there’s a way to make spy life less confusing, fix that. Final rating for Argylle: 7/10. Thank you.
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