The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (Rated T)
Cast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki
Genre: Action Adventure/Comedy
Dwight's Rating: 3.5 Stars

It's always the ones you never expect!

We often have such high hopes for so many summer films, only to leave the theater disappointed or underwhelmed after watching the inevitable train-wreck. Especially as we get into the end of August, the real turkeys begin to take flight, so to speak. And this period -- through to the start of fall, near the end of September -- is noted for being a repository for films just slightly better than the nonsense that populates theaters in January and February.

So, not overly enthralled at any of the new releases last week, I reluctantly decided to take a look at a release from a couple of weeks ago, desperately hoping that what I had heard would be true, and that it would indeed be possible for there to be something worth seeing, even at the end of the cinematic summer.

Based on commercials and previews, I was certain "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." would be complete bust. This, especially as I was familiar with the name, aware that this would be based on the now 50-year old TV show of the same name that ran for four season, first airing on NBC beginning in 1964.

At that time, the world -- especially the film and television universe -- was obsessed with the Cold War, spies and similar themes. In fact, television's "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." would have been among the pioneers in this genre, debuting a full two years before "Mission: Impossible" began its long seven season run on CBS, and just two years after the first of the 007 movies. James Bond author Ian Fleming apparently even initially contributed to the concept of the TV show. It was a moderate television ratings success. But a good portion of today's movie going audience is not familiar with it. So would it succeed in today's world? Is it even relevant?

Well, certain trends are afoot. U.S.-Russian relations aren't exactly at their best at the moment; they're probably worse now than at any point since the end of the Cold War. Also, the number of news stories involving spies of any nationality appears to be on the increase. And, of course, like never before, there is an ever-growing threat of rogue nations or terrorist groups getting their hands on nuclear weapons and blowing everything and everyone up. Clearly, somebody believes the audience's appetite has been whet.

Guy Ritchie might be that somebody. The former Mr. Madonna is the director, and he's the screenwriter as well (along with Lionel Wigram). The movie is essentially a film version of the TV show, not straying far from the show's basic concept, and with the same characters. As such, the action takes place during the time the series would have been on the air -- at the height of the Cold War.

A mysterious criminal organization plans to use nuclear weapons and technology to bring the world's biggest superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, to the brink of nuclear war. As a result, bitter enemies, CIA Agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB agent Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) are forced to put their hostilities aside and work together to prevent a global catastrophe.

Ritchie is known for his avant-garde directing style, as showcased in such work as the Robert Downey Jr. "Sherlock Homes" franchise. And here he has crafted a shockingly stylish and fun flick.

The first big surprise is just how funny it is. "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." is listed as an "action, adventure, comedy", even though there were few hints that it would even have a sense of humor based on those previews. But it truly is quite an amusing experience. Then, there's the sheer beauty of it all. What a complete visual feast! Set largely in some stunning locations across Europe, it's replete with breathtaking cinematography, gorgeously detailed shot composition and bold directorial choices. This is all teamed with extremely fast-paced editing, particularly during the many thrilling action sequences.

Certain scenes call to mind the stylish charms of "The Grand Budapest Hotel". The overall result is something undeniably playful and adventurous, frenetic and energetic -- complete smile-inducing fun! One could have a blast just watching it on mute! But you wouldn't want to do that at all, as there are also a myriad of audio pleasures. The music score works brilliantly with the action, especially a recurring gag involving Hammer's character.

Other treats include amazing attention to detail, from the period automobiles to especially the period wardrobe and accessories. It feels so very authentically 1960s.

About the only flaw would be the major actors' accents for their characters. Hammer may be built like a Soviet tank, but his accent as a Soviet spy is laughable. Cavill sounds exactly like almost all British actors do when they are playing Americans (which he's actually doing) -- that odd, overly American-sounding (but not Southern) accent that even U.S. news anchors have abandoned. And Alicia Vikander is Swedish playing a German; various different accents come and go from the beginning to the end of her performance. But it's all forgivable and never distracting.

With their fantastic work, the actors more than make up for any voice coach deficiencies. The film is overflowing with their chemistry. Cavill and Hammer go nearly the entire movie with a spy vs. spy demonstration of one-upmanship, constantly bickering.

The sexual tension between Hammer and Vikander is thick and very sexy. Cavill's playful flirtations with the impossibly beautiful Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki as the ultimate ice-queen villainess are captivating. The playful banter is exhilarating.

It's quite amazing how "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." is able to so many things so right. There's a deft blend of so many genres that don't always gel well. It's funny without being completely goofy or slapstick. And it's still an effective spy action adventure, with actual edge of your seat moments, and surprising dramatic turns.

Clearly, this is what the "Mission: Impossible" franchise is aspiring to be, as I recently remarked how that series has finally found its funny bone -- though "M:I" could never be as stylish as this "U.N.C.L.E.". James Bond movies, while not quite this humorous, used to be this sophisticated -- before they became total Rambo-like kill-em ups!

Sadly, but not surprisingly, after only two weeks, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." ended its run in local theaters this week. It is probably better than every movie playing here at this moment (though "Straight Outta Compton" is quite enjoyable).
If you do get a chance to see it by some other means, don't judge it by its box office performance, or by that name (which is explained in the final few seconds of the film), or by the fact that it's based of a TV show from half a century ago. Just allow yourself to be delightfully treated to the biggest surprise of the summer.

o Dwight Strachan is the host/producer of "Morning Blend" on Guardian Radio. He is a television producer and writer, and an avid TV history and film buff. Email dwight@nasguard.com and follow him on twitter @morningblend969.

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