Argylle (2024)
With each new movie, Matthew Vaughn cranks up the level of campy, crazy action to the point where taking it seriously just won’t cut it. So, yeah, I had to let go of any pre-tense and just dive in for the sheer fun of it.⠀
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“Argylle” is undeniably flawed in many ways. The plot is wild and often makes little sense, the character designs sometimes feel like exaggerated caricatures, and the over-the-top action, editing, and lackluster special effects could spell disaster for any other film. Honestly, it might even be considered horrible, but here’s the catch—it’s an absolute blast.⠀
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What makes it so enjoyable is that it never shies away from what it is; a parody, a comedy, and delightfully silly. The actors are in on the joke, from Bryce Dallas Howard, who feels oddly out of place yet embraces her role, to Sam Rockwell, who oddly fits right into a role you wouldn’t necessarily expect him to, and Henry Cavill, doing what he does best—making fun of himself. It all works because, right from the start, you don’t expect it to be anything other than a rollicking good time.⠀
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And let’s talk about the star-studded cast, including two legends, Bryan Cranston and Catherine O’Hara, who both deliver standout performances. A special mention to Dua Lipa for her cool and sexy portrayal of a Bond villain; I hope to see more of her in the future.⠀
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The film starts with an interesting story, but then it flips, flips again, and just keeps flipping. By the end, you’re more intrigued by Argylle the cat and wondering what outrageous thing they’ll come up with next until it reaches the climax—the ice skating scene. Trust me, if you don’t know what I’m talking about, wait until you see it.⠀
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This is what Matthew Vaughn does, and the more confident he becomes with his Kingsman franchise, the crazier he wants to get. I applaud that willingness to take risks over the safety of a generic movie that many others might deliver.
With each new movie, Matthew Vaughn cranks up the level of campy, crazy action to the point where taking it seriously just won’t cut it. So, yeah, I had to let go of any pretense and just dive in for the sheer fun of it.⠀
⠀
“Argylle” is undeniably flawed in many ways. The plot is wild and often makes little sense, the character designs sometimes feel like exaggerated caricatures, and the over-the-top action, editing, and lackluster special effects could spell disaster for any other film. Honestly, it might even be considered horrible, but here’s the catch—it’s an absolute blast.⠀
⠀
What makes it so enjoyable is that it never shies away from what it is; a parody, a comedy, and delightfully silly. The actors are in on the joke, from Bryce Dallas Howard, who feels oddly out of place yet embraces her role, to Sam Rockwell, who oddly fits right into a role you wouldn’t necessarily expect him to, and Henry Cavill, doing what he does best—making fun of himself. It all works because, right from the start, you don’t expect it to be anything other than a rollicking good time.⠀
⠀
And let’s talk about the star-studded cast, including two legends, Bryan Cranston and Catherine O’Hara, who both deliver standout performances. A special mention to Dua Lipa for her cool and sexy portrayal of a Bond villain; I hope to see more of her in the future.⠀
⠀
The film starts with an interesting story, but then it flips, flips again, and just keeps flipping. By the end, you’re more intrigued by Argylle the cat and wondering what outrageous thing they’ll come up with next until it reaches the climax—the ice skating scene. Trust me, if you don’t know what I’m talking about, wait until you see it.⠀
⠀
This is what Matthew Vaughn does, and the more confident he becomes with his Kingsman franchise, the crazier he wants to get. I applaud that willingness to take risks over the safety of a generic movie that many others might deliver.
I fully expect this movie to be panned not only by critics but also by most audiences expecting a serious spy film. However, if you go in with an open mind, just taking it for what it is, you might find yourself having a surprisingly good time.⠀
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The only part that disappointed and didn’t live up to expectations was the lack of a final moment where Henry Cavill and John Cena kiss. Maybe that’s reserved for the sequel.⠀
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Have you seen it? What’s your favorite Matthew Vaughn movie?⠀