Argylle review: Not even a star-studded cast can save this messy spy comedy movie

Note: This article was first published on 2nd February 2024.

Matthew Vaughn's latest action-comedy venture, Argylle, showcases the producer/director's trademark fusion of engaging narrative and spectacular action, aiming to leave a mark on the spy genre. Renowned for his exceptional work on the Kingsman and Kick-Ass series, Vaughn embeds his newest film with a blend of intricate storytelling, thrilling action sequences, and a liberal dash of humor. Despite its ambitions, Argylle oscillates between the potential of becoming a genre-defining masterpiece and the pitfalls of its grand aspirations.

The film introduces us to the protagonist, Elly Conway, portrayed by the excellent Bryce Dallas Howard, an author ensnared in a whirlwind of espionage that transcends the bounds of her fictional creations. The collision of her imagined world with reality, instigated by Sam Rockwell's adept spy, Aidan, propels the narrative into an exhilarating blend of fiction and reality. Although promising a fresh perspective on spy narratives, the film grapples with its intricate plot, occasionally becoming its own adversary as the story progresses.

With Argylle, Vaughn navigates a precarious balance, indecisive in his approach to either criticize or pay homage to the familiar tropes of the spy genre. The screenplay, brimming with ambition, unfortunately, misses the mark in fully utilising its stellar cast, which includes Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Cena, and Dua Lipa, among others. These actors, capable of delivering much more, are confined to roles that lack the depth and complexity their talents warrant.

By my own estimation, John Cena’s total screentime for the entire movie was probably no more than five minutes, and while Samual L. Jackson’s role seems key to the entirety of the movie plot, is relegated to possibly the show’s worst cameo.

The inclusion of the Beatles' Now and Then embodies the broader narrative struggles of the movie, an attempt to inject depth into a story that too often loses its direction, captivated by its spectacle. This decision symbolises not just a misalignment in the soundtrack but also reflects Argylle's wider storytelling challenges.

Despite these points of my criticisms, the movie is not without its merits. Sam Rockwell delivers an exceptional performance, infusing the film with both energy and subtlety. His portrayal, especially in sequences that manipulate the perception of reality, underscores Vaughn's skill in visual storytelling. A notable scene aboard a train, where the glamorised espionage world collides with its more prosaic reality through Elly's eyes, exemplifies the film's creative highs.

While Argylle combines elements of action, comedy, music, and espionage into an entertaining package, it stumbles as it delves deeper into its plot. The film attempts to blend the adventurous spirit of a Bond movie with a satirical lens on the genre's cliches, yet it becomes entangled in its complexity. A mid-credits teaser hinting at a potential crossover with Vaughn's Kingsman series suggests future ambitions for this franchise. However, compared to the more cohesive and engaging Kingsman films, Argylle seems a step back, struggling to unify its elements as smoothly.

The movie carries all the trademarks expected of a Matthew Vaughn film but fails to mesh them as cohesively as his previous efforts. Hindered by occasionally flat jokes, unconvincing CGI, spy-film cliches, a convoluted plot, and an overly long runtime, Argylle struggles to justify its existence. While the future of this intended franchise remains uncertain, a return to the Kingsman series might be a more welcome venture for fans and newcomers alike.

 

Argylle is available in cinemas now and will also be available on Apple TV+ in the near future.

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