Argylle review: Austin Powers on steroids

Matthew Vaughn has done it again in creating a bedazzling spy action comedy with Argylle as the multiple twists and turns will leave you disoriented just a bit – here’s a full review.

Argylle has been the talk of the town with speculation about the mystery behind Elly Conway in real life, as well as the identity of Argylle in the movie. It focuses on his novelist Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) who has gained popularity for her spy novels. At the center is a suave and handsome secret agent named Argylle (Henry Cavill).

When she has writer’s block creating the last chapter of her book, she soon learns the dire truth. The spy world she wrote about is real, and she predicted everything that came true. She’s thrust into the world of espionage, gunfire, grand secrets, and more.

Argylle is the definition of a spy comedy movie with the added flair of Vaughn’s unique quirkiness. But where does the movie fail? Warning: Mild spoilers ahead!

Argylle is masterful at deceit and secrets

The movie’s tagline is, “The greater the spy, the bigger the lie,” and it couldn’t be more true. Argylle begins with what was seen in the trailer, a fabrication of what Argyll’s mission would be like if it came alive from the page. As fans watch the scene, they can’t help but really feel the fabricated “spy” aspect of it all. From the unrealistic driving on top of houses to John Cena’s character gleefully sipping a Greek coffee before single-handedly catching the female villain.

Argylle takes audiences on a wild hunt of espionage as Elly learns the truth behind her supposedly fabricated world. It’s everything fans would want and expect from a spy movie with Sam Rockwell’s character of Aiden being the not-so-typical handsome spy Elly expected. A unique aspect of the movie is Elly’s mind constantly imagining Argylle in front of her. She calls it a coping mechanism. But is it really?

The first half of the movie is gleeful to watch and reignites the spark of wanting to become a cool spy. As Elly helps Aiden uncover the location of a Master File a rogue secret organization is looking for, you’re starting to pick up the puzzle pieces. Who is Argylle?

Is the famed book character Elly created real? After all, she’s being hunted because everything she has written has come true. The mystery was one for the books, and so were its plot twists. Vaughn created an interwoven web of twists no one would have seen coming, but it may be a bit much.

The main plot twist was surprising enough, but the movie goes awry soon after revealing more twists at every turn to the point notes were needed. Things feel a little convoluted that they soon tie into the extreme theatrics in the second half, which is a lot to digest.

Vaughn is known for his elaborate use of color, music, and dramatics. But the main fight scene with Elly and Aiden was, for lack of a better word, colorful overkill. The scene is a bit too whimsical and drawn out to fully enjoy. Another oil skating fight scene also caused eyebrow raises. Some may realize the book and real life in the movie aren’t too far-fetched in theatrics, drama, and impossible tasks no real spy can likely do.

The cast of Argylle made the movie

There’s nothing but praise for the cast of Argylle and how well they fit their roles. Bryce Dallas Howard is exactly what you would expect from a character like Elly. She grows into her own as the movie progresses. Howard’s gravitas on screen is a perfect combo with Sam Rockwell’s Aiden.

A not-so-perfect spy that she imagined, but that’s the point. Not all spies can be Argylle. Henry Cavill embodies the spy look and oozes the mysterious aura – you somehow forgive the ridiculous haircut. Cena’s role is also enjoyable as the man in the chair and Argylle’s right-hand man. Argylle has a comical twist no one can deny thanks to the effortless banter and sarcasm Rockwell and Howard are able to bring on screen. Fans probably wouldn’t mind a real Argylle movie with Cavill and Cena.

The cast of Argylle is truly top-notch, with the added big stars like Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, Samuel L. Jackson, Dua Lipa, and Sofia Boutella.

Argylle review: 3/5

Matthew Vaughn’s Argylle has the zest and fun that brings back memories of the spy comedy era like Austin Powers but turns the notch way up. The movie is a fun watch regardless thanks to its cast and unique twist of a storyline. But some may find themselves asking, “How is it not over yet?” leaving some moviegoers a bit restless. One thing is for sure – the childhood dream of being a spy isn’t gone thanks to Argylle.