Caught between James Bond and this year’s surprise hit “Kingsman”,”The Man From U.N.C.L.E” is an elegant combo of action, espionage and comedy that breathes exciting new life into the spy genre. Adapted from a TV series that aired from 1964 to 1968 and directed by Guy Ritchie with the same “anything-goes” ingenuity he brought to “Snatch” and “Sherlock Holmes”, “U.N.C.L.E“ rarely stops to take a deep breath, sometimes to its detriment. But you won’t want to miss the surprises in store. In a role that fits him like a glove, Henry Cavill (“Man of Steel”) plays CIA agent Napoleon Solo, on a joint mission with KGB operative Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) to stop a mysterious criminal organization from making nuclear weapons in the early 1960’s. Got that? Now add a beautiful lady (Alicia Vikander from “Ex Machina”), some exciting car chase scenes, breathtaking locations and you get one of the coolest movies of the year. My advice? Just jump into the action and go with it. That’s what Ritchie does. Even better is the chemistry between the two leads; Cavill and Hammer seem to be having the time of their lives and they are surrounded by a fine supporting cast as well. An elegant production in every respect, “The Man From U.N.C.L.E” will definitely give you your money’s worth. If you’re into the Spy genre, you wouldn’t want to miss it.

Rating: 3/4

Celebrating the blog’s 5th anniversary at the premiere at VOX cinemas – City Centre Beirut.