THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.

The serious nature of 007 films these days has created a void of fun in spy movies. Film-makers have recently been counteracting this with movies that aim to put the fun back in.

Swiftly following on the shiny black heels of last year’s Kingsman: The Secret Service, comes Guy Ritchie’s loosely adapted version of camp sixties television series The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Set during the Cold War, it brings Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) together for the first time in a CIA/KGB operation to stop a group of ex-Nazis and Fascists distributing nuclear weapons.

Whilst Ritchie stays true to the playful nature of the TV series and its characters (and there are indeed quite a few fun moments), this particular 113 minute affair is often laboured. (And what – no cameos!?)
Star Rating: **1/2

By Craig Coventry