Argylle (2024) Movie Review: A Stylish Disappointment
Argylle (2024), directed by Matthew Vaughn, comes with high expectations, given the director’s pedigree with hits like Kick-Ass and the Kingsman franchise. However, despite its promising premise and a star-studded cast, the film fails to deliver a compelling experience. Here’s an in-depth look at why Argylle falls short of its potential.
Plot Summary: A Missed Opportunity
Argylle centers around Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard), a successful author of the spy novel series “Argylle.” Her novels, which chronicle the adventures of a fictional spy named Argylle, start to blur with reality when she encounters a real-life spy, Aiden (Sam Rockwell). Aiden reveals that Conway’s novels eerily predict actual events and that they must work together to prevent a major crisis involving a shadowy organization known as the Division, led by the nefarious Ritter (Bryan Cranston).
The premise sets the stage for a thrilling and self-referential spy adventure. However, the execution leaves much to be desired. The plot is convoluted and filled with frequent, confusing twists that detract from the overall coherence of the story. As the narrative progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to follow, with the film’s 2-hour and 19-minute runtime feeling unnecessarily lengthy.
Performances: Stars Underutilized
Despite a star-studded cast that includes Henry Cavill, John Cena, Samuel L. Jackson, Ariana DeBose, Catherine O’Hara, and pop star Dua Lipa, Argylle fails to capitalize on its talented ensemble.
- Bryce Dallas Howard: As Elly Conway, Howard’s performance is lackluster. Her portrayal feels waxy and disengaged, failing to bring depth to a character that is central to the film’s plot.
- Sam Rockwell: Rockwell delivers a performance that stands out for its comedic timing and chemistry with Howard. His role as Aiden adds a bit of charm to the film, though it’s not enough to salvage the overall experience.
- Henry Cavill: Cavill’s role as the titular spy Argylle is disappointing, given his prominent placement in marketing. His character feels underdeveloped, and his screen time is surprisingly limited.
Direction and Script: Style Over Substance
Matthew Vaughn’s direction, known for its high-energy and stylish approach, falls short in Argylle. The film attempts to balance a meta-narrative with its spy story, but this results in a self-satisfied and smug tone that undermines the plot. The action sequences, which are typically Vaughn’s strong suit, are undermined by the convoluted plot and overuse of special effects.
The script, co-written by Vaughn and Jason Fuchs, fails to provide engaging dialogue or a coherent narrative. The frequent plot twists, meant to keep the audience on their toes, instead create confusion and frustration. The film’s attempts at humor and meta-commentary often come off as forced and self-indulgent.
Visuals and Special Effects: A Disappointment
The film’s visual style is flashy but often feels shallow. The special effects are a notable weak point, with poorly executed CGI and green-screen backgrounds that detract from the overall experience. Scenes that rely heavily on special effects, such as the action sequences, suffer from a lack of polish, making them appear less impactful and more distracting.
Highlights and Redeeming Qualities
Despite its many flaws, Argylle has a few redeeming qualities:
- Action Sequences: The film’s action scenes, particularly those featured in the trailer like the train fight, are well-choreographed and creatively staged. These moments provide some excitement and showcase Vaughn’s ability to create visually engaging sequences.
- Chemistry Between Leads: The on-screen chemistry between Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell is one of the film’s highlights. Their interactions add a touch of charm and humor, though it’s not enough to elevate the film as a whole.
Where to Watch Argylle Online
As of 2024, Argylle is available for streaming and digital rental/purchase on the following platforms in America:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- Apple TV/iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & YouTube: Available for rental or purchase in HD.
- Vudu: Offers both rental and purchase options.
- Hulu: Available for streaming with subscription.
Conclusion: A Disappointing Spy Adventure
Argylle (2024) is a stylish but ultimately disappointing spy adventure that fails to live up to its potential. While the film’s premise and cast hold promise, it suffers from a convoluted plot, underutilized performances, and lackluster special effects. Matthew Vaughn’s direction, known for its flair, doesn’t quite hit the mark this time. If you’re a fan of action comedies, you might find some enjoyment in the film’s action sequences and Rockwell’s performance, but overall, Argylle is a missed opportunity that leaves much to be desired.
