Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
You know that no man's land that happens in the middle of your day? The one about an hour after lunch and a couple of hours before quitting time? The one where you are lost in a ripple in time that stands still, and all you can see is the vast nothingness between purpose and achievement? We're at the starting line of that no man's land when it comes to movies.
January and February have historically been when big studios dump movies they don't know what to do with. Good examples of "dump" movies include "Kangaroo Jack," "DeepStar Six," and last year's "Plane." Once in a while, however, some movies manage to buck the trend and find a lot of success and are actually good, like "Taken," "October Sky" and the recent "A Man Called Otto."
For my money, "Argylle" is one of those buck-the-trend dump movies. The new film has slipped under the radar, but the absurd and over-the-top action make it a fun trip to the theater.
Here are some reasons I think "Argylle" is just the thing we need during this stretch of the movie no man's land.
Matthew Vaughn has the best action sequences
Director Matthew Vaughn is the maestro of insane action sequences, injecting more fun and flair than any other director. With a track record including "Kingsman: The Secret Service" and "X-Men: First Class," Vaughn unleashes a spectacle akin to the former in "Argylle."
Silly, fast-paced, and choreographed to perfection, the action is a visual feast with delightful surprises. Vaughn's unique touch turns absurdity into an art form only he can master.
Sam Rockwell leads an excellent cast
Sam Rockwell, a maestro in his own right, leads an outstanding cast that elevates "Argylle" to new heights. With a distinctive twist, Rockwell's infectious energy and James Bond-level cool redefine the action-hero trope. If anyone else tried to do what he does, they would fall flat, but Rockwell is one of a kind; and I am in love with his version of a spy.
Alongside him, Bryce Dallas Howard, Bryan Cranston, Henry Cavill and the entire cast deliver performances that reflect their commitment and joy in making this film. Their collective enthusiasm adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the cinematic experience.
It's just the right amount of absurd
Vaughn's quirky directorial style takes center stage, resulting in a movie that seamlessly balances the absurd and entertainment. Despite a mid-film tone shift, the unpredictability keeps audiences engaged. Moments of sheer absurdity had me shaking my head and asking, "What on earth is going on?" But I was smiling through it.
It's often a plunge into the ludicrous, and while some may find it too much, for those attuned to Vaughn's style, it's just the right dose of eccentricity.
What parents need to know
"Argylle" is violent. People are dropping left and right throughout the movie. The lack of any blood or graphic nature of the killing kept it a PG-13.
There is almost no language in the movie except for one F-word. Other than some low-cut dresses and provocative dancing, played for laughs and not graphic, there are no sex or sexual scenes in the movie. The PG-13 is the correct rating, although it is a mature PG-13. The violence is often cartoonish, but there is a lot of it.
Conclusion
"Argylle" won't be everyone's cup of tea. For those who want an escapist action movie with absurd sequences and plenty of twists and turns, it's a great distraction and excuse to head to the theater and eat some popcorn.
