A Terrific Ensemble Can’t Save Convoluted Action Comedy

Summary

• Art imitates life for a spy novelist and her beloved cat as they’re caught up in a global conspiracy – a twist-filled and wacky action comedy.
• Director Matthew Vaughn takes espionage to slapstick heights, with some mixed results and exhausting editing choices.
• A charming cast and plenty of twists, but the bewildering plot and cartoonish action can be overwhelming.

Art imitates life for a spy novelist and her beloved cat as they’re unwittingly swept up in a diabolical global conspiracy. Argylle is a convoluted and spectacularly wacky action comedy loaded with bombshell reveals. The film gets turned into a funhouse pretzel as a twist barrage constantly reshapes the narrative. Kingsman franchise director Matthew Vaughn takes espionage to slapstick heights with decidedly mixed results. A charming ensemble of Hollywood stalwarts have decent chemistry but are eventually lost in the bewildering shenanigans. Vaughn also goes off the rails with rapid-fire editing that honestly becomes exhausting.

Agent Argylle (Henry Cavill), resplendent in a Nehru jacket and spiky coiffure, infiltrates a swanky club in sun-drenched Greece. He spots the gorgeous villainess, LaGrange (Dua Lipa), and witty banter ensues. Argylle’s never outmatched with trusted colleagues Kira (Ariana DeBose) and Wyatt (John Cena) as backup. A spirited chase leads to an unexpected development. Hmmm…is that a good ending for book five?

Writer Ely Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) closes her laptop on the latest Argylle thriller. She feels it could be better. A sentiment shared by her critical and overprotective mother, Ruth (Catherine O’Hara). Ely decides to visit her parents with Alfie, her cat, and only friend, after a public event highlights long-held insecurities. The shy and introverted Ely sits apart from the other passengers on the train into the city. She’s not happy when a weird stranger plops down in front of her. Then, to Ely’s dismay, he starts reading her latest book.

Art Imitates Life

Argylle

2 /5

Release Date February 2, 2024

Runtime 2hr 15min

Studio Apple Original Films, Apple Studios, Cloudy Productions

Pros

• Alfie the cat
• Twists aplenty
• Good cast chemistry

Cons

• A bewildering plot
• Questionable editing choices
• Cartoonish action and visual fx
• A labored final act

Aidan (Sam Rockwell) is tickled to have such a famous author in his presence. His chirpy demeanor suddenly changes to a warning. Ely’s Argylle novels are prophetic. A sinister and powerful organization wants to know where the story is going. Ritter (Bryan Cranston) has sent an army of goons to kidnap her. Ely’s unease turns to terror when a passerby attacks her. Aiden springs into lethal action as Ely clutches Alfie in shocked disbelief.

Argylle makes its campy intentions clear with a borderline absurd open. Vaughn and screenwriter Jason Fuchs (Wonder Woman) don’t take the violence seriously. It’s akin to a ballet of buffoonery as hapless baddies are slaughtered by Argylle, his team, and later, Aiden. They’re invincible badasses that can plow through dozens of attackers unscathed. The plot thickens when Ely sees the fictional Argylle in Aiden’s movements. Her protagonist is an invisible friend of sorts.

Universal Pictures

Vaughn’s frenetic depiction of Ely’s wildly active imagination negatively impacts the film. The audience sees events from her perspective. She literally blinks an eye and Aiden transforms into Argylle. This happens repeatedly every second during intense combat scenes. Aiden will throw a punch. Argylle lands the blow. Vaughn’s goal is to show Ely’s fragile mental state, but that’s easily understood without excessive visual gimmicks, and the quick edits become tiresome.

Fuchs’s roller-coaster script never takes a breath. Ely and Aiden navigate a labyrinth of treachery on the run. Nothing is as it seems. The plot veers in a new direction with each uncovered secret. A few are humdingers that catch you totally by surprise. Others strain credulity and fit into Vaughn’s pattern of going gleefully overboard in every dire situation. Argylle is never predictable. There are twists aplenty, providing both delight and annoyance.

Related Henry Cavill Wonders Whether Argylle Will Rule Him Out as the Next James Bond Could Henry Cavill’s role as a super-spy in Argylle affect his James Bond chances?

A Bewildering Roller Coaster Ride

Bryce Dallas Howard anchors the film as much as possible. She clutches the saddle of a bucking bronco storyline with a tenuous grip. Her character barely holds on for the ride but learns to evolve or die in the crossfire. Her shock, awe, and frustration give way to tremendous fortitude. You root for her to succeed and cheer when Ely finally grabs the reins of destiny. The venerable Sam Rockwell provides a winning partner in the maelstrom. His trademark sharp delivery gets a few chuckles while beating enemies to a pulp. But the contrast between his toned toughness and Henry Cavill’s towering, muscular frame could have worked better. Plus, the flickering editing choices unfortunately quiet their thunder.

Argylle’s action scenes are hit-and-miss depending on your point of view. Chases, for example, begin in reality and end on farcical notes. The train fight choreography looks great until a ridiculous escape. This is done in line with the film’s jovial tone. But silly devolves into stupid if left unchecked. Vaughn treads cartoonish with over-the-top CGI hijinks meant for comic relief.

Universal Pictures

Alfie the cat raises the cuteness quotient strapped into his carrier like a furry prisoner. He’s the go-to reaction shot when things inevitably go south. Aiden’s not a cat lover, much to Ely’s consternation. This running gag never gets old. You can’t help but laugh as a spoiled kitty dodges bullets and tests the nine-lives theory.

Related 13 of the Best Action Comedies, Ranked The past couple of decades have seen a rise in dark humor and violence on-screen, which have combined to create some phenomenal action comedies.

Unsurprisingly, Argylle runs long in a drawn-out climax. The third act loses steam when all the chips are finally on the table. Vaughn stops the editing spree when he needs it the most. The film’s uneven nature tests your patience to a fault. But with that said, stick around for the credits.

Argylle is a production of Marv Studios, Cloudy Productions, and Apple Original Films. It will be released theatrically on February 2nd from Universal Pictures.

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