Argylle movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Argylle

This goofy action movie is now playing in theaters.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 2 hours 19 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B+

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about a reclusive author who writes espionage novels about a secret agent and a global spy syndicate, who realizes the plot of the new book she’s writing starts to mirror real-world events.

The director was Matthew Vaughn. Writing credits go to Jason Fuchs.

While some of the film critics absolutely hated this, I thought it was great fun!

THINGS I LIKED:

I love this cast. It features Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, Richard E. Grant, John Cena, Samuel Jackson, and more!
I loved that shot of the female villain driving down the road at the top of Santorini, Greece. I was right there a few years ago! We stayed in a gorgeous place overlooking the caldera, just a couple blocks away from that famous, blue-domed building. Greek food in Greece is SO much better than it is in the good ‘ole USA. The best Greek salad I’ve ever had in my life was in Athens. Mmmm…

We also get to travel to Hong Kong! I love traveling in movies. My daughter-in-law is from Hong Kong and so I’ve been there several times. What a dynamic city! We only get to see the skyline though (on a green screen).
Another fun place we get to go to is London. I’ve been to England many times and still haven’t seen everything. We spend some time in France, but don’t really get to see any famous sites.
That cat! That backpack!
There is quite a bit of visual and spoken humor.
Most of the action sequences are so ridiculously over-the-top, but that made them all the more entertaining.
As an author of a bunch of books, myself, I’m always intrigued by movies about authors. I’m fascinated by how authors are represented, where authors get their inspiration, and how fiction books are created. I’m a professional author coach and always get a kick out of my fiction-writing clients. All of my books are nonfiction. If you’re an author wondering why your books aren’t selling or you’d like help starting your first book, reach out to me! I’d be happy to offer a complimentary 20-minute coaching session. You can learn more at FromBook2Business.com
I enjoyed all of the MANY fun twists.
I got a kick out of the last dance scene in Act 3.
Almost non-stop action.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Many of the action sequences definitely look like they were filmed with green screens.
There’s a scene with a LOT of exposition intermingled with shorter scenes with exposition.
The film overstays its welcome and starts to repeat its main ideas, bouncing from twist to twist. A shortened run-time would have helped hold the audience’s interest.
Because of all the twists, the stakes feel pretty low.
There are a LOT of CGI moments.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Tons of violence (mostly bloodless)
A character has a lot of anxiety and fear
Various weapons are used
Extremely high dead-body count

THEMES:

Spies
Workaholics
Introverts
Imagination
Anxiety
Trust
Courage
Identity
Truth

FUNNY LINES:

“That IS what I’d say if I were a real spy, so…” – Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard)
“You lied about liking cats. How am I supposed to trust you now?” – Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard)
“Cat ladies always die alone, and cats figure it out.” – Aidan Wilde (Sam Rockwell)
“Look at that! He landed like a ninja!.” – Aidan Wilde (Sam Rockwell)

INTERESTING LINES:

“You can’t find the time; you have to make the time for things that are important to you.” – Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard)
“Tomorrow isn’t promised.” – Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard)
“If you’re passionate about what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” – Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard)