Matthew Vaughn's latest action thriller Argylle was making headlines weeks before its release with the mystery behind the “real” author of the book on which the film is supposedly based. With internet sleuths on the case, the film's cast and crew spent most of their time promoting debunking theories about Taylor Swift being the mind behind the film’s story. In the end, the real writer of Argylle mystery seems to have just been a marketing ploy to hype-up the film, which should have been able to stand on its own given the films all-star cast.

Argylle tells the story of Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard), an introverted spy novelist who seldom leaves her home, as she is drawn into the real world of espionage when the plots of her books get a little too close to the activities of a sinister underground syndicate. When Aiden (Sam Rockwell), a spy, shows up to save her (he says) from being kidnapped or killed (or both), Elly and her beloved cat Alfie are plunged into a covert world where nothing, and no one, is what it seems.

One of the best aspects of the film is how Conway’s spy novel character Argylle (Henry Cavill) is interwoven into the film, appearing in sequences straight out of the book and in visions where he talks to Conway directly in the real world. His inclusion into the real world plot leads to one of several stunning action sequences in the film. During a fight scene on a train, Cavill’s character is perfectly switched out with Sam Rockwell’s every time Elly Conway blinks. It is a master class in match cut editing.

Another highlight of the film is Bryce Dallas Howard. Without spoiling the twists of the film, she perfectly executes the evolution of her character, making me want to see more of her as a lead in more films. With her career seemingly shifting to more behind-the-camera work, her role in this comes as a very pleasant surprise. Along with that, the chemistry between Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell is very enjoyable. Their odd couple-esque dynamic evolves throughout the film and plays into another wonderful action sequence set to the latest hit from The Beatles, “Now and Then”. If you are a fan of Rockwell’s ability to find a way to dance in every single role he is cast in, Argylle will not disappoint in that aspect.

Where the film does disappoint is its runtime. At 2 hours and 19 minutes, by the 3rd act, the twists and turns of the plot start to feel repetitive and the non-stop action sequences start to feel underwhelming, not being able to outdo the previous one.

With an all-star cast that includes Brian Cranston, John Cena, and Samuel L. Jackson, the film works for the most part, but eventually gets to the point where you are ready for it to end, but there is a bit more which makes it drag on.

Argylle is now playing in theaters.

RORSCHACH RATING:

Mental Health Moment: Early on in the film, Elly Conway says to her mother (Catherine O’Hara) that she is in a relationship with “her work” and is happy with it being just her and her cat, Alfie. Work-life balance can be a tricky thing to find, but it is important not only for you, but for those around you. While there might not ever be a perfect balance between the two, knowing when to leave work to the side and when to focus on what you and those in your life need is key. Even seeing this film, I had my phone blowing up with text messages from my work asking me questions on my day off, and despite the fact that I waited until the movie finally ended to respond, there were no impending disasters that needed my attention immediately. Take a break, relax, and take time for yourself to decompress.

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Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. We do not own nor claim any rights. Argylle is property of Universal Pictures and Apple Original Films. We do not own nor claim any rights.

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