Movie Review - Argylle

I must admit that I had high hopes going into this movie. The first Kingsman movie was fantastic, and I was hoping that this movie would recapture that magic. Sadly, no. Not even close.

The first half of the movie held my attention. I thought it was going somewhere interesting. I saw the twist coming, but the execution failed on many levels. And just when the character development should have kicked into high gear the movie spoils it with one pointless action scene after another.

7:42●●● 95%

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I like all of the actors individually, but the casting for this movie is questionable. Specifically, I don't think Sam Rockwell and Bryce Dallas Howard were the best choices. Off the top of my head I can think of a dozen actors that could have filled the roles better.

Major Spoilers Ahead

The major problem with the reveal is that Elly Conway is told her true identity by other characters. In regards to character development that is the worst way to do it. Elly should have reluctantly realized the truth herself and then fought against it. Then there could have been the Total Recall moment when Elly has to decide who she wants to be, Elly or Rachelle. It's unfortunate that the writer, Jason Fuchs, wasn't bold enough to lean into the themes of Total Recall or The Long Kiss Goodnight to create an internal conflict within Elly/Rachelle that could have been much more interesting than what they did.

Even though the writer and director weren't willing to lean into the tropes that are mastered in such excellent movies as Total Recall and The Long Kiss Goodnight they were totally willing to lean into every other cheap trope available. The music box scene, besides going on far too long, was just maddening to watch and horribly executed. This is where I think they really missed on casting Bryce Dallas Howard. She's not an action actress and it showed in her expressions. That scene was robotic and painful to watch. It didn't help that they dragged it out far too long. Did I mention that before? That there were too many, overly long, action scenes? Is it getting annoying to keep reading my complaints about the unnecessary action scenes? Good. My point is made. :-)

Do yourself a favor. Skip this movie and rewatch the first Kingsman, or Total Recall, or if you haven't ever seen it watch The Long Kiss Goodnight. Those are movies that get it right.

Grade: D+

Plot
An introverted spy novelist is drawn into the activities of a sinister underground syndicate.