Movie Review – Argylle

I must admit that I had high hopes going into this movie. The first Kingsmen 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.

The World’s Most Indispensable Movie App

The RunPee app tells you the best times to
run & pee during a movie
so you don't miss the best scenes.

As seen on

Download the RunPee app.
100% free (donation supported)

     

Read more about the RunPee app.

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. 🙂

What people are saying
about the RunPee app.

dd33803, 07/05/2023

This is a great app. I wish more people would support it

This app provides info about movies, reviews, ratings from people who have seen it before and after viewing. It has links to info about the movies. It let’s you know when there will be a lull in the action and how long it will last. If you want to know what happens during that time, you can check the brief synopsis (you have to click a link, so no accidental spoilers). It has a timer you can set (silent) to alert you to a break. It also tells you whether there is anything extra during or after the credits. It’s really a wonderful app. I’ve subscribed for a couple of years to support the developers, but I noticed some of the links to provide feedback didn’t seem to work today. They also made it free, with voluntary donations to see the pee-times. If you haven’t tried it, I encourage you to do so, and subscribe if you like it. I really hope the app is supported so it can continue to be maintained!

Developers note: RunPee doesn’t make much money but it supports itself nicely. Donations are appreciated, but not required. We’ll add as many movies to the database as we can until there are no more movie theaters.

View all reviews
Apple App Store | Google Play Store

Download RunPee app

     

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

Grade: D+

About The Peetimes: I tried to find a Peetime early in the movie, but there’s so much going on it wasn’t possible until about 36 minutes in. The first and last Peetimes are the best.

There are extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Argylle.

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