REVIEW: ARGYLLE

3.5/5

Argyles Or Brogues?

139 Mins. Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara, Sofia Boutella, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, John Cena & Samuel L. Jackson. Director: Matthew Vaughn. In: Theatres.

"I know it's true. It's all because of you," sounds hauntingly reminiscent as it comes into play over 'Argylle', double-L, no sweater. The kind of record you feel you've heard before. As familiar as time. Surely this is a classic? Yep! From a long time ago? Nope! From the vaults, this is the recently unearthed John Lennon vocals from 'Now and Then'. And now The Beatles have officially licensed their music for movies, this is a testament to just how iconic this simple and sweet melody truly is. Even if it is almost used to overkill like a 'Titanic' tribute in 'Kick Ass' (speaking of a 'Nowhere Boy') and 'First Class' X-Men director Matthew Vaughn's new graphic novel ultraviolent movie following in the blade running steps of his big-three 'Kingsman' movies. Sofia Boutella's even here, too. Amongst classic cameos from everybody from Rob Delaney, to Jing Lusi over the fireworks of a Hong Kong skyline, and more we shouldn't say. Comic set-pieces that follows the vintage and vibrant patterns of Vaughn, that also takes hues and cues from everything from Melissa McCarthy's unlikely but undeniable 'Spy', to the Austin Powers franchise, shagging 007 for more shaken and stirring references to this game of raised glass goodbyes. Time to propose a toast for the man who would be Bond. Word is.

Superman may not be returning for James Gunn's 'Legacy', but in this witching hour, Henry Cavill is crushing it in a velvet suit and a haircut Biff from 'Back To The Future' would be proud of. Just like he did in Guy Ritchie's 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' that needs a sequel and partner recast. A second Sherlock is a super sleuth here, much like fellow great Brit Jude Law's American playing 'Spy', that also served as his James Bond audition. You can't deny the cavalier Cavill's charm and compelling charisma, even though he isn't really here, despite the fact that he's front and centre on his character's namesake's poster and promotional photos. He's a figment of your imagination. Or more, Bryce Dallas Howard's. The real star of this picture alongside the scene stealing, and all Fallon like dancing, real spy Sam Rockwell. Rocking it with the set chemistry and the one-two punch, perfect interplay with Cavill as fantasy and reality blends together like the truest lie from the bigger bridge that divides greater spies and their real lives for good. We all know Howard can direct like her father Ron, she's given us the best episodes of 'The Mandalorian', like she did playing the protagonist in the most liked 'Black Mirror' one. But can she get her J.K. Rowling one on and write a bestseller? You bet! So much so, this fan fiction walks the line of real and fake so finely. Armed with a cool cat, 'The Lady In The Water' reaches new depths. Flushing any previous doubt, BD Howard takes those heels off and throws them away, sticking it to those 'Jurassic World' haters who said you couldn't get a woman who does both.

This epic espionage ensemble action comedy also features small but significant roles from the amazing Ariana DeBose and singer Dua Lipa in a dance with Supes straight out of the 'Pulp Fiction' play book. At times, you wish their inspired intro was the real movie itself (spin-off prequel of sorts anyone?). Especially when the always welcome John Cena comes in with a Magnum P.I. shirt to make the peace with the former cape flying moustached man, minus the CGI. But it's the legend's that get it done. 'Home Alone's' very own Catherine O'Hara continuing her classic legacy now she's no longer up 'Schitt's Creek', dear. Best wishes to one of the greatest sitcoms of all-time in this era of modern families. Kind regards to the great Bryan Cranston too. Playing the 'Malcolm in the Middle', 'Breaking Bad' angles perfectly with a shotgun. And in this blunderbuss that packs everything but rock salt, you can't forget Vaughn favourite Samuel L. Jackson with a man cave any Laker fan would be proud of amongst all the vino. You know that jersey of his friend Magic Johnson is real. This marvellous Marv movie, with music from the fab four and a side deal with Apple movies, makes a statement by rolling the dice on some major world building. Stick around after the last orders of credits. There are more books to come from the spy who read me. Don't sweat it. It all comes together like a pair of socks under some slacks and your Sunday best pair of shined shoes. Don't like it? 'Argylle', f### yourself! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Kingsman: The Secret Service', 'The King's Man', 'Spy'.