“Argylle,” the latest spy caper from the writer behind the “Kingsman” series, arrived with a wave of hype, promising a mix of over-the-top action, humor, and a touch of the absurd, all highlighted by a supposedly scene-stealing cat. While the movie leans heavily into cheesy territory right from the start, it becomes clear that this is very much by design. “Argylle” delights in misdirection, constantly leading the audience down one path only to yank them onto another with surprise twists, though perhaps not all that surprising to seasoned viewers.
The cast is undeniably stellar, delivering strong performances across the board, even if some choices, like Henry Cavill’s questionable hairstyle, raise eyebrows. Dua Lipa, despite her brief screen time, makes a memorable impact, leaving you wanting more. Sam Rockwell continues to defy age expectations in Hollywood, joining the ranks of ageless wonders like Tom Cruise and Jason Statham, making it easy to forget he’s actually in his mid-50s.
However, “Argylle” does suffer from pacing issues. The movie is undeniably long, and could have benefited from tighter editing. While a well-developed story is appreciated, “Argylle” at times feels unnecessarily drawn out.
But let’s get to the core appeal: the sheer ridiculousness. “Argylle” takes the concept of over-the-top to a whole new level, and in a genuinely entertaining way. The movie is packed with laugh-out-loud moments that more than compensate for its pacing issues. Without giving away any spoilers, keep your eyes peeled for blink-and-you’ll-miss-it comedic gems throughout.
Beyond the spy antics, “Argylle” surprisingly touches on themes of motivation and the impact of life choices. It explores whether the emotions and experiences that shape our decisions would still hold true if we had the chance to relive those moments. This “nature vs. nurture” question adds an unexpected layer of depth to what is primarily a spy thriller, prompting reflection on whether our paths would remain the same if key experiences were altered.
Overall, “Argylle” is a thoroughly enjoyable movie, especially if you’re in the market for pure, unadulterated silliness. The key is to not take it seriously. Embrace the absurdity, particularly during the extended and utterly bonkers ending sequence, and you’re likely to have a blast. For parents wondering if “Argylle” is suitable for family viewing, it’s worth considering the level of stylized violence and spy-thriller themes, but for older teens and adults seeking a fun, escapist movie night, “Argylle” delivers on its promise of ridiculous entertainment.
