“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” is a big screen adaptation of the 1964-1968 TV series, which I know absolutely nothing about other than it rings a bell, so I am unable to make any comparisons. I suspect most viewers today will be in the same boat.

The movie is directed by Guy Ritchie, who previously directed “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”, “Snatch”, and the 2009 and 2011 Sherlock Holmes films.  It stars Henry Cavill as Napoleon Solo, Armie Hammer as Illya Kuryakin and Alicia Vikander as Gaby. While “Man of Steel”, also starring Cavill, was a letdown to me, I really did enjoy Cavill as Superman so I was eager to see him in this. Armie Hammer had roles in “Lone Ranger” and “The Social Network”, and Alicia Kikander I knew only from “Ex Machina” as tha android Ava.

The movie takes place in 1963 during the cold war between the US and Russia. Henry Cavill is perfectly cast as Solo, a womanizing, confident American agent, while Armie Hammer plays a more temperamental, volatile Russian Agent. The two get paired up in a joint effort by the US and Russia to prevent a criminal organization from creating a nuclear bomb. Of course each side has their own motives, and Gaby (Alicia Vikander) is the key to finding her father, a brilliant scientist able to create the weapon. I'll keep her involvement spoiler free.

The setting of the 60's is done with a lot of style and character. It’s refreshing to see an old school spy movie without all the gadgets and holographic displays. Sure there were a few 60's style bugs and a gadget or two, but they were perfectly set in the era; one used to deliver a terrific laugh as the new partners have a bit of a pissing match early on. It’s that relationship between Solo and Illya that makes this movie so fun to watch. In the beginning the two are enemies fighting each other, then, when paired up, still have trouble accepting one another, so they become rivals that work together. This created some great exchanges and development that runs right to the end of the movie! The growth of their acceptance, and eventually friendship was the best part of the movie for me, and I suspect that was the main driving force for the TV series. It's like the Odd Couple meets James Bond.

What I appreciated about the movie was, for a dated spy type of movie it could have been done in a satirical way, but it owns the story it's telling and embraces the style. It has a very definitive flow, although at times feels rushed. At nearly two hours, the film felt like just the right length but I could have sat through more. “U.N.C.L.E.” has many funny moments that are well deserved. The characters, especially Solo and Illya, play very well off of each other with great timing. The story is simple enough to follow and, as all films of this genre, has its twists and turns on the way. It’s the characters in each moment and situation that make this movie so interesting to watch. There are a few great action sequences, as well as some situations that are just fun to watch. Not once did I feel bored or even distracted by people in the audience.

The supporting cast is also quite good, and many have their moments to shine, but one of the most important characters is the score! In keeping with the style, the music (and just sound effects) are used in very convincing way to emphasize the pace, mood and emotion. I became aware of its impact early on and enjoyed listening to movie as much as I did watching it.

With the summer blockbuster season winding down I am happy to say, what may be the last big movie this summer that I see, the season is ending on a strong high note. It was worthy of the applause it received by the audience at my screening. If you saw “Fantastic Four”, go see this and clean that train wreck out of your mind.

“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” is a witty, stylized, action movie worth watching! I hope to see a sequel one day!

I give it 8 out of 10.