The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) - 3/5

This movie is a by-the-numbers spy film that is reminiscent of both Mission: Impossible and James Bond. It unfortunately doesn’t utilize any of the dark antics or snappy editing that the director Guy Richie is known for. The premise has a lot of promise, but the constant bickering among the central three characters drags the film down considerably. Still, it has excellent production values and a capable enough plot to carry it through. Also, Henry Cavill’s accent goes in and out, for what it’s worth.

Content warning: brief female nudity

Closest comparison: It’s like Where Eagles Dare by way of Skyfall.

Setting: Adventure
Plot: Espionage
Tone: Action

Wrath of Man - 3/5

This movie is a solid revenge movie, with some caveats. Almost all of it is standard heist, crime, revenge movie fare, but one scene shows the aftermath of the raid of a child rape dungeon. Nothing sensitive is shown, but the implications of the furnishings combined with some extremely disturbing offscreen audio makes this movie a no-go for many who otherwise would enjoy the film. The rest of the movie is great, the kind of movie that would have cast Mel Gibson if it had been made in the ‘90s.

Content warning: child rape

Closest comparison: It’s like Heat by way of Ransom.

Setting: Heist
Plot: Revenge
Tone: Crime

Snatch (2000) - 5/5

This movie is crass, dark, crime comedy that is a glorious thing to behold. The script is tightly woven, interconnecting the plot lines with comedic aplomb. Everyone is chewing the scenery at the same time, rising to a hilarious crescendo, each beat right on cue. It’s the quintessential cockney crime comedy, and even after twenty years it hasn’t lost its bite.

Content warning: female nudity, language

Closest comparison: It has the narrative complexity of Crash (2004) crossed with the criminal underground of Shopping (1994).

Setting: Crime
Plot: Thriller
Tone: Dark Screwball Comedy

The Gentlemen - 4/5

This is the slick new crime action comedy from Guy Richie, and if you like his other films you’ll probably like this one, too. It’s a funny and suave take on the British criminal underground scene with a pert editing style that keeps the pace upbeat and moving. Unlike many of his other films, however, this one starts off with a lot of exposition, but once it finds its footing it does not disappoint. The actors all seem to be having a blast and the ending wraps everything up so neatly that it’s hard to find fault with the slower beginning. It’s great to see Guy Richie back doing the modern gangster films he does best.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Godfather by way of Baby Driver, but without the musical choreography.

Setting: Crime
Plot: Blackmail
Tone: Action Comedy

Aladdin (2019) - 3/5

It’s good, but uneven. The normal, baseline parts of the movie that should go smoothly are rough and often badly acted. Then the movie turns around and absolutely nails the parts that are tricky and hard to pull off. Out of nowhere a few scenes are played for awkward cringe comedy, which are followed up by scenes of Aladdin and Jasmine’s endearing, believable chemistry. The Prince Ali number, a delightfully spectacular riff on the song, was much better executed than One Jump Ahead, which walked when it should have run and mismatched its lyrics with the action. Luckily the movie gets better as it goes and comes into its own with some surprisingly impactful moments in the third act.

Closest comparison: It’s the best live action Disney remake to date.

Setting: Fantasy
Plot: Adventure
Tone: Adventure

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword - 4/5

It's not nearly as bad as the other critics are saying. The music is really good, and the editing (except for one part) is exceptionally good. I really liked the non-linear storytelling, and Jude Law's performance is amazing. It helped knowing it was adapted from a graphic novel going into it. If you liked Timeline and you didn't hate Guy Richie's previous Sherlock Holmes movies, I think you'll really like this.

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