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

Dead Man - 3/5

This is a somber, slow western that’s more wistful than it is profound. It’s strange and episodic, winding its narrative lazily along until it peters out unceremoniously. For all of its problems, however, it’s curiously fascinating and hard to look away from the bizarre journey.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Ballad of Buster Scruggs by way of Meek’s Cutoff.

Setting: Western
Plot: Chase
Tone: Stoner