“the man from u.n.c.l.e.” – the film (and some other guy ritchie movies).

September 1, 2015

tags: "lock stock and two smoking barrels", "snatch", "the man from u.n.c.l.e.", action films, guy ritchie, jason statham, movies, sherlock holmes downey

Tonight I saw the film adaptation of the classic TV show “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” It was fun. The director is Guy Ritchie. He’s been a bit hit and miss, but most of the films I’ve seen by him have been rather good.

His first two movies were sort of British versions of “Pulp Fiction”-type films.. lots of violence, but some humor too. These films are “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,”(you can catch rock legend Sting in a cameo role in this film)

and “Snatch.”

Both of these, although quite violent, have more humor and less violence than Tarantino’s films.These movies launched Jason Statham’s career. Besides Statham, several other cast members from lock stock were in “Snatch” as well. Also, I think Brad Pitt’s best role is in this film.

I then saw a Ritchie film called “Rockandrolla,” which was sort of like the first two I mentioned, except that it was terrible. I’m not going to put a trailer of that film in this blog.

After that, a rather violent but artistic film called “Revolver.” It was surreal, deep, complicated, and incorporated a lot of Buddhist philosophy. I didn’t know Guy Ritchie was that deep. I still think about that film sometimes.

Then.. the two wild and crazy Sherlock Holmes films featuring Robert Downey Jr. as a manic Holmes and Jude Law in a good performance as Watson. I enjoyed both those films, especially the second one. These, unlike Ritchie’s previous films, are rated PG-13, not R.

The actor who plays Moriarty in the second film is absolutely perfect in this role. I watch a lot of movies, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen him before. Whoops, just checked Wikipedia. I have seen him before. He’s been in tons of movies, but mostly in smaller roles. His name is Jared Harris.

Somewhere along the way, Ritchie made a film for and starring his then-wife, Madonna. Can’t say that Guy has good taste in women. I don’t remember the name of the film. It was a horrible flop, and I avoided it. I will not be including a trailer of that film in this post.

And now the newest Ritchie film.. a very stylish spy thriller and period piece, set in 1963. Very good set design, cinematography, etc. Great soundtrack too. Solid acting. Good plot. Definitely worth watching. Rated PG-13.