Argylle buries decent ideas in a convoluted script. There's a goofy premise, superficial espionage, wonky setup/payoff, excessive twists, overbearing exposition, cliches, unnatural dialogue, contrivances, Ex Machina, repetitive detours, and awkward sequel bait. Still, the main issue is that the busy plot is prioritized over personal drama. It's hard for audiences to care when the story is confusing yet hollow, and the relatability is underdeveloped. Plus, the incohesive acting lacks consistent tones, chemistry, charisma, vulnerability, and spontaneity (even Rockwell's charm struggles to shine through). Consequently, Argylle is overstuffed with ideas and does none of them well.
Technically, Argylle is messy. Its direction provides playful campiness, clunky moods, sanitized violence, and weak tension. The cinematography has movement, POVs, lighting, color, and chaotic composition. Its sound uses action, split cuts, emphasis, and stings. The music offers needle drops, comedic timing, generic scoring, and juxtaposition. Its production design creates a spy world, but is forgettable and distracting. The cast is deep with cameos yet their screen time is limited. Its editing adds crafty details, dull momentum, a bloated runtime, and meandering structure. The digital effects are glossy, excessive, sloppy, and uncanny. Overall, Argylle is a mixed bag.
Writing: 3/10
Direction: 4/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Acting: 6/10
Editing: 4/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Production Design: 5/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 3/10
Overall Score: 5.3/10
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