With a visual style akin to his Kingsman films, Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake) directs this entertaining take on the spy genre that brings together a stellar cast and an imaginative plot.
‘A man meets a woman at a club, and it turns into a deadly face off.’ Such is the opening scene in a spy novel by Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard), a celebrated author who lives alone with her cat Alfie. On a train to see her doting mom (Catherine O’Hara in fine form), she is confronted by assassins including a fan/undercover agent, Aiden (Sam Rockwell). It turns out that Elly’s novels are too close to the truth in the spy world, and only she can provide the next chapter to her story. She is living a real life adventure where she alone holds the key, but who can she trust? As she crisscrosses the globe, her reality comes into sharper focus, and some secrets emerge that will greatly change her life if she survives.
The film is constructed as an elaborate ruse with a diabolical plot that borders on parody alongside flashy set pieces and a sense of humor. It also functions as a mystery that leads to some interesting misdirects and genuine surprises to keep things fresh. Elly must cope with her fears and mental block as memories and truths from the past are gradually revealed. (Some plot points recall The Bourne Identity and The Long Kiss Goodnight.)
There
is plenty of action in this well-paced film, and Rockwell is quite appealing as
is the supporting cast (including Henry Cavill, Samuel L. Jackson, Bryan
Cranston). Despite an outrageous, over-the-top finish, it is a pleasant
diversion (with a mid-credit scene). Just don’t take it too seriously.
***1/2
of ***** (for Rockwell and cat fans)
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