The Man from U.N.C.L.E.: original series & films

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  • Posts: 498
    chrisisall wrote: »
    The only Craig film in my personal top ten is QOS. I fully expect SP to in there as well.

    Same , I think the action sequences would make or break that deal for me

  • Posts: 5,993
    delfloria wrote: »
    And more U.N.C.L.E. coming up in December as Solo and Illya team up with Batman. ..........................http://doubleosection.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-man-from-uncle-returns-to-comics.html
    That I think is terrible. Batmans shows up in too many other series, taking his world with its quirks with it. The world of Solo an Kurilyakin isn't Batman's. When did anyone hear of the Soviet Union in Gotham? Were they quite drunk? is there a six y/o in charge? Who comes up with this? Next thing Bond will take on Superman... :-(

    This is the Batman '66 version of Batman (drawn to resemble the style of that television show) as opposed to the main Batman. DC also has been publishing Wonder Woman '77 (to resemble the 1970s show) and a Superman comic based on the 1950s series.

    Indeed. And in the movie inspired by the TV series, Catwoman (played there by Lee Merryweather) posed as a russian journalist to get closer to Bruce Wayne. So yes, everybody heard of the Soviet Union in Gotham City (and in the comics proper, who could forget the KGBeast ?).
  • CommanderRossCommanderRoss The bottom of a pitch lake in Eastern Trinidad, place called La Brea
    Posts: 8,253
    Gerard wrote: »
    delfloria wrote: »
    And more U.N.C.L.E. coming up in December as Solo and Illya team up with Batman. ..........................http://doubleosection.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-man-from-uncle-returns-to-comics.html
    That I think is terrible. Batmans shows up in too many other series, taking his world with its quirks with it. The world of Solo an Kurilyakin isn't Batman's. When did anyone hear of the Soviet Union in Gotham? Were they quite drunk? is there a six y/o in charge? Who comes up with this? Next thing Bond will take on Superman... :-(

    This is the Batman '66 version of Batman (drawn to resemble the style of that television show) as opposed to the main Batman. DC also has been publishing Wonder Woman '77 (to resemble the 1970s show) and a Superman comic based on the 1950s series.

    Indeed. And in the movie inspired by the TV series, Catwoman (played there by Lee Merryweather) posed as a russian journalist to get closer to Bruce Wayne. So yes, everybody heard of the Soviet Union in Gotham City (and in the comics proper, who could forget the KGBeast ?).
    Allright, so they did use the Cold War. But this is the VA-POW!! version, right? WHACK!!!
    A series obviously made for children? That does work in a totally different world from UNCLE.

    I think it's just cashing in on the two names, with no creative plus side.

  • Posts: 1,859
    But if it introduces another demographic of fans to U.N.C.L.E. then that's not a bad thing. After all U.N.C.L.E. wasn't all that distant from Batman during it's third season. They even shared the same music.
  • CommanderRossCommanderRoss The bottom of a pitch lake in Eastern Trinidad, place called La Brea
    Posts: 8,253
    Well I dont like it, but I guess I'm the only nay-sayer.

    Went to see the film again this weekend. It's actually better when you see it a second time.
  • Posts: 5,767
    Well I dont like it, but I guess I'm the only nay-sayer.

    Went to see the film again this weekend. It's actually better when you see it a second time.
    Oh, time for me to go see it for the second time I guess :-).

    By the way, @CommanderRoss, why did you go a second time if you don´t like it?


  • edited September 2015 Posts: 1,859
    UNCLE is an interesting film in that it's not great but there is something about it that stays with you and begs for a second viewing. You got me as to why that is. Maybe because it does have a GREAT soundtrack. :)
  • delfloria wrote: »
    UNCLE is an interesting film in that it's not great but there is something about it that stays with you and begs for a second viewing. You got me as to why that is. Maybe because it does have a GREAT soundtrack. :)

    Part of it (my opinion only) is it avoids some things (the split screen technique compresses secondary actions scenes, also the score avoids doing faux Bond music). Ritchie said he was going for a '60s look. In a lot of ways, I think he succeeded.

    On the other hand, part of me wonders if this movie (which I liked) was the answer to a question that wasn't asked. Maybe in the 21st century we're so jaded people complain about long action sequences but still don't attend when somebody actually offers an alternative. I don't know.

  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited September 2015 Posts: 23,883
    delfloria wrote: »
    UNCLE is an interesting film in that it's not great but there is something about it that stays with you and begs for a second viewing. You got me as to why that is. Maybe because it does have a GREAT soundtrack. :)

    For me, it's the cinematography, locations, atmosphere and the soundtrack that make it memorable. However, I couldn't quite connect with the characters or the premise/plot. The main characters just seemed a bit camp/OTT rather than real to me, if that makes any sense.

    Having said that, I'll certainly buy it on blu ray and look forward to seeing it again.
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy My Secret Lair
    Posts: 13,384
    In my opinion, the film is a mess. It has more in common with
    CR67 than CR06. :D
  • CommanderRossCommanderRoss The bottom of a pitch lake in Eastern Trinidad, place called La Brea
    Posts: 8,253
    boldfinger wrote: »
    Well I dont like it, but I guess I'm the only nay-sayer.

    Went to see the film again this weekend. It's actually better when you see it a second time.
    Oh, time for me to go see it for the second time I guess :-).

    By the way, @CommanderRoss, why did you go a second time if you don´t like it?

    Ah, now I am a fan of this film, what I was complaining about is the comic series where they incorporate Batman '66 in an UNCLE story. The film which thankfully still shows I did like on first viewing, and I like it even more now. The story is interesting, the characters perhaps not that likeable but well played (I really like Hammer's Kurilyakin) and above all Gaby, played by the oh so attractive Alicia Vikander. I'd go and see it a third time only for her (and the music, and the stylishness, and..). I like this film because it's different in atmosphere, in storytelling, and style.
  • Posts: 5,767
    boldfinger wrote: »
    Well I dont like it, but I guess I'm the only nay-sayer.

    Went to see the film again this weekend. It's actually better when you see it a second time.
    Oh, time for me to go see it for the second time I guess :-).

    By the way, @CommanderRoss, why did you go a second time if you don´t like it?

    Ah, now I am a fan of this film, what I was complaining about is the comic series where they incorporate Batman '66 in an UNCLE story. The film which thankfully still shows I did like on first viewing, and I like it even more now. The story is interesting, the characters perhaps not that likeable but well played (I really like Hammer's Kurilyakin) and above all Gaby, played by the oh so attractive Alicia Vikander. I'd go and see it a third time only for her (and the music, and the stylishness, and..). I like this film because it's different in atmosphere, in storytelling, and style.
    Oh, sorry I read you wrong. I´m not much of a comic fan myself, so I tend to ignore that field a little ;-).

  • Posts: 4,622
    Very much enjoyed this film. Well done. No complaints. As dedicated UNCLE fan, I consider this entry as welcome addition to the canon.
    Mind you I only saw it once in cinema as it didn't have that blockbuster wow factor that might have brought me back for extra cinema viewings as Bond movies do (5-6x) or some comic book films (2x), BUT I will grab super deluxe blu-ray on first day, and watch multiple times on home system

    I'm not sure this film is total $ bust. Last time I checked, overseas market was good. Had a strong opening in Russia. Even hung around here, Toronto, for several weeks. Seemed to be homing in on break even or better, plus home download/purchase market still to come.
    Seems to have a hipster appeal. Lot of smart looking young people at viewing that I attended.
    People laughed and had good time.

    Kid taking tickets even remarked "very good choice"

    Thought both Cavill and Hammer did real good job. Girls were real good too.
    Remimded me a bit of S4 Uncle in terms of tone.

    Final demise of lead villainess was classic Solo.
    Her ending kind of reminded of Drax and crew's end in Fleming's MR too.

    Easy 5/5/stars
  • Posts: 1,859
    Timmer, hadn't seen you in a while over here at the UNCLE thread. Glad you liked as well as many of the others here. I had a chance to work on the VFX for the film and I'm glad to say that this reboot did not end up like Wild Wild West or many of the other embarrassing attempts that this one could have turned out like. Yeah, it's different but still captures the general flavor of the original series without ever directly copying it.
  • CommanderRossCommanderRoss The bottom of a pitch lake in Eastern Trinidad, place called La Brea
    Posts: 8,253
    timmer wrote: »
    Very much enjoyed this film. Well done. No complaints. As dedicated UNCLE fan, I consider this entry as welcome addition to the canon.
    Mind you I only saw it once in cinema as it didn't have that blockbuster wow factor that might have brought me back for extra cinema viewings as Bond movies do (5-6x) or some comic book films (2x), BUT I will grab super deluxe blu-ray on first day, and watch multiple times on home system

    I'm not sure this film is total $ bust. Last time I checked, overseas market was good. Had a strong opening in Russia. Even hung around here, Toronto, for several weeks. Seemed to be homing in on break even or better, plus home download/purchase market still to come.
    Seems to have a hipster appeal. Lot of smart looking young people at viewing that I attended.
    People laughed and had good time.

    Kid taking tickets even remarked "very good choice"

    Thought both Cavill and Hammer did real good job. Girls were real good too.
    Remimded me a bit of S4 Uncle in terms of tone.

    Final demise of lead villainess was classic Solo.
    Her ending kind of reminded of Drax and crew's end in Fleming's MR too.

    Easy 5/5/stars

    Agree wholeheartedly. the second viewing in my cinema had more people attending then the first, whilst two weeks later. checking at boxoffice mojo the film had a 75 mil. budget and raket in 44 in the US. But another 55 overseas and those numbers are far from complete (my country i.e. not mentioned) and the numbers are at best last weeks. So the film did quite ok. Not a flop at all. @delfloria let it be known we're waiting for a second one ;-)
  • edited September 2015 Posts: 4,622
    @CommanderRoss
    I actually didn't see the movie till it had been out three weeks. Had no time to get to cinema. I was worried it might have come and gone, considering the disappointing opening weekend,however it did seem to grow legs.The showing I saw was well attended.
    I think word of mouth, and favourable reviews helped it from sinking.
    It seems it might rate as modest success.
    Personally I love it! I can't wait to watch a few times over on blu-ray.
    Eventually, I will do 2015 spy double-bills with Uncle as opener and SP as feature.
    The girls in this movie were great. The heroine was feisty and funny.
    The villainess was icy cold but with charm.
    The scene where the bad buy, the ex-Nazi torturer, burns was really well done. Solo and Kuryakin discussing what to do with him, as he was frying anyway, was deftly done.
    The UNCLE style is definitely prevalent in the film.
    I did like the nod to the TV series, with the henchmen in THRUSH-style uniform, as the baddies were boarding the boat.
    Very well done I thought.
    If it does earn a sequel, maybe amp the presentation up a bit, to compete with big blockbusters, and give it more of a mainstream appeal, but without compromising it's style.
    An action-packed exciting trailer would help in this regard.

    @delfloria yes this is welcome addition to catalogue for Uncle fans, I think. Looking foward to adding it to shelf. Vfx btw, looked real good.
  • Posts: 1,859
    Courtesy of the U.N.C.L.E. Inner Circle. OK..... this says it all. Keep the fandom growing.http://www.dailydot.com/geek/man-from-uncle-fandom-slash-history/?tu=gav
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy My Secret Lair
    Posts: 13,384
    Very interesting article. =D>
  • Posts: 1,859
    The series returns to Japan starting on the day of the movie's release.https://www.atpress.ne.jp/news/75323
  • delfloria wrote: »
    The series returns to Japan starting on the day of the movie's release.https://www.atpress.ne.jp/news/75323

    "How the hell does he know all these things!"
    Courtesy of 'M' in "Casino Royale" :-P.

    Anyway, another quick news item. " The Man From U.N.C.L.E." has passed the $100 Million in the global box office. Currently, "UNCLE" has grossed: $100,165,751. Which is still a disappointing figure, but it looks better than, let's say $98 Million :-).
  • Posts: 1,859
    True.
  • Posts: 1,859
    Next up, Korea in one month.
  • Posts: 1,859
    Another cool behind the scenes video.
  • Posts: 1,859
    For those of you who may have had doubts about seeing the movie, here is a sample of user review at Amazon.:
    This movie is different from all the others - it plays in its own space, not trying to compete with Mission Impossible, or James Bond, but rather taking on that same tongue in cheek tone that made Kingsmen such a hit. There is nothing totally over the top, like hanging from a jet, for example, and the movie relies on an engaging cast, well-written dialog, charm and wit. And yes, there is action for sure!
    Basic setting is the 1960's, Cold War, but the Russian and the American have to work together to avert disaster. This is a source of conflict, one-upmanship, and ultimately a friendship develops out of trying to prove to each other they are the better man. All the while, Gaby, played by the gorgeous and talented Alicia Vikander, contributes a dynamite 3rd person - the show certainly wouldn't be the same without her.
    Henry Cavill plays Solo, and this is finally a role that completely suits him, both physically and mentally, and gives him a chance to really show his charm. Armie Hammer is fantastic as well, playing the stoic Russian. Directed by Guy Ritchie, and he really did an excellent job creating an environment for everyone to do their best work. I loved how well everyone worked together, and there was great chemistry between everyone, not just a single pair.
    Do not go into this thinking you are seeing something completely serious. If you have seen the original TV shows, you'll know that this was intended to be a witty show that really made fun of all the spy genre, and they really honored that in this movie.
    This movie is different from all the others - it plays in its own space, not trying to compete with Mission Impossible, or James Bond, but rather taking on that same tongue in cheek tone that made Kingsmen such a hit. There is nothing totally over the top, like hanging from a jet, for example, and the movie relies on an engaging cast, well-written dialog, charm and wit. And yes, there is action for sure!
    Basic setting is the 1960's, Cold War, but the Russian and the American have to work together to avert disaster. This is a source of conflict, one-upmanship, and ultimately a friendship develops out of trying to prove to each other they are the better man. All the while, Gaby, played by the gorgeous and talented Alicia Vikander, contributes a dynamite 3rd person - the show certainly wouldn't be the same without her.
    Henry Cavill plays Solo, and this is finally a role that completely suits him, both physically and mentally, and gives him a chance to really show his charm. Armie Hammer is fantastic as well, playing the stoic Russian. Directed by Guy Ritchie, and he really did an excellent job creating an environment for everyone to do their best work. I loved how well everyone worked together, and there was great chemistry between everyone, not just a single pair.
    Do not go into this thinking you are seeing something completely serious. If you have seen the original TV shows, you'll know that this was intended to be a witty show that really made fun of all the spy genre, and they really honored that in this movie.

    For more great user reviews hop on over to here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZS21J6E/ref=pe_164370_151313900_em_1p_0_ti
  • Posts: 4,622
    That's a good review above @delfloria. Reviewer has caught the spirit of the movie.
    The movie really was quite well done.
    Cavill really did pull off Solo quite well, I think.
    Hammer had a good take on Kuryakin too.
    Much potential there to further develop the character and take a bit of the edge off.
    Vikander was a delight as Gaby.
    Best film of the year so far, in my book.
  • CommanderRossCommanderRoss The bottom of a pitch lake in Eastern Trinidad, place called La Brea
    Posts: 8,253
    @delfloria thanks for those behind the scenes clips, they're fun. And fully agree of what @Timmer said. What I really like about Hammer's Kuryakin is that he does follow the 'Russian way' quite well imo. Russians are not keen on showing emotion, but on the whole are very passionate people, which leads to tension often enough. I feel such details have been lost on many viewers, as I read quite a lot of negativety on that part, whilst I think it's very well done.
  • Posts: 11,119
    a great new post by Bill Koenig about Ian Fleming's involvement on "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.":

    https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/2015/10/03/a-sampling-of-ian-flemings-u-n-c-l-e-correspondence/
  • Posts: 1,859
    The U.N.C.L.E. Inner Circle group just hit 3,000 worldwide members. Come join us. https://www.facebook.com/groups/369560823208688/
  • Posts: 1,859
    Don't miss this great podcast about the old and new "The Man from U.N.C.L.E."! http://www.cocktailnation.podbean.com
  • PropertyOfALadyPropertyOfALady Colders Federation CEO
    Posts: 3,675
    Own it November 17!

    From Blu-Ray.com:

    Danger has never seemed so alluring when The Man from U.N.C.L.E. arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Pack. Henry Cavill ("Man of Steel") stars as Napoleon Solo opposite Armie Hammer ("The Social Network") as Illya Kuryakin in director Guy Ritchie's action adventure "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," a fresh take on the hugely popular 1960s television series. "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on November 17.

    "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." also stars Alicia Vikander ("Ex Machina"), Elizabeth Debicki ("The Great Gatsby"), with Jared Harris ("Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows"), and Hugh Grant as Waverly.

    The screenplay was written by Guy Ritchie & Lionel Wigram, who previously collaborated on re-imagining the classic detective Sherlock Holmes in two hit films. The story is by Jeff Kleeman & David Campbell Wilson and Guy Ritchie & Lionel Wigram. John Davis ("Chronicle"), Steve Clark-Hall ("RocknRolla," the "Sherlock Holmes" films), Wigram and Ritchie produced the film alongside executive producer David Dobkin.

    Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." centers on CIA agent Solo and KGB agent Kuryakin. Forced to put aside longstanding hostilities, the two team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization, which is bent on destabilizing the fragile balance of power through the proliferation of nuclear weapons andtechnology. The duo's only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist, who is the key to infiltrating the criminal organization, and they must race against time to find him and prevent a worldwide catastrophe.

    Special Features:
    Spy Vision: Recreating '60s Cool
    A Higher Class Of Hero
    Metisse Motorcycles: Proper-And Very British
    The Guys from U.N.C.L.E.
    A Man of Extraordinary Talents
    U.N.C.L.E: On-Set Spy


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