Guy Ritchie’s adaptation of the classic 60s series The Man From U.N.C.L.E., which serves as a bit of an origin story for the series characters is uneven at best. What could have launched a fun franchise, that wouldn’t equal Mission: Impossible, but could have been a delightful theatrical tentpole fumbles as it proves unable to find its tone – is it a straight spy thriller? Is it a little camp? Is it just a little too mod for the times?

Instead of updating the title for the modern era, it’s set at the height of the Cold War during the 60s, which allows for great clothes style, solid production design, and analog and outdated spy tech, which will bring a smile to the face of viewers.

The story follows CIA agent, Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) as he is teamed up with a KGB agent, Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) in an attempt to track down a dangerous organization that has its hands on some nuclear weapons and plans to use them.

The only connection appears to be the daughter of the man who designed the weapons, Gaby (Alicia Vikander). As the trio are forced to work together, they clash and struggle to find ways to work together in order to save the world.

Cavill plays Solo with gentlemanly charm, keeping the character cool and relaxed in all situations, while no matter what one thinks of Hammer’s performance, it is all overshadowed by the continuing controversies around the actor.

Vikander stands easily against every cast member, and like the rest of the cast looks fantastic in the styles of the time. There are some enjoyable action beats, and we know there are things going on behind the scenes as the trio struggles to work together, but unfortunately, there are no real surprises in the narrative, you could tell how Hugh Grant’s character was going to turn out from the off.

It’s glossy and pretty to look at, but I don’t think the film ever truly finds its footing, and none of the characters really connect with the viewers they’re all just a little too polished, no matter their personal issues, to be relatable.

There could have been something really fun here, something that could have launched a fun new spy franchise, set in a time period that would make it different from Bond, Bourne and Hunt, but instead, a one-and-done film that is likely already falling into the hazy distant memories of filmgoers.

The only thing it made me want to do is watch the original series!