Here’s something I’ve only been able to say for a couple of days — I am a Washingtonian. It’s still hasn’t truly sunk in yet, but the major components, myself included, arrived in Washington, D.C., intact. Being here really makes me want to revisit movies and shows set in D.C. — “House of Cards,” “Olympus Has Fallen” and “National Treasure” come to mind. My sincerest thanks to all who helped launch me on this new adventure, especially my parents, Wayne and Sandie Gerstner and my sister Whitney. Thank you so much, for everything.

 

While not set in D.C., I did make time to see “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” this weekend and I’m rather glad that I did. Henry Cavill (Superman from “Man of Steel” ) and Armie Hammer (the Winklevoss twins from “The Social Network”) star as American and Russian spies, respectively, who must cooperate to stave off a world-ending plot.

From a production design and directorial standpoint, the film oozes style. Cavill and Hammer are well-suited to their roles as an espionage odd couple. Occasionally a joke or dramatic bit doesn’t stick the landing but the stumbles are slight and the acrobatics are fun to watch.

The meat of the story is pretty standard fair and somewhat poorly executed. Nevertheless, Cavill and Hammer, and stylish director Guy Ritchie, easily make up for the deficiency in plot. Films that are more style than substance, which “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” definitely is, are often captivating in small doses, but become less enjoyable as the novelty wears off.

Luckily for “U.N.C.L.E.,” my desire to see more odd couple adventures and misadventures of Cavill and Hammer never abated. In fact, I would happily welcome another “U.N.C.L.E.” film. All said, witty, charming fun can be had with “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”

5 of 6 stars