Let’s start this review with the final note. If you like or love any combination of the actors in this film, you will have a good time watching The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. If you enjoy the raucous stylings of one Guy Ritchie, then this movie is absolutely for you.
Prepare for a carnival of violence because The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is a blast. Guy Ritchie has assembled an utterly ridiculous amusement park within the familiar World War II backdrop, flexing his skills yet again with flashy combat, literal heart-ripping action, and a brilliant ensemble cast. Once the action starts, it doesn’t let up; Ritchie and his team have the energy dialled all the way up through its manageable runtime. From beginning to end, Ritchie keeps the momentum and kinetic energy flowing throughout.
The film follows the first-ever special forces organization formed during World War II by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who is brought to life through Cary Elwes’ exaggerated Britishisms. The crew goes on a dangerous mission to defeat the Nazis through, as the title suggests, ungentlemanly tactics. One of the film’s more surprising aspects is its premise. One would think that Ritchie just made up this fun farce of a historical epic, but this tale is based on a true story (no, really). The facts from this mission could have been the real-world inspiration for James Bond. The historical tethers made me tilt my head in a good way.
The biggest draw for The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is its cast. The core four of the movie, Henry Cavill, Babs Olusamokun, Eiza González and Alan Ritchson, have incredible chemistry that makes you yearn for more from them. I would watch 2 or 3 more of these films in different settings with this cast. For this outing, this rowdy crew is on a sea mission, so let’s take the next adventure to a snowy landscape or a sandy one.
YES, I’m advocating for a new franchise here. I might not have enjoyed this one as much if I just fired it up at home, which, unfortunately, maybe the only option for audiences in other regions as Lionsgate is not releasing the film theatrically everywhere. The bigger the screen, the more entertaining it is. This is the films major shortcoming; it doesn’t offer a lot beyond being a good theatrical experience. The movie was made better with a crowd because the bonkers action moments are energetic and entertaining which led moments of laughter.
Again, the draw for the film is the cast. To no one’s surprise, Reacher star Alan Ritchson steals the show. Ritchson’s Anders is a delight as he beats one nazi after another. Anders does so much violence, and damn does he do it well! The dude has hands as big as dinner plates yet delicately wields a bow and arrow throughout the film. Without spoiling too much, Anders has no reason to use a bow in close combat situations. Why is he using a bow inside structures and boats… it makes no sense, but somehow, he and Ritchie make it work.
This absurd reality and the comedic pulp of the kills Anders brings had my theatre hooting and hollering. “Big Man, Tiny Glasses” is a top-level character trope for me, so if you’re coming to the theatre for this truck of a man, you’ll be rewarded as he rips through every action scene, swapping between serious and comedy.
The next stand-out and likely MVP of the film is Eiza González’s Marjorie. Eiza was a surprising central player in the film. Marjorie is the team member who spends the most time with the primary villain and shines in a delicate cat-and-mouse game. Eiza is clearly having fun in this one; she gets to flex those action chops, has some great one-liners and a music number, and had an audience member in my screening audibly exclaiming “hell yeah” at one point. Again, this movie is designed to be a crowd-pleaser, and the cast is key.
Babs Olusanmokun’s Heron brings the smooth energy of a 007 secret agent. He effortlessly flows through scenes and is a “glue guy” who always shows up when you need him. That just-in-time aspect is a hallmark of great heroes, and he also slips away right when he needs to. It’s quality spy work, and Olusanmokun captures it perfectly.
Finally we get to ostensibly the biggest star of the film. It’s a crime to go this far with mentioning Henry Cavill, but I suspect Cavill’s March-Phillips would appreciate my lack of following the rules. Cavil brings a steady hand as the lead of this collection of misfits. Major March-Phillips gracefully walks through fight scenes to execute his calm, methodical kills and fire off his quick, strategic shots.
This character is made better when he occasionally erupts with tongue-wagging, mocking, and shit-talking glee. The man likes the finer things in life (e.g., flick fancy coats) and ignores every order that comes his way, a not-too-uncommon trope made entertaining by Cavill’s commitment. Cavill is hamming it up and enjoying every second of it, and in turn, the audience is too.
If you’re looking for a fun time at the theaters, unplug and watch The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. This movie has the cast and flash to make you and your friends smile. It’s got whacky accent work, silly costumes, explosions, and gore galore.
Rating: 8/10