Matthew Vaughn didn’t expect Argylle’s bad reviews
Argylle director Matthew Vaughn has responded to the negative reception the film received.
The film, which stars Henry Cavill and Bryce Dallas Howard, received mostly negative reviews upon its release earlier this year, with many critics pointing to its convoluted plot and many, many twists.
Our own Ian Sandwell wrote in his review: "Classic spy tropes like red herrings and disguises are rolled out, but without anything that makes them interesting.
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"And with the movie clocking over two hours long, you'll be wishing that there was at least one fewer twist to cut down the runtime."
Speaking to Empire, Vaughn admitted he wasn't prepared for the negative feedback the film received, especially as it had done well with test audiences.
"My guard came down on Argylle," he said. "We had done test screenings that had gone fantastically well.
"The premiere was a really fun night, and it was like going back to the Snatch days where there was such excitement. And I started drinking the Kool-Aid."
"We didn’t make Citizen Kane, but fucking hell, then the reviews came out and I’m like, ‘Wait, what have I done to offend these people?’" he added. "They were vitriolic. I’m not saying the movie’s perfect by any means, but I didn’t think it was offensive. That took me by surprise."
Vaughn added that he was "rattled" by the bad reviews but it's something he'll learn from.
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Our review of Argylle did mention that it might do better on streaming, with it being a "diverting Friday night watch," and it turns out we may have been right.
"We’re doing very well on streaming," Vaughn said. "People are liking it. Nothing would make me happier than making another one.
"I’m getting texts saying, 'Wow, those reviews were fucking harsh!' The more we can get people to watch Argylle, the more chance we make another one. I’d love to make another one, we’ve got it planned."
Stream Argylle globally on Apple TV+.
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