Having parted ways with The Witcher on his own accord and snubbed by James Gunn for Superman: Legacy, Henry Cavill was expected to underline his talents as well as his star power with Argylle. However, the poor rating of the spy-centric action comedy about an author’s best-selling espionage novels paints a bleak picture for not just Cavill, but also the silly over-the-top action films. Such films, these days, are often labeled as Reddit movies by many internet users.
Henry Cavill Turns Into Hollywood Kryptonite
When Henry Cavill was given the responsibility to don the iconic red cape in Man of Steel, he immediately rose to stardom, with many labeling him as the next big action star in the industry. Many actors struggle to hold their ground in an action movie featuring Tom Cruise – but not Cavill. He managed to grab plenty of headlines with his bold sequences, which included a killer arm reload, in Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
However, since 2018, the big screen has proven to be the fan favorite Superman’s kryptonite. On the back of several production issues, Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) was released on HBO Max. Also, his uncredited appearance in Black Adam could do little to change the DCEU’s fortunes at the box office.
The 40-year-old did earn encouraging reviews for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in Enola Holmes. However, both installments of the crime mystery premiered straight on Netflix.
All things considered, Argylle is being projected as his comeback movie at the big box office. However, early reactions suggest fans and critics alike are far from pleased with Matthew Vaughn‘s move to not fully utilize Cavill’s talents in the action flick.
It seems Cavill might have to wait longer for his next blockbuster. All eyes are now on The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, which is directed by Guy Ritchie. Also an action spy film, it is scheduled to release in April.
Fans Mock ‘Reddit Movies’ Amid Argylle’s Worrying Early Reviews
Argylle has debuted with 39 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, giving some fans the opportunity to celebrate the end of ‘Reddit movies’.
The term has become a widely used label for action movies that comically take aim at the mainstream tropes of the genre through an apparent lack of originality. In a way, it ends up detaching itself from the genre and instead generates laughs at its expense.
i hope this is the final nail in the coffin for these reddit movies https://t.co/FctUnsVPw4
— jeremy (@jeremylovesyall) January 31, 2024
people keep asking what a "reddit" movie is and i think the best way to describe it is any movie post-2016 that ryan reynolds is in, or could conceivably be in. i have no idea if ryan reynolds makes a cameo in argylle but he seems like he would fit right in. that's a reddit movie
— jeremy (@jeremylovesyall) February 1, 2024
— jeremy (@jeremylovesyall) January 31, 2024
This movie gives me similar vibes that Bullet Train gave me last year. Over produced and cameo-riddled with an unnecessarily complicated plot that I assume will be underwhelming/underdeveloped and disappointing
— Kein Bartlett (@BubbbleBudddy) January 31, 2024
Why does everyone hate matthew vaughn all of a sudden i love his movies 😭
— Tay (@tylrxpl) January 31, 2024
Do note that like everything on the internet, there’s little consensus on the exact definition, and everyone’s understanding of the term tends to be unique.
However, Vaughn’s signature style of combining action sequences with quirky characters does seem to somewhat fit the bill. In that regard, Argylle, which revolves around a reclusive author who writes espionage novels about a secret agent, is no different. Things become hilarious (and more puzzling) when her writing starts to impact the real-life world of espionage.
