We’ve finally arrived at the first big release of 2024, Matthew Vaughn’s Argylle, a star-studded action comedy that could provide plenty of early-season fun, at least while we wait for the Super Bowl.
Vaughn has had a fascinating career, producing some of the most original works of the last two decades. While not all of his films work, it’s hard to fault the man for his approach to cinema. Even Argylle looks unique enough to pull me from my couch in the dead of winter. That’s saying something.
In case you want to brush up on Vaughn’s previous work to prepare for his latest feature, here’s a list of what I believe are the five best Matthew Vaughn movies.
X-Men: First Class (2011)
Following the disastrous X-Men: The Last Stand, Fox decided to reboot the entire mutant saga by going back in time to show our superpowered heroes in their youth. Surprisingly, the prequel works incredibly well, mainly when the picture focuses on Michael Fassbender’s embittered Magneto.
Unfortunately, a weak third act knocks the film off its perch, relying far too much on splashy, unconvincing effects and silly action rather than the carefully constructed human drama that made the first two-thirds so captivating. Alas, First Class is a solid B-movie with strong work from its cast, some neat ideas, and a few solid set pieces. There’s a reason it spawned an all-new franchise, no matter how off-kilter subsequent films became.
Kick-Ass (2010)
Kick-Ass goes in the opposite direction, beginning as a crass, vulgar, raunchy comedy before evolving into an absolute action masterpiece. The MVP(s) remain Nicolas Cage and Chloë Grace Moretz as a batshit crazy father-daughter superhero duo whose violent antics collide with Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s green spandex-toting hero.
Seriously, the final third of Kick-Ass remains a high point for superhero films, seamlessly combining rambunctious comedy, well-executed action, and powerful human drama. The first hour or so isn’t bad, but the overreliance on shock humor goes a little too far, as is often the case with Vaughn’s pictures.
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
A wild riff on the James Bond formula, Kingsman is a blast from start to finish, presenting a righteous new band of tailor-made spies who travel the globe and battle the likes of Samuel L. Jackson’s twisted tech genius. Colin Firth headlines, but Taron Edgerton runs away with the show as Eggsy, a recruit who rises through the ranks and learns how to kick ass as a gentleman.
Again, Vaughn occasionally lets his worst instincts get the better of him. Still, more often than not, Kingsman sees the director firing on all cylinders, resulting in brilliantly staged action—notably, the church massacre—and a deliriously zany third act that provides the perfect balance of shock and awe.
Stardust (2007)
Vaughn’s most imaginative film consistently captivates audiences. Whether it’s witnessing Robert DeNiro’s portrayal of a drag queen pirate dancing before a mirror or Michelle Pfeiffer’s captivating performance as a scene-stealing witch joyfully practicing dark magic, this fantasy epic enchants and amuses in numerous ways. Add in the charming performances from Charlie Cox and Claire Danes, not to mention the delightful array of cameos, and you find yourself with an original masterpiece that should have effortlessly drawn audiences to theaters.
Despite its undeniable appeal, Stardust earned only a modest profit and has curiously faded from memory over the years. Hopefully, future moviegoers will stumble upon this hidden gem and transform it into a modern cult classic, as it undeniably merits your attention.
Layer Cake (2004)
Before he played James Bond, Daniel Craig proved his moxy in this Guy Ritchie-esque crime thriller about a successful cocaine distributor who aims to retire from the criminal underworld but finds himself drawn into a complex and dangerous situation involving stolen drugs and various criminal factions.
Boasting stylish visuals, assured direction, and Vaughn’s trademark humor, Layer Cake remains Vaughn’s best film to date. I wish he’d ditch the never-ending Kingsman saga and return to the low-budget crime thriller genre for an encore.
