Argyle the latest film from director Mathew Vaughn. (via Universal Pictures Caption)

Potential. One of the most loaded words in the English language. Potential can be both a gift and a curse, simultaneously delivering attention and pressure. However, when one fails to meet expectations, they let down all those who hoped for success and become known solely as a disappointment. 

“Argylle,” directed by Mathew Vaughn, is a clear example of disappointment. Vaughn is an acclaimed director responsible for movies like “Kingsman” and “X-Men: First Class,” so fans had high hopes for another top-tier espionage film. The result, however, failed to meet expectations. “Argylle” is boring, annoying, and downright disgusting. 

The movie follows novelist Elly Conway, a CIA spy who is brainwashed by an evil organization called the Division. The CIA rescues Elly from the Division and together they search for the “Masterkey,” which is the only way to take down the organization. Throughout their adventure, Elly unlocks her memories, and those memories provide them with more information to take down the Division and lead to several double crosses. Ultimately, the CIA and Elly prevail; they secure the Masterkey and destroy the Division. 

While “Argylle” presents a creative take on the spy thriller genre, Vaughn’s poorly written scenes, terrible computer-generated imagery, and directorial failures led to an overall horrible movie experience. All hopes for the movie quickly came crashing down as it unraveled. From the needlessly convoluted plot seemingly heading nowhere. Combined with several useless double-crosses and a plot twist essentially spoiled by the trailer. The movie failed to provide any entertainment or enjoyment for the audience

One of the biggest examples of Vaughn’s mistakes was his utilization of the cast. Although bringing together a group of some of the biggest actors in the world; including Samuel L. Jackson, Bryan Cranston, Henry Cavill, and Catherine O’Hara. Vaughn failed to effectively use any of them, casting talented actors for minor roles while less skilled actors got the central roles. 

Yet another issue with the film came from production. While Vaughn’s past few projects were orchestrated with success and brought positive reactions, he dropped the ball with this movie. “Argylle” contains several drawn-out scenes, and others cut too short making it hard at times for the audience to know what was happening. Even worse was the downright nauseating camera work, during action sequences. A disappointing sight from a once so highly regarded director. 

Overall the film had the potential to bring new life to the spy genre with an innovative twist, but fell completely flat. This movie is not worth watching in any circumstance and will most likely fade into the depths of Netflix, completely untouched.