The Man from U.N.C.L.E. – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2015

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Stylish Cold War spy romp that's more martini than Marvel—slick, retro, and probably better suited for your teen than your tween.

68%

7.1

→

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

movie

2015

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Stylish Cold War spy romp that's more martini than Marvel—slick, retro, and probably better suited for your teen than your tween.

68%

7.1

Jump to

Also rated on

68%

7.1

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a perfectly competent spy thriller that looks gorgeous and delivers some genuinely fun moments. Guy Ritchie's visual style elevates what could've been a forgettable reboot into something with personality.

But let's be real: this is a 2015 movie that was already nostalgic for the 1960s, which means it's now a decade old AND retro, making it feel doubly distant for today's teens. The pacing is deliberately slow-burn, the humor is dry, and the whole vibe is 'dad's cool movie night' more than 'teen must-watch.'

It's fine! Solid 7/10 entertainment with some style points. But in a world of infinite streaming options, this is more 'sure, if it's on' than 'drop everything and watch.' Good for older teens who appreciate filmmaking craft or are into spy stuff, but younger kids will be bored and modern teens might find it dated.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-17 who can handle PG-13 spy action and appreciate retro aesthetics. Younger teens (13-14) might find it slow; older teens (16-17) might find it a bit lightweight. This is solidly 'teen movie' territory—not for kids, not quite for adults.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Stylish spy romp with a light touch that emphasizes wit and banter over brutality. The central relationship models reluctant cooperation between enemies becoming allies. Pacing is deliberately retro-cool rather than frenetic, which gives it a more measured feel than typical action films. Some violence and sexual innuendo keeps it from scoring higher, but the overall tone is sophisticated fun rather than dark or mean-spirited.

Imaginative

Guy Ritchie brings his signature visual style to a Cold War spy caper with split-screens, period-perfect 1960s design, and clever action sequences. The film invites viewers into a stylized world of espionage with creative problem-solving and gadgetry. However, it's more homage than groundbreaking—it reimagines a 1960s TV show with flair but doesn't push boundaries. The creativity is in execution and aesthetic rather than truly original storytelling.

Safe

PG-13 spy action with expected content: stylized violence (shootings, fights, torture scenes), some sexual content and innuendo, drinking, and mild language. Common Sense Media rates it 13+. No graphic gore, but torture scenes and a few intense moments could be surprising for younger viewers. The violence is more Bond-style than brutal, but it's definitely present. Not a 'surprise scary clown' situation, but parents should know this isn't family-friendly in the Air Bud sense.

Enriching

Offers a stylish window into Cold War dynamics and the absurdity of US-Soviet rivalry, showing former enemies working together. The film rewards attention with clever details and period history. However, it's primarily entertainment—the character development is light, themes are surface-level, and it's more about cool spy stuff than meaningful insights. Solid 7.2 IMDb and 73% audience score suggest it delivers on entertainment but isn't particularly deep or thought-provoking.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Guy Ritchie's visual flair makes this a masterclass in style—split screens, period design, and a killer soundtrack that teens interested in filmmaking will appreciate
Shows Cold War enemies learning to work together, modeling the idea that cooperation beats rivalry (even if it's wrapped in spy hijinks)
Witty banter and clever problem-solving over mindless explosions—the pacing is deliberately retro-cool, which is refreshing if your kid is burnt out on Marvel-style chaos
Strong performances from Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer with actual chemistry and character dynamics beyond 'good guys punch bad guys'

⚠

What to Watch For

PG-13 violence including torture scenes, shootings, and fights—it's stylized but present, and some moments are intense
Sexual innuendo and a few scenes with implied/suggested sexual content, plus characters drinking throughout
This is a 2015 movie trying to be a 1960s movie, which means it's already aging into 'dad movie' territory—modern teens might find the pacing slow
It's fundamentally a style-over-substance film; if your kid needs deep themes or character growth, this ain't it

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the US and Soviet Union were fighting in the first place? What made them decide to work together here?"
"The movie shows spies as glamorous and cool—do you think real espionage is like this, or is it more boring/morally complicated?"
"Napoleon and Illya start as enemies but become partners. Have you ever had to work with someone you didn't like? How'd that go?"
"What did you think of the 1960s style and design? Does it make you curious about that era or does it feel totally foreign?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic