Director Guy Ritchie latest film "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare," presents a promising fun action filled saga. This lighthearted and entertaining World War II caper reimagines Winston Churchill leading a diverse group of audacious, Nazi-slaying characters. Think “The Dirty Dozen” with Churchill leading the brigade.

The film teases a thrilling saga leaving audiences eager for more, showcasing Ritchie's signature stylistic flair reminiscent of his previous work. The ending leaves the door open for a possible sequel. The film inspiration is the true story of Operation Postmaster, the details of which were declassified in 2016. Damien Lewis took the secrets and turned it into a book which the film is based on ““Churchill’s Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII”) however Ritchie took some creative license by adding characters and making it more fun for the big screen.

The opening notes of Christopher Benstead's score, set the stage for Ritchie's pursuit of a similar grindhouse-inspired pastiche. The movie excels when it embraces the ultra-violence reminiscent of "Inglorious Basterds," elevating its artistic form of expression.

The movie's intriguing prologue sets the stage with commando Gus March-Phillipps, played by the bearded Henry Cavill, who embodies the most sophisticated savage in Britain. Alongside him is his formidable sidekick Anders Lassen, portrayed by "Reacher" star Alan Ritchson, who could easily become a Redbox hall of famer. Disguised as Swedish fishermen, our fearless heroes encounter a cowardly Nazi commander who boards their boat in the middle of the ocean. Unfazed by danger, these reckless soldiers appear to mock death and engage in playful banter, treating the Nazis like mere playthings.

Perhaps they are both accepting the fact that they may die for their country before the war ends, or maybe they are just trying to delay things until their pyromaniac partner Freddy Alvarez is able to swim to the Nazi destroyer and plant a massive bomb on its hull. The explosion was larger than expected by March-Phillips and Lassen, but they are not in a movie where the protagonists would ever hesitate. They are in the type of movie where the heroes, always cracking jokes but rarely making anyone laugh, casually acknowledging the mass graves they have just made and refer to each other as "old chap" while fresh Nazi blood shines on their chests instead of sweat. 

As Churchill fondly names his ragtag group of agents, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is setting sail towards the tranquil Spanish island of Fernando Po, located in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa. Not only do the Germans pose a threat, but the Ministry's top-secret mission is so classified that even Churchill would have to deny any connection if March-Phillipps were discovered. This puts our heroes at risk of being attacked by the British Navy as they courageously strive to help secure victory in the war. Quite a predicament!

The Ministry's only edge, aside from their overall aura of invincibility, lies in a duo of covert operatives who have landed on Fernando Po ahead of time to gather intelligence and divert the attention of Hitler's local forces. One of them is portrayed by the talented Eiza González ( Marjorie Stewart), who delivers a captivating performance as a clever Nazi seductress. The other character is portrayed by the remarkable Babs Olusanmokun (Mr. Heron), whose portrayal is just as impactful and memorable as it was in "Dune". These two characters feel like they are living in a completely different movie on land, surrounded by the beautiful setting of Guinea from the action taking place on the boat.

“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” is characterized by a sense of flamboyant demeanor and audacious behavior, which helps set the tone with the rescue seen in the first act. Sure at times it seems a bit ridiculous but that adds to the charm of the film. Cavill is having a blast as a kleptomaniac killing machine who doesn’t think twice about strolling into a Nazi bunker (and then stealing some Nazi clothes for good measure), and Ritchson portrays an incredibly skilled archer, reminiscent of Legolas, with a mix of sweetness and menace, demonstrating his versatility.

One of the downfalls of the film is the gross underuse-age of Hero Fiennes Tiffin's character, Henry Hayes. It seems like all the fun stuff was given to the film's big names and nothing was left for him. 

While some parts of the film stalled the last act brought it back together with Lassen being too eager for bloodshed to wait until night. Sadly, his inability to wait patiently results in the Ministry attacking the Nazi supply boats during a key moment in the movie. 

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare has the potential to be turned into a series but Ritchie has to be given a bigger budget and utilize all of his players not just the stars; however overall this is a fun kickoff to Summer movies.

The films opens globally on April the 18th.