Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons' comic series is adapted for
the big screen in this Matthew Vaughn-directed action thriller. The story
centers on a secret agent who recruits a juvenile delinquent into a top-secret
spy organization. Together, they battle a tech genius with diabolical
ambitions. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Cast: Colin Firth, Michael Caine, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark
Strong, Mark Hamill.
Release Date: Feb
13, 2015
Rated R for Sequences of Strong Violence, Language and
Some Sexual Content.
Runtime: 2 hr. 9 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy
Review:
Kingsman: The Secret Service is the type of spy spoof that
people always told me Austin Powers was supposed to be. For whatever reason the Powers movies just
never worked for me as a spoof but that’s neither here nor there. Kingsman is a fun filled ride through all the
spy tropes we’re familiar with done in the most gleefully and violent manner
possible. Fans of Matthew Vaughn’s Kick Ass will find plenty to like here since
its cut from the same cloth while laying down some groundwork for a possible
franchise. There are hints of its comic
origins here and there as the film uses colorful ways to kill people ending
with a “firework” display that plays out like David Cronenberg’s acid
trip. The action is top notch throughout
and Colin Firth is shockingly at ease as an action star, showcased in an insane
church sequence. Taron Egerton delivers a star making performance as Eggsy
while Sam Jackson and his lisp makes for a fun villain whose aided by a
memorable hence woman. There are a few
issues here and there, the film could have been cut a tad and the much talked
about joke at the end falls terribly flat even though I was expecting it. They’re hardly fatal flaws but hopefully
something that will get cleared up by the time the sequel hits.
B
