REVIEW: Minty Gives His Take On KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE
Matthew Vaughn's Kingsman: The Secret Service may not have hit US cinemas yet, but in many overseas territories it's been out for almost a week now. Hit the jump to check out my SPOILER FREE thoughts on the latest Mark Miller adaptation...
By Minty -
Feb 04, 2015 08:02 PM EST
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong
Release Date (US): 13th February, 2014
Company: 20th Century Fox
“Manners maketh man.” – Harry Hart
Re-uniting director Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class) with comic book scribe Mark Millar (Kick-Ass), Kingsman: The Secret Service delves into the highly classified and oft-cartoony world of the old-school spy thriller. Colin Firth (The King's Speech) stars as Harry Hart, an agent of a top-secret spy organisation named the 'Kingsmen'- who are characterised by their somewhat 'old-fashioned' traditions. Hart causes a stir when he recruits a promising, yet unrefined, street kid named 'Eggsy' into the agency's rigorous training program.
The Story
Based on Millar's highly acclaimed source material, Kingsman's main plot line can only be described as 'borderline ridiculous'. It's wild, extravagant and, at times, outrageously violent, yet this light-hearted take on the spy genre thankfully still goes down a treat. The script, co-written by Vaughn and his long-time writing partner, Jane Goldman, expertly blends the tongue-in-cheek theatricality of classic Bond movies with the high-octane thrills of the modern day blockbuster to deliver an enjoyable parody of both genres.
That's not to say the film doesn't possess it's own unique merits though. One of the most interesting themes throughout is the juxtaposition between it's two leads. One is an upper class 'English gentleman', the other, a working class boy, who hails from a much tougher background. Not content with simply hiding behind stereotypes, Vaughn's film moves beyond the class divide. It's the emphasis on the similarities that this unlikely duo share that helps forge a powerful and memorable bond between mentor & protégé.
The Acting
“You are about to embark on the most dangerous job interview in the world.” – Merlin
Kingsman's consistently brilliant ensemble cast boasts an eclectic mixture of youthful talent and acting juggernauts. Colin Firth is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch as the wonderfully suave yet deadly Harry Hart - yet another role Mr Darcy seemed born to play. Equally impressive, however, is newcomer Taron Egerton as Eggsy. Despite his inexperience, Egerton holds his own as the gutsy hero with a chip on his shoulder, displaying just the right amount of charm, cheek and charisma.
Samuel L. Jackson (The Avengers) gives a delightfully eccentric performance as the movie's villain, Valentine - a twisted tech genius with a speech impediment. Yet he's arguably overshadowed by his even more deadly henchwoman: Gazelle (Sofia Boutella) She's defined by her particularly ruthless (and bloody) style of fighting, and, alongside Sophie Cookson's Roxy, proves that not every female character in a blockbuster has to be 'the mundane love interest'. Mark Strong is as brilliant as ever as the Scottish drill-sergeant type, who pushes the young recruits to their limits.
Direction & Tone
Matthew Vaughn has to be one of the most talented and diverse directors working in Hollywood today. Having already built up a fantastic repertoire when it comes to CBMs, he can now add another success story to his very impressive filmography. While the movie does go a little over-the-top in the last fifteen minutes, Vaughn's unique blend of insanity and light-hearted humour helps make The Secret Service one of the most entertaining action comedies in recent years.
“Are we going to stand around here all day? Or are we going to fight?” – Harry Hart
Finally, I cannot overstate just how gloriously violent this movie is! If you're not particularly comfortable with gore, then this may not be the movie for you, but the rest of you sadistic maniacs are going to love it. Similarly, the fight scenes are second to none. The violence is punctuated by beautiful slow-motion shots and some truly thrilling stunt-work - all brilliantly edited together to create multiple different scenes of pure visual carnage. How's that for 'civilised'?
Stray Observations
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They actually filmed part of this movie at the university I go to. They even blow up my department building! There's a moment I'll hold close to my heart forever...
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I don't think I'll ever accept product placement as a necessary evil. However, when a movie like this comes along and has so much fun with the concept - I can't help but almost let it slide. Almost.
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There were plenty of great individual moments, but there's one piece of carnage that stands head and shoulders above the rest. If you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about. If not... well I'm sure you all will very soon. It's perfect.
The Verdict
Stylish, brutal and unapologetically 'over-the-top', Kingsman boasts one of the most wildly entertaining adventures of the year. It may get a little too gimmicky at times, but that's all such a big part of its inherent charm as a throwback to the old-school spy classics.
Result: "Very Good"
So what d'you think guys? Are you excited to see Kingsman: The Secret Service? Or could you not care less about the movie Vaughn ditched Days Of Future Past for? Let me know in the comments below! And if you've already seen it, let me know what you thought.
If you're interested in reading more movie reviews (about CBMs & non-CBMs alike), you can check out my blog below! I promise you it's totally amazing quite qood distinctly average: