You thought I was gonna review 50 Shades of Grey, didn’t you?
You thought wrong.
I got a vastly superior date movie for you, one that is guaranteed to produce far more titillating pleasure, and arousal.
Kingsman: The Secret Service is that movie.
A super-violent action-comedy that pays homage to as well as spoofs the James Bond series, Kingsman is, for lack of a better word, a blast. If you enjoyed Kick-Ass, Director Matthew Vaughn (the same director of Kingsman)’s 2010 superhero movie, you’re sure to love this.
We meet Gary “Eggsy” Unwin (Taron Egerton), our protagonist, as a troubled youth headed on the wrong path. That is, until Harry Hart (Colin Firth), steps in. He tells Eggsy that his late father was a member of the “Kingsmen,” a highly distinguished group of secret agents. Hart then takes Eggsy under his wing, where he undergoes a serious of strenuous tests along with several other trainees.
As in all of these types of movies, there is a villain. His name is Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson), sporting a lisp reminiscent of Mike Tyson. His master of plan is of the “world domination” variety. However, it is carried out through the use of technology by the mass distribution of sim cards compatible with every form of technology. When the cards are activated, the users give in to their violent impulses. This is demonstrated in several sequences in the film, which are akin to mosh pits, although mosh pits that involve copious amounts of over-the-top violence.
Along with violence, Kingsman is action-packed, featuring impeccable sequences throughout. Watch the scene where Hart kicks ass in a Westboro Baptist Church setting, in an action-packed one-take. Also, there’s the climax, which takes place, in traditional James Bond fashion, a secret lair in a mountain. I could go into detail about how elaborate, insane, and exciting the climax is, but I’ll allow you to see for yourself. The climax runs a little too long, but in a movie this entertaining, who cares?
Acting is solid throughout. Newcomer Taron Egerton makes a likable protagonist. However, Colin Firth is the MVP of this movie, injecting wit and style into his portrayal of a veteran secret agent. Along with kicking ass, he often has the best (and funniest) lines. Supporting players such as Mark Strong (who trains the potential Kingsmen) and Michael Caine (who plays an elderly Kingsman) are also on point. Samuel L. Jackson, being the only American character in the film, is also a credible villain. He’s also hilarious, due to his lisp as well as the lines he delivers. Jackson is a joy to watch, and he is clearly having a ball, as we are too.
Kingsman: The Secret Service is the first major theatrical release of 2015 that isn’t mediocre, forgettable, or flat-out garbage like most movies released during this period. The fact that a movie this entertaining can come out in the January-February dumping ground season can be considered a miracle.
Kingsman: The Secret Service is now playing. Check your local theater listings for showtimes.
