Kingsman: Secret Service
KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE (2015)
Starring Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Michael Caine, Samuel L. Jackson, Sofia Boutella, Sophie Cookson, Jack Davenport, Edward Holcroft, Mark Hamill, Samantha Womack, Jonno Davies, Geoff Bell and Alex Nikolov .
Screenplay by Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldman.
Directed by Matthew Vaughn.
Distributed by 20th Century Fox. 129 minutes. Rated R.
Despite it’s action-based premise, Kingsman: The Secret Service is a film that appeals to many different audiences.
At its heart, Kingsman is the story of an underdog who gets a second chance to turn his life around. This classic storyline is given a fresh spin when the second chance comes in the form of a competition that brings light to an important issue.
The competitors, with the exception of the films hero, all come from money and impressive background. One of the ideas that the film stresses is that where you come from isn’t what matters. Instead, it focuses on loyalty, heart and bravery.
Now of course, that doesn’t mean it is lacking in the action/spy movie department. Samuel L. Jackson stars as the typical villain, Richmond Valentine. Valentine hopes to destroy the world, (yada yada yada) but what he really brings to the table is humor. Jackson’s character, a lisping billionaire who wears ridiculous outfits and has an equally ridiculous personality, adds a self-aware parody nature to the film.
In one scene, he mentions his love of old Bond movies and says that spy movies of the modern day simply aren’t as good. This one certainly gives those a run for their money however, with bulletproof umbrellas and special gadgets, beautiful people, and an overarching story about redemption and loyalty.
Kingsman shows that a spy movie doesn’t have to be all villains and heroes. It’s better to have fun along the way.
The film stars Taron Egerton, a newcomer to the acting scene, as Gary “Eggsy” Unwin, the main character. He’s rough around the edges in the beginning, but as his character develops throughout the story, Egerton becomes both believable and genuine.
Part of this change in character is due to the influence of Colin Firth’s Harry. Firth gives an outstanding performance in a new genre: action. He’s funny, lighthearted, and most of all: badass. For a man who hasn’t seen much action in such a lengthy career, he certainly is comfortable in this role.
What makes a good spy movie? Well, it depends. A good spy flick comes in many forms. Kingsman sets out to show that a new type of spy film, a good hearted, classy, funny parody of sorts can be just as good as the classic and more serious spy movies that are typical of the genre.
Ally Abramson
Copyright ©2015 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved. Posted: February 20, 2015.