Review: Kingsman: The Secret Service

Review: Kingsman: The Secret Service
*Mild Spoilers Alert
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Official 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' Poster.

      A surprisingly refreshing take on the spy movie genre, 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' manages to kill it, becoming one of the surprise movies of this year.

"Colin Firth" and "Taron Egerton".

"Sofia Boutella" and
"Samuel L. Jackson". 

      Young British boy 'Gary Unwin'(Taron Egerton), also known as 'Eggsy', lost his father at a very young age. This loss leads to his life leaning toward a troublesome environment, where he constantly gets into trouble despite being an intelligent 20 year-old boy who is strong and protects the people he loves. He also blames aristocrats and high authority figures for not taking care of his father and carelessly sending him into war. But once in a major trouble, 'Gary' remembers a medal given to him when he was still a little boy, where he gets to meet 'Hary Hart'(Colin Firth). 'Hary' lets the young boy know that him and his father are part of a covert private spy agency known as 'The Kingsman' and offers him the opportunity to train him in order to become part of the agency. But to become a member, he must enter a rigorous training process; all while the agency is trying to save the world from the madness of technology billionaire 'Richmond Valentine'(Samuel L. Jackson) and his attempt to save the world. Other major characters include 'Kingsman' member 'Merlin'(Mark Strong), head of the 'Kingsman' 'Arthur'(Michael Caine), 'Richmond''s right hand 'Gazelle'(Sofia Boutella), 'Kingsman' recruit 'Roxy'(Sophie Cookson), 'Eggsy''s mother 'Michelle Unwin'(Samantha Womack), 'Kingsman' recruit 'Charlie'(Edward Holcroft), Princess of Sweden 'Tilde'(Hanna Alstrom), 'Kingsman' agent 'Lancelot'(Jack Davenport) and Professor 'James Arnold'(Mark Hamill).

"Taron Egerton" and "Michael Caine".

"Colin Firth".

      The spy genre in Hollywood has been a very lucrative genre, with many production studios wanting to have the next big spy movie or the next spoof on spy genre. With the 'James Bond' movies being the most successful spy films of all time, many other movies with slight alterations came to bring forward the next big thing. There have been many attempts to bring the spy genre towards the high thriller more grounded take on these kinds of movies with the 'Mission Impossible' movies, 'The Bourne' film series('The Bourne Legacy'), and 'Taken' film franchise ('Taken3') being the most prominent. We also have solo movies such as 'Salt(2010)', 'Unknown(2011)' and 'The November Man'. Then comes a movie like this one. What makes 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' such a successful movie is knowing its position. Though loosely based on the book series with the same-name, spoofing the 'James Bond' genre, while maintaining and bringing its world to life was refreshing. Also being able to promote what everyone likes about 007 movies from the elaborate action sequences, to specialized gadgets and the sleek suits that makes one a gentleman, as well as over-the-top villain characters. Success in bringing sarcasm, over-the-top sequences and depth in characters was surely achieved.

"Mark Strong".

"Taron Egerton".

      Director "Matthew Vaughn", most notoriously known for 'Kick-Ass(2010)' and 'X-Men: The First Class', was the right man for the job. Back in 2010 with 'Kick-Ass', he was able to bring a movie that makes fun of the super-hero genre whilst bringing an enjoyable movie. This exactly what he did in this movie bringing the main ideas of the book and spoofing the spy genre movies(especially 'James Bond') while fully realizing a world and an organization that many felt inclined to discover. "Matthew" alongside his longtime screenplay collaborator "Jane Goldman"('X-Men: Days of Future Past') provided a fully realized world. The characters were very much dealt in a deep manner, while being able to bring what people expect in this genre in a very humorous yet entertaining and serious manner, which allowed the movie to pass the fine line between being outright stupid and unnecessary. The aesthetic of the picture was exceptionally executed thanks to the strong vision of the director, still some of the special effects did feel a bit amateurish especially seeing the caliber of this film. Composers "Henry Jackman"('Big Hero 6') and "Matthew Margeson"('Kick-Ass 2') provided an outstanding score, heightening the heroism that spy movies usually pertain while also elevating the movie in many key hilarious scenes.

"Colin Firth" and "Taron Egerton".

"Taron Egerton", "Colin Firth"
and "Samuel L. Jackson".

      Sure the movie is considered to be a spy action comedy movie, but people who have watched it will surely be slightly wary before recommending it to others. The reason behind it is because the movie is considered to be an R-rated movie, where a lot of killing does actually take place. One controversial scene that everyone will be talking about when leaving is the church-killing scene. On the positive side, shooting this entire electric and outrageously funny sequence with one shot made it one of the best sequences of all-time. On the other side, this scene does include many vulgar and in your face action and killing, which might not be to the liking of many. Regardless of that particular scene, the film is a very polished movie embracing the British-ness of a spy movie, shooting from various interesting and creative angles that just enhance the viewing experience. From the bar-fight, to the water-training sequence, sky-diving, head-exploding/fireworks and slicing of people, the movie manages to put some of the best action arrangements ever seen. Furthermore, the development of the story and characters were very much taken care of rather than disregarding them. The multiple nods and spoofs of the spy genre(from the gadgets to the actual dialogue) felt very much tolerable and downright funny instead of forced. The ending was enjoyable and definitely leaves an opportunity for a sequel.

"Colin Firth", "Taron Egerton",
"Mark Strong" and "Sophie Cookson".

"Colin Firth" and "Taron Egerton".

      The cast of the movie was another huge part for the movie's success. Newcomer "Taron Egerton" surprisingly provided a breakthrough performance. The charm and charisma he brought alongside his acting chops allowed him to carry on with his more expert actors, and sometime actually overcoming them. "Colin Firth" once again manages to break the stereotype audiences usually associate him with, bringing finesse and elegance to his character while showing off his ability for action. The father-son/mentor-recruit bond between "Colin" and "Taron" was dealt in a decent manner allowing their characters to bond emotionally rather than solely for the sake of the task. "Samuel L. Jackson" is having so much obvious fun with his character, highlighting villains and their contradictory stand towards being evil who seeks justice. Algerian actress/dancer "Sofia Boutella" surprised by her ability to stay on par with "Samuel", with her having one of the interesting characters to play(and by interesting I mean her metallic slicing legs). "Mark Strong", who plays the equivalent of 'Q'(in 'James Bond' movies) manages to impress with balancing humor and strictness. "Michael Caine"'s extended cameo appearance was pleasant, "Mark Hamill"'s role was good though many did not notice him, while "Jack Davenport"'s short role was a shame seeing the potential. Remaining actors/actresses played their respective roles in a satisfying manner, with 'Eggsy''s dog being an adorable star.

      'Kingsman: The Secret Service''s ability to manage between humor, action, violence and entertainment was a shock to many. And those people are surely hoping for box office success to justify a sequel being announced.

Official 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' Poster.

-'Kingsman: The Secret Servie' Info:
-Based on: 'The Secret Servie' by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons.
-Starring: Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong, Michael Caine, Sofia Boutella, Sophie Cookson, Samantha Womack, Edward Holcroft, Hanna Alstrom, Jack Davenport and Mark Hamill.
-Studio(s): Marv Films and 20th Century Fox.
-Directed by: Matthew Vaughn.
-Screenplay by: Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldman.
-Music by: Henry Jackman and Matthew Margeson.
-Running Time: 129 minutes.
-Budget: $ 81,000,000.
-Box Office: -Domestic(US): $ 35,600,000.**
                     -Foreign: $ 43,800,000.**
-Ratings: -IMdb: 8.3/10.
                -Rotten Tomatoes: 70%.
                -Metacritic: 59%.

                -PERSONAL RATING: 8.5/10.

**Still Showing in Theaters Across the World.

-'Kingsman: The Secret Service' Trailer: