By: Robert Murphy
As if I didn't already have enough love for everything British, Kingsman: The Secret Service comes along and makes me fall deeper in love with it all and not only that but also becoming a spy and a high class gentleman. Man, I want that guys suit. The world is accustomed to the fast paced world of British espionage with all the James Bond films throughout the years but Kingsman takes a more modern approach and a bit more comical one as well. Harry Hart (Colin Firth) plays a senior agent to the secret organization known as Kingsman, the agency has worked behind the scenes protecting the world for generations. After the murder of one of their own, the Kingsman have an opening in their ranks and have to fill it immediately, saving the world and all that means you have to stay on top of things. Enter young and rebellious Gary "Eggsy" Unwin (Taron Egerton) who has found himself in a bit of hot water after a joy ride in a stolen car. He contacts the Kingsman, unknowingly, by dialing the number on the medallion that he's had since childhood. This same medallion was given to Eggsy when he was a kid by Harry himself after Eggsy's dad died in the line of duty, this now gives him a chance to step up and follow in his father's footsteps.
Now, don't let my rudimentary wrap up of the films first twenty minutes discourage you as it all comes together quite nicely. Eggsy's father was a true hero and saved three agents with his last act and Harry is eternally grateful for it. This explains why he recruits a seemingly troublesome Eggsy into the refined organization of Kingsman, that and his exceptional skills brought up later. Kingsman is a prestigious organization even though it is a complete secret, members being named after knights like Lancelot and the like. So it is no surprise that when Eggsy stands next to the other recruits for the program, he is vastly out of place, appearance wise anyway. But, to the surprise of everyone, including the leader of the Kingsman, Arthur (Michael Caine) and the head instructor, Merlin (Mark Strong), Eggsy works his way through each challenge. Harry, in the meantime, faces the stories main threat.
Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) is a leading mind for the world and has spent billions of dollars trying to save the world. This is until he snaps to the realization that there is no cure, it's far too late for the Earth as it is now and it's time to purge it. The character is a funny one for the simple fact that this villain not only seems so mild mannered, his lisp and fear of any site of blood makes him projectile vomit being the key features. He brings big world leaders together to save them and reshape the world for the better. A plan that not surprisingly strikes many of the elite to be a good idea, one politician even states that "It would be nice to make an actual difference". Seeing all their heads pop off later certainly made me feel better though.
Yes, I did say pop off. This is just one of the gruesome scenes Kingsman has in it. Another particular gruesome scene involves Harry showing of his agent skills and completely taking out an entire hate group at a church in Kentucky. The whole affair involves fast paced choreography set to the song "Free Bird". Heads are severed, people get skewered and impaled with the American flag. While it may be a tough scene to swallow, I felt it was still incredibly done. An earlier, less bloody scene, that included Harry taking out some local thugs with the same style of fast paced action ended with my jaw on the floor. Colin Firth is deadly and great in his portrayal of gentlemen spy and I loved every moment he was on screen, even if the church incident raises a few eyebrows.
The lighthearted moments and humor though are what also add to the Kingsman charm. While more modern sneering at bar hooligans come up, more well thought out jokes are present. Witty banter between Harry and Valentine that ensues between them about how they both love old spy movies. Which is obvious from Valentine's love of secret lairs, armies of henchman and beautiful but deadly assistance, his partner in crime being Gazelle (Sofia Boutella) a woman with metal appendages for feet that she can use with scary results. The obvious spoofing on good old James Bond is played throughout, right till the end when Eggsy beds a Swiss princess after saving the world.
In conclusion, Kingsmen: The Secret Service was clearly made by though who know the Bond films from their hay day and poke a little fun at their ridiculous set ups. At the same time, everything good about those movies and amped it up to a different level that they never went to and merely implied all those years ago. It's a more modern and witty take on the gentleman's spy game and I loved it.
Now, don't let my rudimentary wrap up of the films first twenty minutes discourage you as it all comes together quite nicely. Eggsy's father was a true hero and saved three agents with his last act and Harry is eternally grateful for it. This explains why he recruits a seemingly troublesome Eggsy into the refined organization of Kingsman, that and his exceptional skills brought up later. Kingsman is a prestigious organization even though it is a complete secret, members being named after knights like Lancelot and the like. So it is no surprise that when Eggsy stands next to the other recruits for the program, he is vastly out of place, appearance wise anyway. But, to the surprise of everyone, including the leader of the Kingsman, Arthur (Michael Caine) and the head instructor, Merlin (Mark Strong), Eggsy works his way through each challenge. Harry, in the meantime, faces the stories main threat.
Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) is a leading mind for the world and has spent billions of dollars trying to save the world. This is until he snaps to the realization that there is no cure, it's far too late for the Earth as it is now and it's time to purge it. The character is a funny one for the simple fact that this villain not only seems so mild mannered, his lisp and fear of any site of blood makes him projectile vomit being the key features. He brings big world leaders together to save them and reshape the world for the better. A plan that not surprisingly strikes many of the elite to be a good idea, one politician even states that "It would be nice to make an actual difference". Seeing all their heads pop off later certainly made me feel better though.
The lighthearted moments and humor though are what also add to the Kingsman charm. While more modern sneering at bar hooligans come up, more well thought out jokes are present. Witty banter between Harry and Valentine that ensues between them about how they both love old spy movies. Which is obvious from Valentine's love of secret lairs, armies of henchman and beautiful but deadly assistance, his partner in crime being Gazelle (Sofia Boutella) a woman with metal appendages for feet that she can use with scary results. The obvious spoofing on good old James Bond is played throughout, right till the end when Eggsy beds a Swiss princess after saving the world.
In conclusion, Kingsmen: The Secret Service was clearly made by though who know the Bond films from their hay day and poke a little fun at their ridiculous set ups. At the same time, everything good about those movies and amped it up to a different level that they never went to and merely implied all those years ago. It's a more modern and witty take on the gentleman's spy game and I loved it.
Good:
- A fresh new look on the classic spy movie
- Great cast of characters, Colin Firth especially
- Fast paced action and styling
- Shows the more hardened aspects to spy craft that used to be implied
Bad:
- Those gruesome aspects I enjoyed may not go over well with others
Scully Rating: 9.0 out of 10
- Great cast of characters, Colin Firth especially
- Fast paced action and styling
- Shows the more hardened aspects to spy craft that used to be implied
Bad:
- Those gruesome aspects I enjoyed may not go over well with others
Scully Rating: 9.0 out of 10
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