MOVIE REVIEW: “Kingsman: The Secret Service” Is All About Class and Crass

In the film, there was a scene between Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Firth having a discussion of spy movies. In the said scene Colin Firth’s Harry Hart did address of how spy films have become “too serious” lately despite all the preposterousness while Samuel L. Jackson’s Valentine reminisces the fun of the classic spy films. The novelties go on in this James Bond spoof, and leave it to Matthew Vaughn to deliver an over-the-top spy movie that is all about class and crass with outrageously balls to wall action. I mean – really! if James Bond, Hot Fuzz, and Austin Powers went on a three way this’d be their love child.

Plot Summary:

“Kingsman: The Secret Service” is loosely based on the comic book series by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons. The film follows an agent of a secret spy organization known as “Kingsman”; Harry Hart as he recruited a troubled son of his colleague, Gary “Eggsy” Unwin recognizing the potential of him achieving his father’s prominence and put an end to the schemes of future threats. But the ever megalomaniacal, Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) has plans of his own as he sets a diabolical plan to end the issue of climate change with a killing spree on a global scale.

Modern-esque Bond:

The film is ultimately a love letter to spy films of the old; only this one features a modern-esque Bond that is “street-wise” and by that I mean, foul-mouthed and quite violent. It doesn’t necessarily take itself seriously, the film knows its identity and all it does is bring the fun of the classic spy films only in preposterous proportions right from the crafty gadgets, the dapperly dressed and well-versed gentlemen, over the top action sequences and a crackpot for a villain. There were a lot of referential nods (both visual and verbal) to be had for Bond fans here and there which I won’t quote in this review because It would make a fun bingo game while watching the movie and definitely got the biggest laughs in the theater once said and/or done. as a reader of the comic, the film changed a lot of elements from the source material but I’m not complaining since the changes were quite clever and undoubtedly improve the source material.

Screenwriter, Jane Goldman and Director, Matthew Vaughn have teamed up before in past comic book films such as Vaughn’s First Class and Kick-Ass. Both are committed to bring an entertaining feature and yet they never forget to give the audience some engaging characters in the long run. Above all of the film’s cartoonish ultraviolent environment, the film had enough room to breathe in order for the characters to be humanized and let the audience care for them as the mayhem starts.  If I do have one complaint about the film it is that there are times where the film’s character arcs feel under-developed or at least they brushed off some heavy stuff abruptly and never affect them at all that much.

Balls to the Wall Action

The film does earn the film’s “R” rating (no cuts were done for the local cut as far as I know despite it being rated as R-16) as the film is definitely “balls to the wall” in terms of the action. The best thing about this movie being an action movie is that it features a lot of masterfully executed action set pieces; the way the action films were shot were quite impressive as I watched it, you may have seen the pub scene multiple times already through the trailers but believe me when I say that you haven’t seen anything yet.

I had my fair share of complaints for the past years about most action movies having incoherently edited and filmed action scenes. What makes this film stand out from the everyday action movie is that the film’s usage of the long takes does let you behold the film’s well-choreographed action and doesn’t shy away from getting you sprayed with blood and guts, there was a use of the shaky cam as well but it is one of those rare times where the shaky cam looked as if it is an art form. There were hints of badly rendered CGI but as you consider the film’s budget and this being a cartoonish spoof I didn’t really mind it that much. The soundtrack was well executed as well in these action scenes; the best example was listening to Free Bird among the free-for-all man slaughter in a church (I’m not kidding). In a way, the soundtrack in the action scenes made it feel as if the scene is energetic, frantic, and above all not disorienting.

The film’s violence and tasteless-foul mouthed brand of comedy are definitely not for everybody; considering that this is adapted by a Mark Millar comic (notoriously known for creations like Kick-Ass, Nemesis, and Wanted to name a few) and directed by the same guy who brought u

Standouts and Breakouts

The film had its fair share of standout performances from established actors and breakout performances from a couple of fresh faces. It was really Colin Firth who stole the show in this film, despite his age he can still kick-ass in this movie. Do note, that he did 80% of his own stunts (I’m quoting from IMDB trivia here) in this movie and it was a joy to see someone like Colin Firth be a badass while maintaining his gentleman-deadpanning stature. Other than that, newcomer Tarron Edgerton did an excellent breakout performance. Not only is he quite capable in doing some stunt work (that involves parkour and acrobatics) but he was able to bring a sense of vulnerability for the character along with Sophie Cookson being an engaging pair with Edgerton in the film. Both actors had a believable transition from an everyday person to a gentleman super spy.

Other notables, it is nice to see Mark Strong play a good guy for once, also Samuel L. Jackson with a lisp was very entertaining to watch despite the fact that he is quite underdeveloped in this movie. Though, It was really Sofia Boutella who shared the best action sequences and quite a scene stealer as well in those scenes as she has a pair of sharp blades for legs.

Conclusion:

In, Kingsman: The Secret Service, seasoned director Matthew Vaughn delivered yet another entertaining feature – A feature that is very much an insane, high octane, and fun love letter to spy films of the old.