"Kingsman: The Golden Circle" Review
Kingsman: The Golden Circle is a solid sequel and a whole lot of fun. The follow-up to the 2015 hit film Kingsman: The Secret Service, director Matthew Vaughn expands on the world that he brought to life from the comic book series from Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons. To put it in comparison, this is miles ahead better than the last sequel to a Millar comic that Vaughn was involved with, 2013’s Kick-Ass 2, which was a disappointment. It’s insane, outrageous, but never takes itself too seriously. At times, it matches the level of enjoyment that I had for the first film, and Vaughn has another winner of a film.
Taking place sometime after the events of The Secret Service, Kingsman comes under attack from a mysterious organization known as “The Golden Circle” that’s masterminded by Poppy Adams (Julianne Moore). After Poppy destroys the Kingsman headquarters, Eggsy (Taron Egerton) and Merlin (Mark Strong) head to the United States to team up with their American counterparts the Statesman, who are lead by Champagne (Jeff Bridges) and agents like Tequila (Channing Tatum), Whiskey (Pedro Pascal), and Ginger Ale (Halle Berry). As they uncover Poppy’s master plan, Eggsy and Merlin must also contend with something else: how Harry (Colin Firth) is seemingly still alive.
Like with the first film, the action sequences here are kinetic, frantic, and over the top. The action starts within the first minute, right after the opening titles. Instead of making the action sequences hard to follow like some directors would do, Vaughn directs these sequences in such a way that you’re not confused with what’s happening on screen. There’s an action scene in here that’s up there, in my opinion, with the church sequence from the first film. Speaking of the first film, the callbacks that Vaughn and his writing partner, Jane Goldman, put in the film was for most of the time well placed. With the subplot involving Harry and how Vaughn and Goldman brought him back into the fold, I bought into it. The film, at times, wears its references loud and proud, like James Bond (you’ll know them when you see it). The production design of the film is interesting, and each location seems to stand on its own, in particularly Poppy’s color-coordinated red diner.
All of the actors in the film seem like they are having fun, knowing what type of film they signed up for. As with the first film, there are some huge laughs, and you can expect the same here. The pacing, for the most part, is good and the music choices that Vaughn selected for the soundtrack were right on, like Prince and John Denver (with this and Alien: Covenant, seems like a resurgence with his music). Finally, there’s a cameo in here that’s so brilliant that it had me rolling on the floor laughing. If you don’t know who I’m talking about, please do your best in not spoiling it before you see it. Worth it.
If there’s anything negative that The Golden Circle had, it’s that for a 141-minute film, there were parts that Vaughn could have condensed. Even though the callbacks were good, sometimes they are overkill. Lastly, like with The Secret Service, there are some scenes that had questionable CGI or it’s really noticeable, as if Vaughn and his team ran out of time.
Overall, Kingsman: The Golden Circle is a good sequel. As a fan of the first one, I was quite pleased with the results. If you liked the first one, or like these types of films, chances are you will like this. This is another comic book movie winner for this year. Since there’s a tease at the end for a potential third film, I’m looking forward to the next one!
Rating: B
"Kingsman: The Secret Service" Review
If Samuel L. Jackson with a lisp isn’t enough to get you to go see “Kingsman: The Secret Service”, perhaps the smart script will. Rather than going for “Get Smart” or “Austin Powers” funny, writers Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn take aim for the difficult middle ground of a serious spy film that is self aware. The result, is a preposterous spy movie that’s an exciting ride!
The film starts off with an infiltration operation in which a helicopter shoots missiles into a castle. As rubble from the explosion falls to the ground it turns into letters for the opening credits. Its this nod to the audience that puts you at ease, but the ensuing scene is equally edgy and solemn, setting us up for a constant exchange of emotion throughout the film.
Eggsy (Taron Egerton) is your classic case of a teenager growing up without a father. His mother is in an abusive relationship with the local tough guy. He’s highly intelligent, but pickpockets and boosts cars to get attention. After his most recent illegal joy ride gets him in police custody, Eggsy calls the number on the back of a pendant passed down to him from his father. Little does Eggsy know that he’s just called the Kingsman, a super secret spy organization made of fashionably dressed gentlemen.
Once Harry (Colin Firth), whose code name is Galahad, gets Eggsy out of jail, the typical heroes journey/recruitment begins. In the mean time, Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson), a megalomaniac villian of sorts, is recruiting international leaders in a “get down or lay down” scheme. Either the leaders get down with his world domination plan, or they are held in captivity until he can hit the reset button on a world that he feels is headed for destruction.
The violence in this film is as high as you would expect from the director of “Kick Ass”, but at times doesn’t serve the film except for shock value. Gazelle (Sofia Boutella), Valentine’s right hand woman with swords for legs, is the embodiment of that violence for no reason other than a cool idea or visual. Certain gags, like Jackson’s lisp (which is a perfect choice for one of the best wordsmiths in the business), start out funny but becomes more of a thorn in the film’s side.
“Kingsman” is exactly what you thought it would be based on the trailer, escapist fun. Director Matthew Vaughn has created a solid film during the time that most Hollywood films are forgettable and laughable. In truth, while it too may be forgotten by the end of the year, it produces some good laughs that are worth your hard earned cash this weekend.
Rating: B-