CONNOR BURTON
Special to The Leader
“Kingsman: The Secret Service” is an incredibly fun and violent film which pays homage to the classic James Bond films. It’s not a film for everyone, and certainly not for the squeamish, but as violent as it is, it’s also very stylish and over-the-top. For those who enjoyed Vaughn’s previous film, “Kick-Ass,” “Kingsman” is a blast in a time of the year when there aren’t a lot of good films coming out.
Based on the comic written by “Kick-Ass” writer Mark Miller, “Kingsman” tells the story of a young man, Eggsy, played by Taron Egerton, whose father was once in the top secret British government agency, the “Kingsman.” His father died to save his fellow agents, including Harry Hart, played by the suave and cool Colin Firth. Hart recruits Eggsy to the training program after helping him with trouble with the law. As Eggsy goes through the training, Samuel L. Jackson’s mogul, Valentine, fills the Bond-villain role as he plots a grand worldwide scheme, brainwashing people into violently attacking one another.
The cast is all-around great with newcomer Egerton making Eggsy a really likeable and easy-to-root-for lead. He is troubled and a rebel, for understandable reasons, but he is honorable.
Firth’s foray into action shows a side of the actor that could open up new career paths and secure him a spot in a league with Liam Neeson, if he takes on more action roles. One of Firth’s standout scenes is at a church where Valentine tests his device, sending the congregation into a brutally violent free-for-all that is one of the best-choreographed action sequences of all time.
The supporting cast includes ever-reliable British actors such as Michael Caine — as the head of the “Kingsman” — and Mark Strong, as the training instructor and tech genius. Vaughn, who also directed “X-Men: First Class,” gives a similar treatment with the spy genre, as we see the hero being trained and going through the transformation from a troubled youth to a James Bond-like hero. There are a lot of parallels in his filmmaking that are noticeable when compared to “Kick-Ass” or “X-Men: First Class.” “Kingsman” is Vaughn’s best film yet and leaves room open for sequels depending on box office performance.
“Kingsman” is a self-awareness homage to the spy genre, making jokes and references to James Bond throughout, while also fulfilling all of the famous tropes of the genre. To go with the megalomaniac super-villain Valentine, he has a henchman who could stand with the best of Bond. Valentine’s right-hand woman is Gazelle, played by Sofia Boutella. She has prosthetic legs fitted with razor sharp blades; she uses them to dish out serious ultra-violence.
A spy movie wouldn’t be complete without gadgets. “Kingsman” has some particularly fun gadgets, including a basic umbrella that also acts as a bulletproof shield and as a gun with options for stun rounds or shotgun blasts. Add to that cigarette lighters that double as grenades, and you get an idea of the explosive fun Vaughn has in store.
James Bond movies have always been a staple in the action genre, and Matthew Vaughn’s “Kingsman: The Secret Service” pays tribute to them. It’s not a movie that takes itself too seriously; it comments on how the recent spy movies, like the Bond revival of recent years, have been very serious and dark.
“Kingsman” aims for a fun, explosive and over-the-top violent time. It succeeds and stands out in the wintery month of February that is notorious as a cinematic dumping ground. While it may not be for everyone, Kingsman is a hilarious, action-packed and fun time at the theater that will leave you ready for repeat viewings.