The very second Kingsman: The Secret Service begins, the viewer can see Matthew Vaughn’s fingerprints all over this gold spy film adapted from another Mark Millar comic, bruv. The Money for Nothing music in the beginning along with the graphics, explosions and action makes this film head and shoulders above other action comedy films on offer. The film is not a complete win though. The idea of using a London “thug” as protagonist/super spy material, is used in Attack the Block as a device.
Taron Egerton’s character can be seen as a “victim of circumstance.” But then so are most of the lads in prison who really come from that part of London. Ignoring the reality of gang members and focussing on character portrayal and storyline, Egerton has to be congratulated on his performance. The authenticity of his actions, delivery and pronunciation while playing the young “almost” gangster “Eggsy” is spot on. This male version of Eliza Doolittle who is lifted out of the borough perfection.
What makes this work
Directed and co-written by Matthew “Kick-Ass” Vaughn, Kingsman: The Secret Service is a perfect blend of humor and making fun of stereotypes. It is all brilliantly choreographed fights and shoot-em-ups. Over the top villain and hero clash with panache. Colin Firth is spot on as the “silver spoon suppositories” super-spy “tailor.” Sporting a “John Steed” umbrella and Bond-ian spy toys and weapons, Firth’s Galahad is a top notch super spook. He also works for a private organization.
Samuel Jackson is the squeamish (cannot stand the sight of violence or blood) villain who is attempting a global cleansing of the planet. He choice of stopping Global Warming may not be to everyone’s taste. His lisping delivery is very funny though. His super big bad Richmond Valentine, feels a little like an Americanized Richard Branson. With a speech defect.
The violence in the film is just like that in the 2010 film Kick-Ass. For example: The church scene with its stylized mayhem and Firth’s Galahad taking out all the “Westboro” types in the chapel is sheer brilliance. One wonders It makes just how brilliant the original Hit Girl scene must have been. Vaughn had to edit the lengthy scene down to seconds. The church scene is helped by thethe backdrop of that guitar solo from the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic; Free Bird.
In terms of memorable actions scenes, it simply does not get any better than this. Unless we include the latter scene of Eggsy fighting through a legion of guards. He battles the villains who are scattered through a warren of hallways. All while Strong’s Merlin shouts out directions.
Great cast
Kingsman: The Secret Service has a roster of actors whose pedigrees and skills are impressive to the extreme. Even the film’s cameo performances are noteworthy. Sir Michael Caine, plays the head of the organization. Harry Hart, Firth’s character, feels like a nod and wink to Caine’s Harry Palmer. A “back in the day” spy with that forgettable name. And brother if that is not the case, it should be. Sir Michael is excellent as always. Mark Hamill as the kidnapped professor looks like he is doing an Eddie Izzard impression. He also seems to be enjoying the hell out of himself while doing so.
*Side note The scene in the beginning where the villain tells Professor Arnold, “honestly, this whiskey is amazing…you will shit,” is pure Vaughn. It sets the tone of the film beautifully. Also, line “Are you taking the f***ing piss” is English for “Are you f***ing joking?” Or, alternatively, “Are you having a laugh?”*
Along with the big names, like Mark Strong, Caine, Jackson, and Firth, you have Guy Richie regular Geoff Bell and the surprise appearance of Eastenders actress, and former Eurovision contestant Samantha (Janus) Womack. The actors all deliver and Strong proves that not only can he do “American gangster” (“Mommy, I want a Kick-Ass party.”) but he can deliver an excellent Scot as well.
Kudos to newcomer Sophie Cookson as Roxy, the possible love interest and female Kingsman. This very capable young English actress only started working in the industry in 2013 and is one of those who bears watching.
The verdict
Kingsman: The Secret Service is the sort of film that Vaughn does extremely well. Based upon a comic, Mark Millar again, and one that allows the director to show those tightly edited fight scenes and twisty plots that are ever so slightly tongue in cheek. This is a 5 out of 5 star film. It can be streamed on MGM+ and can be purchased or rented on Amazon Prime and other streaming services right now. If you loved Kick-Ass, you will adore this film.
Don’t mith thith one.
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