'Kingsman' is directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) and is based upon the graphic novel of the same name. It stars Taron Egerton as a young man who is recruited into a spy agency his father once served in order to both avenge his death and stop the evil Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) who plans to use his newest cellular service to take over the world and spread death and chaos. The film contains director Vaughn's stylish visuals and over the top bloody action seen in his previous efforts but unlike the two 'Kick-Ass' films, 'Kingsman' is much more polished and with a lot less bruises and scars on the surface. Vaughn's direction here is more varied and includes several explosive set pieces, including one of the greatest action scenes in film history hands down (if you've seen it you'll know exactly what I mean).
The film is also well written for an action film and considering that many seem to think the genre doesn't require such things in this day and age, 'Kingsman' is a nice change. The characters are fleshed out and no one really gets left behind or underused. I particularly love Sam Jackson's Valentine, a villain who wishes to cause murder and mayhem and yet gets sick at the sight of blood. It's this and the many other funny little quirks and dark humor that make 'Kingsman' such an enjoyable film. I'd like to think of it as 'Austin Powers' meets Quentin Tarantino with the best results from both of those things.
Where does 'Kingsman' falter you ask? Well, while the script is more fleshed out than many in the action film world, it misses a few beats here and there and in reality, if you took away all the flair and style of Matthew Vaughn you'd have a pretty typical spy flick here. In fact, I'd like to think of this year's 'Atomic Blonde' as a good example of how a film like this would turn out were it not for its slick direction and wonderful and silly cast. So overall, while it may be nothing new 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' has humor, gun play, blood and gore galore, and Samuel Jackson to quickly throw that thought from your mind and leaves you quite satisfied. I never felt real disappointment or boredom while sitting through the film and I doubt you will either. Check it out and see the sequel this weekend if you enjoyed it.
(A-)
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