Adapted from the comic series penned by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, Kingsman: The Secret Service combines the suave of Connery-era Bond and the comedic elements of Austin Powers. The film has a fine balance between wit and violence; one that works in the films favor.
One of the elements I’ve been missing in Daniel Craig’s gritty Bond films is the over the top technology and gadgets of the Bond films of yesteryear. Kingsman fills this void quite well, what with bulletproof umbrellas that shoot special ammunition to poison pens, lighters that double as grenades and more!
The film also stars a megalomaniac villain reminiscent of Gru from Despicable Me. He’s an unrealistically over the top super villain who wants to save the world by destroying it. He’s portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, meaning his character is hilarious and well acted.
The film’s true star is breakout actor Taron Egerton, who portrays the film’s main protagonist, Gary ‘Eggsy’ Unwin. His performance is the perfect balance of genuine, compassionate, ruthless, hilarious, and badass. Where in many films this may not work, Egerton makes it work in Kingsman.
The remainder of the cast is rounded out with Colin Firth, Mark Strong and Michael Caine, who are all brilliant. While Caine is underused in the film, he’s excellent when on screen. Firth and Strong bring their acting experience to the table, and help to ground the film in the certain scenes where it gets too over the top.
While Kingsman has a plot that makes little sense, an over the top villain, is ultra violent, and can be quite offensive at times – it’s hilarious, the action is awesome, and the acting is superb! If the idea of a Bond/Austin Powers crossover appeals to you, catch this film in theatres while you can.
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