Kingsman The Secret Service - Leaves You Gasping For More

Movie: Kingsman - The Secret Service
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Cast: Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L Jackson
Cinematography: George Richmond
Music: Henry Jackman and Matthew Morgeson

Expectations:

Matthew Vaughn comes riding after the twin successes of 'Kick Ass' and 'X-Men: First Class' and obviously expectations are high in this movie featuring a relatively fresh cast. The fact that Colin Firth plays a super spy is, quite a surprise considering that he is usually seen in affable or genial roles (remember his Oscar winning performance in 'The King's Speech'?). Added to the fact that Samuel.L.Jackson gets to play a cool baddie here ensured the audience can be expecting some cool one-liners. The trailer promised much and so, we had quite a bit of expectations walking into the theatre.


Plot:

A super secret spy organization, who operate independently without obligations to national or private interests, to eliminate threats to humanity, searches for a replacement for one of their recently martyred agents, Lancelot. Each of their members are recommended to nominate a promising kid and Galahad (Colin Firth), who feels a strong sense of attachment to a promising street kid, Garry 'Eggsy' Unwin (Taron Egerton), due to a past obligation, recommends him. Just as a the recruitment is in progress, a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius, Valentine (Samuel L Jackson) who aims to cull the world population to bring order to this chaotic world.

Performances:

Kudos to Colin Firth to have gone out of  his comfort zone to essay the role of a smart, jacket-wearing super spy. This is bad-ass with class and Firth makes the role his own. The action sequences involving him are terrific and especially the church scene would remain etched in the audience's mind for quite some time for it's action choreography and the near flawless way that Firth has performed in it.

Taron Egerton as Eggsy is a revelation and at no time does he look flustered at the presence of bigger stars. He could be one new face to watch out for. Sophie Cookson as Roxie, his co-competitor in the recruitment and the eventual friend who helps in the fight against Valentine's plan and Michael Caine as Arthur (watch out for his performance in a particular scene towards the end of the movie) all do justice to their roles.

Samuel Jackson has great fun playing the antagonist here and the complicated role seems to be a cake-walk for the veteran. Sofia Boutella as his loyal sidekick Gazelle with blades for legs just adds to the weirdness quotient.


Technical Departments:

Vince Vaughan is one of those new-age directors who do not give a 'sodding' damn about the needs of a structured screenplay or the need to have stereotypes such as a good hero or a bad villain. In his movies, most people are foul mouthed, the heroes don't mouth the punch lines as much as they show through their actions and the villains are super weird.

The screenplay is deliberately slow at times, but always entertaining. There is a good amount of tension build up in scenes involving the confrontation between Valentine and Galahad and there is great fun in the way the recruitment process is conducted to select the next Kingsman. You can see why they would like for the next Kingsman to be not just a team player, but also ruthless and why, Eggsy with a heart of gold was never going to be the perfect fit.

There are plot-holes as to why the secret super spy organization cannot detect the tracking nano chip planted by Valentine on Galahad and pressing questions as to how Valentine dictates terms to all the world leaders without ever leaving a trace of his activity, but those are for another deep thinking reviewer interested in nitpicking.

Cinematography by George Richmond is functional, with the church massacre scene deserving a special mention and music by Henry Jackman and Matthew Margeson is pacy whenever the movie demands it.

What Works:

The great casting, performances and some memorable dialogues.

What Doesn't:

Minor plot-holes and tad-lengthy run time.

Verdict:

Excuse the plot holes and give this terrific action movie a watch. It would leave you gasping for more.

Rating: 8/10.