January and February are generally considered the dumping grounds for studios, meaning that they just place any film that wasn't great, and probably wasn't going to do well finacially from last year, and release it in a period before the real money makers (the summer blockbuster, and Oscar season) come into town. As I don't generally watch films that are poorly reviewed (hence, why you will never see me review Fifty Shades of Grey), I generally use this time to catch up on good films released last year. (This years left-over was Selma) Today's film is not the typical sort of film released during this early period of the year. It is actually quite good, and pretty fun. Kingsman: Secret Service. Let's go.
Based on the comic series The Secret Service by Mark Millar (whom you may know as the writer of Kick-Ass, and Wanted, but I primarily know as the writer of Superman:Red Son) and Dave Gibbons (Best known for the main artist for Watchmen), the film revolves around Gary "Eggsy" Unwin (Taron Egerton), an young man whose promise has been squandered by years of unemployment, crime, and an abusive step-father. He stays to care for his mentally ill mother (Samantha Womack), and his 4 year old half-sister. One day, after stealing a car from a local bully (apparently a goon of said step-father), and being arrested for evading the police, he calls a mysterious number on a medal, and says a coded message, which gets him out. When out, he meets the mysterious Harry Hart (Colin Firth), who was apparently friends with Eggsy's deceased father. When the bully and some of his army come to beat up Eggsy, Hart easily subdues them. He then invites Eggsy to his "tailor shop" (after the stepfather threatens Eggsy.) There, it is revealed that Harry Hart, and Eggsy's father, were both members of an international organization dedicated to preserving peace, called Kingsman, which takes its ques from the Knights of the Round Table. Eggsy is Hart's protege, in a way. He is to compete with several other young men and women for a position in Kingsman, in a series of training exercises supervised by Merlin (Mark Strong). Eggsy befriends one of these recruits, Roxanne (Sophie Cookson). Eggsy and Roxy has to endure the intense (and often illogical) training needed to become a Kingsman. Meanwhile, Hart is investigating a series of disappearances, which are being choreographed by eccentric tech mogul Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson). Valentine, believing the Gaia hypothesis stating that the Earth is one large organism, wants to wipe out all humanity, by releasing all of its violent impulses. He does this, but sending out a microchip through cell phones, which activate this impulse. Can the Kingsman stop his scheme? Can Eggsy become a Kingsman, and follow his father's legacy?
First off, Colin Firth, badass. He is a scene-stealer, combining British civility with badass action. It helps he plays the role rather well, playing both a wise mentor and a bit of a father figure to Eggsy. Who knew Colin Firth could be an action hero. (I heard he did 80% of his own stunts.) Hell, I enjoyed watching his scenes more than Egerton's. (not that his scenes weren't good, I enjoyed his scenes as well) Samuel L. Jackson is also a scene stealer. Every scene of him in this film was deeply enjoyable to watch. He was hilarious; somewhat childish and naive, but also aware of his villainy. Jackson is clearly having a lot of fun in this role. There was an especially good "I'm not a Republic Serial Villain" (seriously, can we make that a trope) moment, but I won't spoil it. Any and all scenes with either of them in it was a delight to watch. All the actors do well too, and the story, by all accounts, is fine, providing everything a good spy film needs.. Does it comment on social issues or the human conditions. No, and that's a good thing. This film also is rare nowadays. Most spy thrillers are now largely intense and brutal, without any light relief. This film understands that sometimes, people want a more light-hearted rump. Not to say that this is light-hearted. However, it knows that sometimes the most intense action can also be the most unrealistic and fun one. Most of the action is your traditional spy film violence, with a large amount of activity occurring on the screen. I was on the edge of my seat the entire film. The action was very well done, and very exciting to watch. You want to how insane the action is? The final battle is set to the tune of KC and the Sunshine Band! (Oh, by the way, any film that starts with Dire Straits is go in my book) And I never checked my phone. That is exceptionally rare, as now, even for films I like, I tend to look at the time, just to see how long it had been. I was invested in every moment, every scene of this film. And isn't that the best thing? When a film keeps you invested.
I had some problems with the sometimes brutal violence. Like I said, this is not very lighthearted. It is very violent, and I'd be lying if I said that didn't bother me too much, Sure, there are some creative kills, and there is a "mind exploding" moment (har har), but it is somewhat brutal. There were also times, where I felt the story got a bit predictable. Don't get me wrong, like any good spy film, it keeps you on edge, and does several things that will surprise and shock you. However, there are moments where you will somewhat get will happen next. That's nitpicking though.
One review I watched of this said that he watched the film with only three other people. That wasn't true in my theater. Along with me and a very good friend of mine whom I watched it with, the theater was packed. And I implore you, watch this.It is fun, jolly, action packed,and humorous. If you like all of those qualities, you will love this film. If you just want a small film to watch this Valentines day, (and you don't want to watch Fifty Shades of Grey) watch this, as you will never feel trapped in the theater. If you want a deep film, you won't find it here, but sometimes, you need a little fun. If I haven't made this clear, watch this film. Thank you.
Based on the comic series The Secret Service by Mark Millar (whom you may know as the writer of Kick-Ass, and Wanted, but I primarily know as the writer of Superman:Red Son) and Dave Gibbons (Best known for the main artist for Watchmen), the film revolves around Gary "Eggsy" Unwin (Taron Egerton), an young man whose promise has been squandered by years of unemployment, crime, and an abusive step-father. He stays to care for his mentally ill mother (Samantha Womack), and his 4 year old half-sister. One day, after stealing a car from a local bully (apparently a goon of said step-father), and being arrested for evading the police, he calls a mysterious number on a medal, and says a coded message, which gets him out. When out, he meets the mysterious Harry Hart (Colin Firth), who was apparently friends with Eggsy's deceased father. When the bully and some of his army come to beat up Eggsy, Hart easily subdues them. He then invites Eggsy to his "tailor shop" (after the stepfather threatens Eggsy.) There, it is revealed that Harry Hart, and Eggsy's father, were both members of an international organization dedicated to preserving peace, called Kingsman, which takes its ques from the Knights of the Round Table. Eggsy is Hart's protege, in a way. He is to compete with several other young men and women for a position in Kingsman, in a series of training exercises supervised by Merlin (Mark Strong). Eggsy befriends one of these recruits, Roxanne (Sophie Cookson). Eggsy and Roxy has to endure the intense (and often illogical) training needed to become a Kingsman. Meanwhile, Hart is investigating a series of disappearances, which are being choreographed by eccentric tech mogul Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson). Valentine, believing the Gaia hypothesis stating that the Earth is one large organism, wants to wipe out all humanity, by releasing all of its violent impulses. He does this, but sending out a microchip through cell phones, which activate this impulse. Can the Kingsman stop his scheme? Can Eggsy become a Kingsman, and follow his father's legacy?
First off, Colin Firth, badass. He is a scene-stealer, combining British civility with badass action. It helps he plays the role rather well, playing both a wise mentor and a bit of a father figure to Eggsy. Who knew Colin Firth could be an action hero. (I heard he did 80% of his own stunts.) Hell, I enjoyed watching his scenes more than Egerton's. (not that his scenes weren't good, I enjoyed his scenes as well) Samuel L. Jackson is also a scene stealer. Every scene of him in this film was deeply enjoyable to watch. He was hilarious; somewhat childish and naive, but also aware of his villainy. Jackson is clearly having a lot of fun in this role. There was an especially good "I'm not a Republic Serial Villain" (seriously, can we make that a trope) moment, but I won't spoil it. Any and all scenes with either of them in it was a delight to watch. All the actors do well too, and the story, by all accounts, is fine, providing everything a good spy film needs.. Does it comment on social issues or the human conditions. No, and that's a good thing. This film also is rare nowadays. Most spy thrillers are now largely intense and brutal, without any light relief. This film understands that sometimes, people want a more light-hearted rump. Not to say that this is light-hearted. However, it knows that sometimes the most intense action can also be the most unrealistic and fun one. Most of the action is your traditional spy film violence, with a large amount of activity occurring on the screen. I was on the edge of my seat the entire film. The action was very well done, and very exciting to watch. You want to how insane the action is? The final battle is set to the tune of KC and the Sunshine Band! (Oh, by the way, any film that starts with Dire Straits is go in my book) And I never checked my phone. That is exceptionally rare, as now, even for films I like, I tend to look at the time, just to see how long it had been. I was invested in every moment, every scene of this film. And isn't that the best thing? When a film keeps you invested.
I had some problems with the sometimes brutal violence. Like I said, this is not very lighthearted. It is very violent, and I'd be lying if I said that didn't bother me too much, Sure, there are some creative kills, and there is a "mind exploding" moment (har har), but it is somewhat brutal. There were also times, where I felt the story got a bit predictable. Don't get me wrong, like any good spy film, it keeps you on edge, and does several things that will surprise and shock you. However, there are moments where you will somewhat get will happen next. That's nitpicking though.
One review I watched of this said that he watched the film with only three other people. That wasn't true in my theater. Along with me and a very good friend of mine whom I watched it with, the theater was packed. And I implore you, watch this.It is fun, jolly, action packed,and humorous. If you like all of those qualities, you will love this film. If you just want a small film to watch this Valentines day, (and you don't want to watch Fifty Shades of Grey) watch this, as you will never feel trapped in the theater. If you want a deep film, you won't find it here, but sometimes, you need a little fun. If I haven't made this clear, watch this film. Thank you.
