I enjoy the more serious take on the spy genre as of late but a certain desire to go back to a more frivolous, light-hearted style still remains. With Kingsman, that small yearning is fully satiated and then some. This is the best film of 2015 (I realize that isn’t saying much) and the best non James Bond spy film in quite some time. Each moment of this film is its own piece of insanity in one form or another. From parachute-less skydiving to tank-less water acrobatics, this is absolute frenetic action in the most heightened ways possible. This is everything that was impressive about Matthew Vaughn’s other action/comedy, Kick-Ass with a James Bond-esque twist. This twist creates a unique opportunity for some truly outlandish and completely fantastical moments of pure action and joy.
The story itself isn’t the most in depth but its overall purpose is to take the audience on a roller coaster ride, and in that regard it shines with an immensely blinding light. Kingsman displays a now seasoned filmmaker flexing his filmdom muscles, fearing not so much what he shouldn’t put in but what the film might lack if something were left out. This is a no-holds-barred, balls to the wall thrill ride that doesn’t let up from opening scene to closing. I would say my favorite aspect of Kingsman is the fearlessness it so boldly and proudly puts on display. This is the movie I wanted it to be and it solidifies my opinion that Vaughn is one director to keep an eye on. With blockbusters like the aforementioned Kick-Ass and X-Men: First Class, among others, he is certainly proving himself to be a talented artist.
Under the tutelage of the masterful Colin Firth, relative new comer, Taron Egerton plays ‘Eggsy’. After a life of hooliganism, Eggsy is approached with an opportunity to change his life in unimaginable ways. Having displayed an aptitude for the more dangerous side of life he is offered the chance to join an elite, highly secretive agency known simply as the Kingsman. However a simple yes or no doesn’t mean you’re in; it means the test has just begun and it is the deadliest exam in the world. Once in though a life of adventure and heroism awaits. The life of these gentlemen is anything but dull; even their attire is unattainable to the common man, or to the common gentlemen. Inclusion has its perks.
Colin Firth stars as Harry ‘Galahad’ Hart, a seasoned Kingsman. This is by far Firth’s most exciting and edgiest choice in character. He plays the gentleman aspect well as we have seen him do many times before. He truly shines in the action sequences displaying the skill of a seasoned action star. He hits, shoots and dodges like a pro and while it might be in large part a product of fancy editing, he certainly looks the part. He is believable and most importantly, he’s likeable. He is the personification of the movie itself; awesome, smooth, and engaging.
On a weekend of releases that includes Fifty Shades of Grey, Kingsman is the obvious choice. It is adult fun of the action variety and it doesn’t require a loss of brain cells like ‘Grey’. Call this a campaign against ‘Grey’ or a campaign for Kingsman; either way Kingsman is the wiser choice. If you love a damn good time at the movies then you already know what I’m going to say. See it and love it as I do. It contains numerous sequences that are so audaciously fun it almost demands multiple viewings. I certainly plan on riding this coaster again. When you find a new ride this exciting, all you want to do is experience all it has to offer over and over again.
Rated R For: sequences of strong violence, language and some sexual content
Run Time: 129 minutes
After Credits Scene: No
Starring: Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, Michael Caine, Samuel L. Jackson
Directed By: Matthew Vaughn
Out of 5 Nerdskulls
Story: 3.5/ Acting: 4/ Directing: 4.5/ Visuals: 5
OVERALL: 4.5 Nerdskulls
Check out the trailer below:
For more info on comics, video games, movies and anything else nerd, check out Nerdlocker.com, a place for your inner nerd.
Also check us out on:
Nerdlocker Shop: http://www.nerdlocker.com/store
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nerdlocker
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nerdlocker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nerdlocker
Email us at: info@nerdlocker.com
