Friday, 13 February 2015

Cinema Review - Kingsman: The Secret Service (15)

Thank you for all your support during the Vue People's Pundit Competition. Unfortunately I didn't win but I did come 4th and was the highest placed female. Here is my entry:

The dynamic writing duo of Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn (who also directs) have another hit on their hands with this madcap tale of spies, gadgets and good suits.

The film, loosely based on the comic book created by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, centres on Gary 'Eggsy' Unwin, a working class London lad who, after another run in with the police, is mentored by the mysterious Harry Hart (Colin Firth) and is introduced to a world of gentleman spies. What follows is a blend of classic Bond with elements of the modern action genre.

Newcomer Taron Egerton is superbly cast as the rebellious but utterly charming Eggsy; he is certainly one to watch.

Samuel L. Jackson is on bad guy duty as villainous billionaire Richmond Valentine, ably (and lethally) assisted by his right-hand woman, Gazelle.

The film is awash with social class stereotypes, however they appear to have been included for comic effect rather than as a serious social issue.

That aside, this film is fast paced, funny and thoroughly entertaining. The set pieces are frantic yet tense, with one particular scene pushing the boundaries of its 15 certificate. The language is full of expletives (and not just from the lisping lips of Mr Jackson) but it's all in keeping with the exaggerated nature of the film.

Kingsman: The Secret Service is 129 minutes of pure enjoyment which should keep fans of both classic spy films, and the action genre, more than satisfied.

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