Based on ‘The Secret Service’ by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons.
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Starring Colin Firth, Samuel L Jackson, Mark Strong, Taron Egerton, and Michael Cain.
Wow, this was definitely THE way to kick off the MG movie going year! The big screen version of Mark Millar’s British spy genre book is the type of thing I’m always up for! I already had high expectations for this film primarily due to the impeccable track record of director Matthew Vaughn, the guy behind some of the coolest movies in frequent history: Layer Cake, Stardust, Kick Ass, X-Men First Class. But the real treat with ‘Kingsman’ is the cast, not surprisingly. Colin Firth, Sam L. Jackson are the draws here, as well as, that’s right, Mark Hamill! Also, the inclusion of a strong female lead that doesn’t end up becoming the romantic interest yet still keeping the classic James Bond style intact was refreshing. It was also really fun seeing how the film creatively exploited and took advantage of the parameters of its R-rating! Tons of great action but with no real gore considering the amount of violence throughout the film. But definitely lots and lots of fun! A British, gentleman spy, action adventure comedy by one of my favorite directors along with a very charming cast? Don’t mind if I do! Grade B+