Disclaimer: What follows are specific plot details of “Kingsman: The Secret Service”. The review contains spoilers regarding the movie. Do not read this review if you have not watched the movie yet, and wish to in the future.
Genius writer of “X-Men: First Class” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past” Matthew Vaughn once again brought a chilling sci-fi aspect to spy movie “Kingsman: The Secret Service.” Not only was it horrifying, but it also seemed to have a mocking tone on technology today. That humor, that horror and all the action in between is what makes this movie a must-see.
Eggsy Unwin, played by Taron Egerton, lives in England with his mom and abusive step-dad. Preferring to stay out of the house, he would get himself into trouble by stealing cars and starting fights. However, one skill that he completely underestimates is his agility. In one scene, Egerton escapes a gang by parkouring off of his apartment’s balconies and railings–with no stunt double.
With his biological father dead and his stepdad being a total jerk, Eggsy doesn’t have a true father to look up to. After mysteriously being broken out of jail by somebody he used to know, he realizes that someone was the very same who knew his father. Colin Firth plays agent Galahad, a quiet, responsible, clever man; a direct foil to Eggsy’s step-dad: loud, stupid and irresponsible. Galahad is the only man who pushes Eggsy to see his abilities and who never gives up on him.
Colin Firth is the standout of the movie. He’s what everyone wants to be, with his suave composure and quick moves. While it is realistic that some of your favorite characters must die, I thought it was a bit wrong killing Galahad, seeing as how Galahad was the only father Eggsy had in the movie. With him gone, Eggsy was virtually on his own in the harsh environment of an abusive stepdad and more unseen enemies to come.
Samuel L. Jackson plays the laughable role of Valentine, a cheap megalomaniac with a lisp. While his character is hardly intimidating, his side-kick, Gazelle, played by Sofia Boutella, is terrifying. In place of feet, she has aerodynamic, razor-sharp blades. They can slice a person in half in seconds. That aspect to the movie is a brilliant showcase of screenwriter Vauhn’s thrilling imagination.
Vaughn exaggerates the cheap and deceptive nature of businessmen. Antagonist and business leader, Valentine, wore plastic glasses and cheap clothing; for dinner he delighted in McDonalds. Yet, he is also the person who came up with a piece of technology that allows everyone “wireless communication.” However, that is only what Valentine wants the public to believe.
Valentine may not seem evil on the outside, but the madness on the inside leaks through in his hysterical mannerisms towards the end and I loved it. One evil madman + one malicious killer = Hell on Earth. The suspense built up to that hair-raising point was enough to drive the audience on the edge
However, the dark comic relief of Valentine’s ideas and destruction make the overall mood lighter. Without it, the mood would be way too tense and the sense of closure, lost. For that, and all of the other reasons I mentioned, I love this movie. It was beautifully crafted and layered. I could watch it a couple more times and continue to be amazed by it. Thank you Twentieth Century Fox for producing such an outstanding movie.
Parkway West Pathfinder gives “Kingsman: The Secret Service” 9.0/10.
