Three long years between James Bond film can seem like an eternity for fans. The new UK production entitled Kingsman: The Secret Service attempts to rectify the situation. It’s a 60s spy flick throwback that places its tongue firmly in cheek, but also integrates the bells and whistles of modern action filmmaking. It isn’t tonally perfect and has its share of issues, but overall is a wild and wooly effort that provides plenty of entertaining goofiness.
Based on a comic book by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, the story follows a troubled young man named Eggsy (Taron Egerton) living a life surrounded by gangs, guns and drugs. His situation soon changes when he’s recruited by Agent Galahad (Colin Firth) to try out for a secret spy organization. Not long after beginning the exaggerated, life-risking training operatives and lessons on the importance of manners and working as a team, a global threat arises from a maniacal Bill Gates-type cyber genius named Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson). But is Eggsy up to the task?
It’s all very over-the-top from the get-to, which does take some getting used to. Early on, numerous characters are introduced (many of whom are quickly “offed” almost as soon as they show up) and it takes a while to adjust to the film’s frantic pace. However, by the time the second act begins and the story calms down to give us more time with its principal characters, events become more enjoyable. At this point, the deadpan humor clicks and the film starts to really win viewers over.
Of course, this is an action flick and it certainly delivers on this front. The highlights are some stunningly choreographed and impressively shot action scenes. These fights involve lengthy series of elaborate moves, swings, punches and impalings handled in what appears to be extremely long, continuous takes. It all appears seamless, but one assumes that the actors may have been helped in the editing room. However the effect was ultimately achieved, it’s a marvel to look at.
Also appreciated are the various nods to spy capers of the 60s. The characters even reference and express nostalgia for the megalomaniac villains of yesteryear and note the clichés of their jobs (which lead to a couple of unexpected twists). The script delivers a strong antagonist with Valentine, a madman who can’t stand the sight of blood and actor Jackson employs an amusing verbal quirk to stand out even more. While his role in the proceedings isn’t quite as large as advertised, Firth grounds the story and impresses with amazing work in the aforementioned fight scenes. And there are entertaining supporting turns from Michael Caine and Mark Strong.
Unexpectedly, the movie is really about Eggsy. Thankfully, his transformation from street kid to suit-clad assassin is a fun character arc. The barrage of gags do lead to a few lowbrow moments that veer into questionable taste and the script doesn’t do a whole lot with its female cast members (besides introducing an impressive henchwoman), but its fast pace and forward momentum override the odd, off-putting moment.
In the end, viewers looking for a good time at the movies will find themselves witnessing a wild and crazy concoction that efficiently delivers both action and chuckles. Kingsman: The Secret Service isn’t perfect, but it stands out as an entertaining spectacle among the month’s many misfires and provides far more fun than anticipated.
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