Kingsman: The Golden Circle [Spoiler Free Review] Action, Adventure, Comedy | Rated R | 22 September 2017 (USA)
Starring: Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Pedro Pascal, Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges, Julianne Moore, Elton John with Channing Tatum
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Geek Facts:
Kingsman: The Golden Circle has a current running time of 2 hours 21 minutes. The director has teased that the film originally came in at 3 hours 40 minutes, so don’t be surprised if there’s a director’s cut in the future.
On to the Spoiler-Free Review:
It’s been a year since Kingsman recruit Gary “Eggsy” Unwin (Taron Egerton) saved the world from the Valentine’s neurological angry-wave broadcast. Since then, he’s adopted his fallen mentor’s code name, “Galahad” and with the assistance of his colleagues Merlin (Mark Strong) and Lancelot/Roxy (Sophie Cookson), has finally come into his own as a Kingsman agent. After an ambush by disgraced recruit Charlie (Edward Holcroft), the agents come under further attack by a group known as The Golden Circle. Forced into a corner, the Kingsman meet their American cousins, “The Statesman”. When the leader of the Golden Circle, Poppy Adams (Julianne Moore) reveals her plan, both organizations have to work together to prevent her murderous scheme.
The first film still stands of one of my favorite surprises of that year. For those who haven’t seen it, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” was based on the comic book “The Secret Service,” by graphic novel illustrator Dave Gibbons (Watchmen) and writer Mark Millar (Captain America: Civil War, Kick-Ass, Wanted). Returning Director Vaughn (X-Men: First Class) co-wrote the script with Jane Goldman. Kingsman (1) was a refreshing take on the British spy genre. It was charming, loaded with action and humor. Notable additional attributes include, a fitting soundtrack and let’s not forget surprisingly violent. It was one of those films that was fun to watch, I may have seen it a few times in its initial run. When I heard they were working on a sequel, I had to play “KC & The Sunshine Band’s – Give It Up” (If you’ve seen the first film, you’ll appreciate the nod).
Within the first few moments of the film, I was floored. Kingsman (2) ups the ante with their action set pieces, it’s one of many things the film does extraordinary well. Fast-paced closeups, environmental framing, slowing up at the right time, allowing you to follow every detail of action without it getting too dizzying and there’s a lot of it, so that’s a really good thing.
Taron Egerton’s Eggsy still affected from the lost of his mentor, steps up and is constantly evolving in this film and it is fun to see. The effortlessly charming Poppy Adams (Julianne Moore) is great and brutal. Hidden in her 1950’s inspired Americana, she sweet talks her henchmen and almost the same breath cuts one down. I felt there was more to her character that wasn’t explored. We are introduced to the Statesmen, Channing Tatum plays Agent Tequila, Halle Berry as Ginger Ale, Jeff Bridges is Champagne the leader and Pedro Pascal as Agent Whiskey. Without getting into detail, where the film falters is its use of the secondary players. With the exception of Agent Whiskey, and Charlie, most of the star-power support seems a bit slim.
While my expectations may have been a bit high going in, I can honestly say, Kingsman: The Golden Circle has all the fun attributes as the first film, a perfect compliment. Super-loaded with action and humor from the strangest of places, a surprise loaded extended cameo. There were a few moments, I may have yelled a few profanities at the screen out of shock. If you were a fan of the first film, you’ll enjoy this one and anxiously await the next one.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle is out in theaters now.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle [Official Trailer]
Kingsman: The Golden Circle [Official Trailer 2]
