Review of Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015) by Robert B — 12 Jan 2016

I think the thing that threw me about this one was the cavalier and cocky trailer that was the first thing most people saw about it - and that's almost what totally deterred me from wanting to see it. thankfully people really loved it and I heard the action was INCREDIBLE so I went ahead and took the dive.

I think an interesting thing to note was the cues this film took from the British spy film, constant little references and homages to James Bond, among others but how much more British and European this seemed than the recent Bond films. it just really struck me how much more there was to see about London and the kind of International/multicultural feel Europe has over the US.

And now of course the action - people keep mentioning the church scene, which, yes, was brilliant and masterfully shot and choreographed, but the whole film is full of amazing fight choreography and cinematography. the camera work is insane, it's like if Edgar Wright had to shoot a fight without any effects, and was also ripped on speed. it was so great. that alone should make you want to get in on this film.

The acting and plot weren't that spectacular; interesting and very reminiscent of any high evil villain who's charismatic plot. and the visual effects were also less than great, but not ever to the point that it pulls out of the film, just enough to notice.

Would definitely recommend - GO SEE IT!