Kingsman: The Secret Service 2014

It isn't an easy task, trying to sum this film up in a couple paragraphs, but I will do what I can. This is one of those films that I walked into with sky-high expectations and it is one of the very few that not only met those expectations, but beat the piss out of them as well. Kingsman: The Secret Service has all the makings of a great thriller/comedy/action/spy/romance film and if you are a fan of movies at all, I highly recommend it. I am not going to go into detail about the movie, you should really just go watch it.

Throughout the film, there were a couple of times that I was reminded of the Men in Black franchise. Though Kingsman has nothing to do with extraterrestrials, the humorous secret service theming is very familiar. But I found Kingsman to be superior in several ways. The story is complete and satisfying with a few decent twists but nothing totally mindfucking. And if you are like me and expect a certain level of character development in order to be happy, you won't be disappointed.

There is a small bit of disbelief that you have to suspend in order to enjoy the movie, but I had no trouble with that. The fight scenes were ridiculously cool, even for someone like me that isn't really an action kind of guy. I am more about finding an emotional connection to the characters in a film and I became fairly attached to several of them in this one. My only real complaint was that a couple instances in the film that utilized a green screen were very noticeable and almost hard to get past. But what it lacks in green screen effects, it more than makes up for in humor and other special effects.

So, in conclusion, this was a movie well worth seeing. So hurry up and catch it while it's still in theaters.

I figured I'd finally watch this movie before I started the James Bond marathon, and do you know what? I LOVED this film. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying there are no problems/mistakes in here. But the deal is that those issues are small and infrequent. What I love about this is that is basically a 007 film with some humor and fun action. Seriously, the action scenes in here are so much fun to watch. The other part that made me really happy though, was that I thought I had the final act figured out right off the bat. I was sure I knew where the film was going, but it didn't really bother me too much either. I predict films all the time, so it has no negativity on my opinion. But not this time. No, I was totally off and loved the 3rd act so much.

I'm not saying all of you will love this movie as much as I did. I bet few people will hand out the 5 out of 5 like me (my 007 love is going to push films like this up), but I think almost all of you will enjoy it nonetheless.

I went into this movie with high expectations and boy, did it live up to the hype!

The story is nothing really special, a run-off-the-mill spy story with the training of the new recruit. But yet it doesn’t bore during its runtime, it flows extremely well. It definitely echoes the James Bond movies in many ways, but it never takes itself too seriously; it’s half citation, half parody for me. In any case, the whole ordeal works incredibly well, bringing something new to the spy genre.

The cast was stellar. Colin Firth absolutely dominated each scene he was in, and I think he is a big reason for this movie’s success. Samuel L. Jackson played the villain in such a charming way, with a mix of foolishness and cruelty, I really liked his performance. I also really liked Taron Egerton, I might have to check out more movies with him in it. Great job by Mark Strong too.

The style of this movie was the most striking aspect for me. Throughout the film, there’s a certain vibe that I really enjoyed. It’s that mix of snobby, well dressed British upper class and absolutely Hollywood violent fighting. It worked so well.
The fight scenes are the highlight of Kingsman: The Secret Service. Beautifully choreographed, complex yet easy to follow. Honestly the most fun fighting scenes I’ve seen in a long time.

I can recommend this one to basically everyone. The two hours of runtime will feel like nothing!

8/10

I've been forcing myself to always write a blurb about every movie I watch. I don't think I have anything earth-shattering to say, but anything that improves my keyboarding skills is a plus. Well, that's not the only reason. Sometimes it's fun to get your thoughts typed out and see if maybe someone will offer their own opinion.

I have been dreading the thought of laying out a few thoughts about "Kingsman: The Secret Service". I really, really want to like this movie. I think it looks great, has cool performances by Taron Egerton and Colin Firth, and spoofs spy flicks, which is always fun. But this movie is too mean-spirited for me to get past. The slaughter scene in the church, even if everyone there is being driven wild by Samuel Jackson's evil bad-guy plot, is cowardly. The message is that it's okay for everyone in that church to be disposed of because their personal beliefs and opinions are stupid. I'd bet a little digging would find that the filmmakers have a distaste for silly, religious people. I don't expect movie makers to always offer two-sides of every coin (i.e., not all religious people are crazy), but this movie chose to victimize a group that based on their beliefs would choose not to fight back.

Probably the only spy movie I will ever enjoy! Kingsman: The Secret Service definitely accomplishes to please my expectations. It has just the perfect amount of action, violence, and comedy blended altogether.

The film focuses on a teenage boy named Eggsy. When we first get a view at Eggsy, we see a very confused, angry kid who lives in an extremely brutal environment. After his father's death, his mother marries and gets pregnant with Dean; the leader of a criminal gang in London and a drunken, abusive man. At first, Eggsy only ever seems humble and tender around his ill mother, and especially, his step-baby-sister whom he attempts to protect from her father's bad temper.
However, throughout the film, we view Eggsy improving his manners when—after struggling with members of his step-father's gang who end up getting beaten by Harry Hart: a Kingsman agent—Harry invites Eggsy to join the Kingsman's secret service, leading the film to portray a journey of spy filled scenarios with extreme action and violence. Kingsman: The Secret Service is a brilliantly directed film which includes perfect tension and comedic feelings.

So sad the second Kingsman was a literal piece of shit. Was not even worth it.

What I think separates Kingsman from other movies of the like is its successful modernization of a worn-out genre...one that doesn't stylistically fit with today’s modern media... by infusing a new-age twist that dares not sacrifice the human story at its core, despite the beautiful fireworks show of form we’re receiving. Upon first glance of a film like this, our expectations are automatically for something juvenile, similar to the retro James Bond canon, but Vaughn successfully hones into these classic genre tropes and produce something appealing for the 21st century.

Ironically, we get to view the maturing of the genre through the eyes of someone who needs a little bit of maturing himself: a rebellious youth in the midst of an abusive stepfather, a hostile troupe of kids, and a serious knack for trouble. But just like any egg, it'll blossom into a chicken very soon: it’s this growth that allows Vaughn to forges the audience's connection with the film, never losing touch with that human story as we watch Eggsy come to realize and embody the adult responsibilities that come with being a Kingsman, grow to take after his father's legacy, and show honor and respect to those who continue to protect that legacy.

Vaughn brilliantly takes his inspirations from Bond, involving its spy-tech knife-in-the-pen tropes, and creates very solid setups and payoffs with it, always finding very satisfying conclusions to his tense, uncertain action scenes, which virtually never go by in a blur: there's always something character-driven going on, using superficially small actions like a switch of brandy or an inclusion of “Pomp and Circumstance” to mark a solid growth in the character...a scene in a church involving Galahad just shows how powerfully this technique can be used.

Finally, Vaughn’s crafting of a thematic coherence within the characters’ goals, on both sides, further strengthens the narrative framework, finding a common thread of liberalism between the central trio. Valentine sees a prevalent immorality among humanity, therefore wishing to wipe them out for a new age to unfold, Gallahad seeks to break the conservative standards of the Kingsmen to accommodate a new age of agents, and Eggsy brings his own modern sensibilities to this establishment, all making for a totally cathartic and fun spy movie.

Besides the film occasional reliance on quick montage to chronicle Eggsy's growth, preventing us from having that transcendent feeling a bit of empathy that we would otherwise have, as well as the the occasional pacing hiccup here and there that prevents a consistent graceful flow, the first Kingsman is a really intelligent twist on what was once well and worn. I mean, it easily could have repeated and emulated the same ropes, but, hey...this ain't that kind of movie, bruv!

6.9/10. There’s a clear message in Kingsman, and it’s that the old motifs of the Bond films need to be updated for the twenty-first century. That works in universe, where Galahad (Colin Firth), the film’s embodiment of that old guard, says as much to his organization when it comes time to recruit a new agent. But it also works out of universe, as an implicit criticism of the 007 films and similar spy franchises needing to move away from the tropes of the past and toward something more tailored to the style of today.

On the one hand, that critique takes the form of a move away from the stuffy aristocratic bent there’s been to Bond and his ilk for decades. The film leans heavily into a “slobs vs. snobs” theme early, with a notion that a street smart and resourceful kid will bring something new and different to the table relative to the well-heeled prep school sharks the titular Kingsman usually bring into the organization.

It’s a hoary trope, and one not especially well executed. The film telegraphs early on that Eggsy, the working class, streetwise son of a fallen agent is rough around the edges, but will prove his worth to the Kingsman, with them learning that what he brings can be vital to the organization, and what they offer can be useful to him too. But the way that’s dramatized, with generic snooty foils like a Draco Malfoy-esque prig and hamfisted exchanges on the topic, leave a lot to be desired.

Still, Firth carries the most weight in terms of this aspect of the story, at least when it comes to driving that message home, and as usual, he does so with skill and aplomb. Firth conveys the debt Galahad feels to Eggsy’s father, his brother in arms, and the ways in which his character both sees the unlimited potential of Eggsy as a Kingsman and sees the need to give him a stiff kick in the ass from time to time to move him closer to that goal. More than that, Firth sells the idea that being a gentleman is not about the tuxedo or the martini order or the blueblood upbringing, but rather that it’s a mentality, and approach to the world, that can be embraced and employed regardless of where you come from.

Unfortunately, the times when Firth or the better actors in the piece aren’t on screen hamper things. Kingsman is yet another film in a long line of recent pictures where there’s an interesting idea at the center, some stellar performances from the side and supporting characters in the film, but the whole effort is dragged down by a stale lead. Taron Egerton is decent enough as Eggsy, but the bland character, meant to be given color by his situation and contrast with the white-shoe company he’s pressed into keeping, isn’t quite up to the task of anchoring the film.

But Kingsman’s second critique of the spy genre is aimed in a different direction, and it helps to buoy the film even where Egerton and Eggsy fall flat. That criticism is centered on the Jason Bourne films and the Daniel Craig Bond films, which see the need to update the double-agent film for the new millennium, but respond by taking the genre in a dark and gritty direction, trading the big lasers and world-threatening plots of days past for existential hurt, paranoia, and deconstruction.

Kingsman is an implicit (and occasionally explicit) rebuke of that tack. The film zigs where its counterparts zags, embracing all the bombast and lunacy of the Sean Connery-era films, while translating them into a new century in the form of concerns relevant to people today and new form of colorfulness that fits the kinetic direction movie combat has gone in the fifty years since James Bond debuted on the silver screen.

The greatest symbol of that is the film’s villain, Valentine, played by the inimitable Samuel L. Jackson. Jackson plays the character as Elon Musk by way of Spike Lee, and he is an utter delight. Valentine matches the eccentric Bond villains of old, full of quirks and elaborate plans. His speeches about the threat of climate change, and his unorthodox solution to the problem dovetail nicely into the “haves vs. have nots” spirit of the film and proves both oddly compelling in their assessment and bonkers in their solution. Details like his aversion to blood of any sort and guileless new money approach to fortune and fame add a definite spark to the film.

That said, Valentine (and Galahad for that matter) are often the movie’s conduit for meta-commentary on the genre that gets a little too cute too quickly. Exchanges about wanting to grow up to be a colorful megalomaniac or “this isn’t that kind of movie” or dry cool action movie lines serve the self-aware themes of the film, but come off a little more obvious than clever as realized in Kingsman.

The film does make its hay on the action side of things. The various set-pieces involved in Eggsy’s Survivor-esque challenges to become a Kingsman are well-done, if contrived. One particularly inspired fight scene that allows Colin Firth to get into the action is some lurid but captivating combination of Where’s Waldo design principles and a comic book splash page come to life. And a one-on-one fight between Eggsy and a baddie has all the cartoonish flair and well set-up detail, if somewhat corny detail that immediately sets it apart from the rough and tumble, more realistic, even uglier combat in the modern Bond films.

But it’s not enough to truly make the film something special. Kingsman has the right idea, taking the spy flicks on the 1960s and 1970s, and moving them into the modern day, both by injecting a bit of non-traditional flair to the central figure (though the less-than-inspired xXx films beat it to the punch) and by embracing the more outsized aspects of the genre that the modern incarnation of 007 has mostly abandoned. Still, the movie comes off as a trifle, a brightly-colored, decently fun, self-referential spy outing without nearly as much going on under the hood as the folks behind the scenes would like to think.

It’s enjoyable enough, with a sufficient number of twists to keep things interesting, but despite its attempts to rejuvenate the spy film in a different direction, it rarely rises above that level of fun or excitement.

A young man’s (Taron Egerton) father is killed during a raid in the Middle East, conducted by shadowy spy-firm Kingsman. Years later he is contacted by an ex-colleague (Colin Firth) and invited to start training for them.

What a boat load of fun this film is. I’ve come to really enjoy Matthew Vaughan’s directorial efforts (Stardust, X-Men First Class, Kick-Ass) and here his style fits the bill perfectly. It’s slick, slightly surreal and highly original.

He gently prods the ribs of the early James Bond films but acknowledges their entertainment value. This is more homage than send-up, despite its knowing winks to the audience.

Kingsman is the very definition of irreverence, and this is where much of its comedy comes from. Spectacularly stupid scenes are carried off with such panache that they actually work.

There’s also an attention to detail that is absent in most films of its kind. The set dressing is meticulous, reminiscent of Wes Anderson. It draws us in and creates an air of intrigue around the Kingman’s headquarters. The action scenes are equally pristine; this is a violent film but it feels like every drop of blood has been accounted for.

For the sake of balance; plenty of jokes fall flat and the back story with the family back home was a bit ham fisted. However when the credits roll no one cares.

Mad, violent, sexy, hilarious, explosive; this is entertainment in its purest form.

http://benoliver999.com/film/2015/05/23/kingsmanthesecretservice.html

Kingsman: The Secret Service is a non-stop action-packed film that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The movie begins with a bang and continues with a series of impressive action scenes, including a solo rescue in Argentina, a high-speed car chase, and a crazy church battle. The film is filled with creative and fun action, featuring prosthetic leg-swords, sophisticated gadgets, and a lisping villain played by Samuel L. Jackson. Colin Firth gives a great performance as the sophisticated and cold assassin, displaying great facial expressions and charisma. Taron Egerton also shines as Eggsy, bringing realism and charm to his portrayal of a chav turned gentleman. The supporting cast, including Mark Strong, Sofia Boutella, Mark Hamill, and Michael Caine, also deliver solid performances. Although the movie may be a bit long, the pacing is justified by the constant action and twists that keep the story fresh and entertaining. Kingsman: The Secret Service is a great send-up of the spy genre, breathing new life into it. The movie is a thrilling action-adventure-comedy that left me entertained throughout. The planned sequel will have a tough time topping this film for fun, action, and entertainment.

Kingsman: The Secret Service es una película repleta de acción que te mantiene enganchado de principio a fin. La película comienza con una explosión y continúa con una serie de impresionantes escenas de acción, que incluyen un rescate en solitario en Argentina, una persecución en automóvil a alta velocidad y una loca batalla en la iglesia. La película está llena de acción creativa y divertida, con piernas protésicas, artilugios sofisticados y un villano ceceante interpretado por Samuel L. Jackson. Colin Firth hace una gran actuación como el sofisticado y frío asesino, mostrando grandes expresiones faciales y carisma. Taron Egerton también brilla como Eggsy, aportando realismo y encanto a su interpretación de un chav convertido en caballero. El elenco de apoyo, que incluye a Mark Strong, Sofia Boutella, Mark Hamill y Michael Caine, también ofrece actuaciones sólidas. Aunque la película puede ser un poco larga, el ritmo se justifica por la acción constante y los giros que mantienen la historia fresca y entretenida. Kingsman: The Secret Service es una gran parodia del género de espías, que le da nueva vida. La película es una emocionante comedia de acción y aventuras que me dejó entretenido en todo momento. La secuela planificada tendrá dificultades para superar esta película en cuanto a diversión, acción y entretenimiento.

Ever since the first trailer for this movie came out, I already knew that this movie was going to be great because Matthew Vaughn directing it and that guy knows how to make a well made film that reminds everyone what good movies are, so it comes to no surprise that this movie was awesome.

Kingsman: The Secret Service is a like tribute to the good old spy films that seem to be serious or not very well made these day, yeah there's some cheesy and goofy moments, but that's what we remember best from them and this movie was the perfect tribute to that, and a perfect tribute that everybody isn't going to see because everybody is going to see 50 Shades of Rubbish. I lost faith in humility after that.

Matthew Vaughn is a director who knows how to direct good action scenes and knows how to entertain the audience, and with this movie he directed this with style and a enough effort to make a bad-ass film. Even when his movies mostly flopped at the box office, it will have a cult following and Kingsman will have a cult following. Nice work Matthew Vaughn.

Taron Egerton, who is a new star and this is his first big role he has ever been in, and my god was he great in this movie. This is my first time I ever seen this guy act and let me tell you this guy has a bright future a head for him.

Now at first I didn't really thought that Colin Firth in action scenes would work, but after seeing the movie I was wrong...dead wrong. Every time Colin Firth kicked ass, I totally bought into it, because I heard in an article somewhere that he did all of his stunts and I got to say he pulled it of brilliantly. His character Harry Hart was the best character in the whole film and every time his on screen he stole the whole film for me.

Samuel L. Jackson as the villain was just brilliant. I mean talking about a villain that was so fun and freaking hilarious. But at the first I wasn't very sure about the way he talked in the film. I mean, he talked like Adam Snadler from 'WaterBoy', but after a while I got use to it and it worked for his character. These days I feel that Samuel L. Jackson is just filling it in with his new movies, but in this I actually saw him play an actual character and he knocked it out of the park.

This movie probably has one of the best action scene I've seen since...I'm not kidding you here, but The Matrix, and that's the Church scene. My god, where do I even begin with this, the scene itself was fast pace, but I still could see what was going on and the action scene was shot beautifully well and it showed what action should be filmed. So watch when you see the film look out for the Church scene it will not disappoint.

Now for problems: I got to say that the first couple of minutes of the movie I didn't really get sucked in into the movie that much, but as the movie went along I finally got into it.

Overall rating: Kingsman is a movie that deserves more attraction. Skip 50 Shade of Whatever and see this movie, trust me.

Roaring, overly indulgent fun amidst the rubble of the classic spy films and programs that dominated the 1960s. It's a more deadpan, action-focused take than Austin Powers, of course, but I'd hardly venture to call it serious. The tone is decidedly carefree, which should be no surprise given the creative team's track record.

Director Matthew Vaughan and comic book author Mark Millar, who teamed to bring Kick-Ass to the screen a few years ago, are also the guilty parties in this case, and it’s right in the same ballpark. Tons of effective punchlines, a few really great cornerstone action sets, and a wide spectrum of colors to cover for a very simple, shallow, recycled plot. And it works, honestly, both as a standalone mind-number and as a winking, grinning, elbowing satire of Bond and company. For my money it lingers too long in the training room, but once the cast graduates it's basically balls-to-the-wall the rest of the way home.

Gratifying if not nourishing, like the big McDonald's spread enjoyed by a certain nameless character in a key scene, I had a great time but felt a little guilty about it later. The chapel brawl and the series of colorful explosions at the film's climax are two spots I'll have a hard time forgetting, though, and I feel like I'm richer for having experienced them.

I recently saw this movie and posted a review, so I'm not going to just repeat my thoughts. All I'll say is that watching it as a follow up to finishing off the 007 series was pretty excellent. Just had me enjoy it even more.

"I figured I'd finally watch this movie before I started the James Bond marathon, and do you know what? I LOVED this film. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying there are no problems/mistakes in here. But the deal is that those issues are small and infrequent. What I love about this is that is basically a 007 film with some humor and fun action. Seriously, the action scenes in here are so much fun to watch. The other part that made me really happy though, was that I thought I had the final act figured out right off the bat. I was sure I knew where the film was going, but it didn't really bother me too much either. I predict films all the time, so it has no negativity on my opinion. But not this time. No, I was totally off and loved the 3rd act so much.

I'm not saying all of you will love this movie as much as I did. I bet few people will hand out the 5 out of 5 like me (my 007 love is going to push films like this up), but I think almost all of you will enjoy it nonetheless."

If you like old-fashioned James Bond style movies you probably like this one. It is a bit more outrageous and has a few more overly silly moments than the old Bond movies but on the whole this is a very fun and enjoyable secret agent movie.

Gary is, via a few twists and turns at the beginning of the movie, recruited by a secret agent employed by a super secret private organisation with remarkable resources. Their agents looks and behaves like London upper class gentlemen but have remarkable fighting skills. The initial scenes when Gary is recruited are just great.

Gary is then submitted to a rather gruesome training schedule and at the same time the main plot plays out in parallell. Of course the two threads merge towards the classical showdown with the megalomaniacal evil mastermind in the end where, naturally, Gary gets to save the world.

The movie has all the “goodies” of a secret agent movie. British gentlemen agents, action, secret agent “stuff” like shops that are not what they look like, hidden entrances into secret bases, rooms that are actually elevators and of course gadgets, lots of gadget to help our heroes thwart the evil mastermind’s nefarious plans. Of course said mastermind have a personal henchman a la Oddjob to do the more grisly parts of his evil biddings. I quite liked this rather unique henchman, or rather henchwoman, and her odd weapons. More so that the main villain which I found a bit bland at times.

On the whole I enjoyed this movie a lot. However, there are some silly parts which drags it down a bit. I especially disliked the colorful exploding heads towards the end of the movie. That just felt like the producer/director was smoking some funny stuff when making those scenes. There were a few other scenes which I felt was going too much towards silly comedies as well. Without those I would probably have added a star.

All things said this was well spent 130 minutes as far as I am concerned.