In Review — Kingsman: The Secret Service

Summary: Adapted from the graphic novel by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, Kingsman: The Secret Service is a coming-of-age story. Gary “Eggsy” Unwin is working class lad recruited into the competitive training program of a private sector, ultra-covert spy organization. As the story progresses, he must come to terms with his late father’s legacy, exceeded his own potential, and thwart a megalomaniacal tech genius.

Review: This film was wonderfully retro, harkening back to the days when spy movies were fun. Taron Egerton, as Eggsy, carried his scenes with the right mix of credibility, pathos, and tongue-in-cheek humor. That said, the stage belonged to Colin Firth, as Harry Hart. Firth was an inspired casting choice, fitting his role, like Robert Downey, Jr. fit as Tony Stark. Whether he was wielding his umbrella in a fight, verbally sparring with the villain over a McDonald’s feast, or recalling his debt to Eggsy’s father, Firth walked the line between Hart’s reality and unreality perfectly. The rest of the cast, both known and unknown, were equally well chosen for their respective roles. Special mention goes to dancer turned actress, Sofia Boutella, as Gazelle, villain Valentine’s double-amputee henchwoman. Gazelle, aided ably by Boutella’s dance background, used her bladed prosthetics to choreograph extremely balletic carnage.

Adapter/Director, Matthew Vaughn, brought a surreal visual style to a script highlighting history and the British class system. I particularly liked how the Kingsman organization was founded by the elite who lost their heirs in WWI, channelling their grief and unspent inheritances into a tangible legacy of noblesse oblige. It would be refreshing if that kind of motivation could be translated into the real intelligence community.

Kingsman: The Secret Service is in theaters now. Find out more here: http://www.kingsmanmovie.com

Cast

Colin Firth as Harry Hart/Galahad

Taron Egerton as Gary “Eggsy” Unwin

Samuel L. Jackson as Richmond Valentine

Mark Strong as Merlin

Michael Caine as Chester King/Arthur

Sophie Cookson as Roxy

Sofia Boutella as Gazelle

Mark Hamill as Professor James Arnold