REVIEW | Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)

Colin Firth as Harry Hart and Taron Egerton as Eggsy.

From a king in The King's Speech to a Kingsman, English debonair Colin Firth aptly stars in the brutally violent, stylized James Bond spoof Kingsman: The Secret Service.

Modern-day King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, they are The Kingsmen—a secret group of British aristocratic super spies led by "Arthur" (Michael Caine). When it's time to recruit a new "Lancelot," Harry Hart (Colin Firth), or "Galahad," defies the noble, high-class requirement to become a Kingsman and recruits a crass, troubled, ill-bred hoodlum, Eggsy (newcomer Taron Egerton), his former colleague's son.

Meanwhile, while the Kingsman intense training program for the recruits is taking place, Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson), a lisping tech billionaire businessman with a Messianic complex, is plotting a ridiculous and horrific solution to global warming. Soon, Harry and Eggsy find themselves trying to thwart Valentine's scheme—but first they must get past his assistant, the dangerous razor-foot Gazelle (model-turned-actress Sofia Boutella).

The villainous team of Gazelle (Sofia Boutella) and Valentine (Samuel Jackson).

Loosely based on Mark Millar's comic book, Kingsman: The Secret Service is one hell of an entertaining romp. Directed and written by Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class, Kick-Ass), it's a highly stylized, fast-paced, action-packed adventure, interspersed with humor and CGI-riddled long-take violent scenes. The entire cast is engaging to watch, with Firth a delight; Jackson, obviously having uber fun with his character; and newcomers Egerton and Boutella impressive for their first time acting stint, providing the necessary flair, danger and captivating power.

Moviegoers who get queasy with violence might cringe with the brutal scenes, but the movie is not about violence, and it's even done so with a comical style, which downplays its gravity and brutality, making it fun rather than gruesome.

A mix of elegance, Old World, modernity, comedy and thrilling action-adventure, Kingsman: The Secret Service is one slick, snazzy super-fun spy flick that doesn't take itself too seriously. A compact, solid, and playful storytelling that makes this film truly enjoyable.

4 out of 5 stars

In cinemas February 18, 2015, including in IMAX theaters