The Daniel Craig “Bond” movies should certainly take some lessons from the “Kingsman” franchise on how to make a spy thriller for the modern audience. There are enough gritty dramatic espionage movies. I don’t want that, I want my spy movies to remind me of the ridiculousness and campiness of the old Bond movies (like “Goldeneye”). People go to the movies to have fun, and this is something that “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” has figured out.
If you’re seeing the new Kingsman movie it’s probably because you liked the first one, and how could you not? The original, “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” is hilarious, has a great soundtrack (featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd and Dire Straits to name a few) and (in my humble opinion) one of the best choreographed and well-filmed fight scenes in the history of modern cinema. It’s one steady shot, with no cutaways. Seriously, if you’re a fan of action movies, Google “Kingsman church scene” if you haven’t seen it already. If you enjoyed the first film, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. It doubles down on what was good about the first iteration.
That’s not to say that it didn’t have any problems. If you want to go into this movie knowing nothing about it, then as far as you’re concerned the review stops here. I will be discussing plot points and some minor spoilers.
“Kingsman: The Golden Circle” takes place after the majority of the kingsmen have died in a fiery explosion implemented by the movie’s villain, Poppy (Julianne Moore: “The Big Lebowski,” “Jurassic Park”). The surviving kingsmen, Eggsy (Taron Egerton: “Kingsman: The Secret Service”) and Merlin (Mark Strong: “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” “The Brother’s Grimsby”) have to ask for help from their American cousins, called “statesman.”
This sequel also sees the return of Colin Firth’s character, agent Harry Hart. I already mentioned that the film stars Julianne Moore and Mark Strong, but this movie really has the star power. Several of the statesmen agents are played by Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges, Colin Firth and even a surprise cameo from Elton John. Unfortunately, I don’t feel like these characters are explored as much as they could be, especially in the case of Channing Tatum who was present in most of the promotional material but is barely in the movie. The performances are a mixed bag. Colin Firth is on point (as always) and Taron Egerton’s character seems to have really developed since the last film.
I had several other minor issues with the movie, it seems to have a flip-floppy stance on drug use and some scenes that are designed to draw a laugh instead illicit a cringe. But if you don’t mind these small problems and are looking to see a movie that’s as fun as it is smooth, you shouldn’t miss “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.”