Set aside, James Bond. aside, James Bond.
Time to retire, Sherlock Holmes.
The Kingsman, those well-tailored British super sleuths are back with an inevitable sequel—or continuation as press statements would have you believe—and are out to save the world once again.
This action comedy film is co-produced and directed by Matthew Vaughn (“Kick-Ass”) and like its 2015 namesake “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” (which raked in more than $414 million on a production budget of $81 million) is based on the comic book of the same name, created by Dave Gibbons and Mark Millar.
As with its predecessor in “Secret Service,” the razor-sharp screenplay was written by Vaughn and Jane Goldman and returns the dead Colin Firth as Harry Hart (who is the first film was shot in the face but the bullet only penetrated his left eye); Taron Egerton as “Eggsy” one of the leading super agents and the film’s protagonist as well as Mark Strong (“Green Lantern”) as Merlin, Eggsy’s original trainer and tech wizard.The Kingsman are united in their fight against evil with their American counterparts … the Statesmen.
Making their first appearance in the series and adding more “marrow” to the American side are Jeff Bridges (“Starman”) as Champagne “Champ”; Channing Tatum (“Magic Mike”) as secret agent Tequila and the luscious Halle Berry (“X-Men”) rounding out “Team USA” as “Ginger” the American tech guru.
All combined are at odd with the Golden Circle, led by the lead villain, Academy Award Winner Julianne Moore (“Hunger Games”). Well, when you are the head of a global criminal organization, the previously mentioned Ms. Moore—or “Poppy”—does what any respectable evil genius would do.
Bomb the heck out of the Kingsman Tailor Shop in downtown London which is the front for the super-agent headquarters located deep underneath—as is their fabulous mansion which trains all of their agents—located in the English country side.
Kaboom! Affectively killing every Kingsman agent–with the exception of the newly resurrected Hart, Eggsy and Merlin–the Brits are then forced to head east “across the pond” to America where they join forces with their US-counterparts, the Statesmen.
As in the original, Vaughn relies heavily on the editing skills of Eddie Hamilton who has been in the darkroom for the director in all of his films.
Just as in the original, expect instant film cuts and no “flab” of long lingering shots of people gazing into the sunset. Lensing the film is also one of the world’s best in George Richmond who is known for his work in the 22nd James Bond outing “Quantum of Solace” and “Wanted.”
Of course none of these people behind the scenes mean anything to the average filmgoer, but trust me when I tell you that you are in for a real treat with this edition of the Kingsman as “The Golden Circle” as good looking a production that you will ever see.
As special treat is Elton John playing a film version of himself. And there is a cute little romance going on between Eggsy and Princess Tilda (Hanna Alström) of whom was saved at the end of “Secret Service” by the dashing young hero. Great fun.
However, I was pained not to see Sir Michael Caine (“The Dark Knight”) who at the tender young age of 83, is one of filmdom’s highest quality actors. His presence is sorely missed in “The Golden Circle” but as said previously, Vaughn keeps the action sizzling and moving quickly for its 141 minute running time.
In case you were wondering (and not giving anything away from the Earth exploding), yes there are plans for a third “Kingsman” outing.
All in all, a great time will be had as this film critic thoroughly loved “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” and can certainly recommend it to anyone over the age of 17.
The younger set should be kept far away as the violence meter is at “Extreme” in this one. Enjoy!
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