Kingsman: The Secret Service Review

Hollywood is a cynical place where artists visions are compromised by studio accountants, and there’s nothing worse than a compromised piece of art. Matt Vaughn produces and self-finances all his own work meaning his films are made entirely without compromise, and my god does it show. Kingsman is a manic film, the idea of a playful spy film is taken and then pumped with a toxic cocktail of cocaine and adrenaline. Its helped by a strong cast including the immensely likeable newcomer Taron Egerton, and old hands such as Colin Firth, Michael Caine, Mark Strong and a sibilant Samuel L. Jackson. There are 2 particular sequences which are nothing short of exceptional, it will be a tall order for a cinematic moment this year to top the glory of Colin Firth killing a church load of people in emphatic style to the tune of Lynnrd Skynnrd. There are drawbacks however, the frantic nature of the film leaves aspects feeling underdeveloped, and although it touches on some interesting points concerning the class system in Britain and the essence of being a gentleman, it doesn’t seem like it spends enough time on developing them. The film begs a sequel, and seeing something so completely uncompromised I would be the first one to book my ticket. (High 4 Stars)