First Take: Kingsman: The Golden Circle- manners maketh a sequel

Spoiler free as usual. Because spoiling some of this film would be a crime.

SYNOPSIS-

When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, the Kingsman’s journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US. These two elite secret organizations must band together to defeat a common enemy.

So, here we are with Kingsman 2. The critics have been very mixed about the film, and with good reason- for many this has been the most eagerly anticipated film of 2017. And now that I’m fresh out of screen 5 after the first official release day show (which was subjected to a few minor technical glitches), I can say this: this film succeeds in its goal to excel the original, however, some plot points are a little too topical for their own good.

Vaughn once again directs the film with ease, pacing the film very well and delivering a film that shares the same stylistic charm as the 2015 sleeper hit, and working with Jane Goldman on the script, the film takes us to places I never thought I’d see in a 15 rated film- sure, a lot of plot elements from the first film are given a new twist, and yes, the action is more over the top, but some key plot points that I’ll be divulging in next week’s Director’s Cut post ring a little too true to recent events.

The same team of behind the scenes talent returns for the ‘difficult second film’, with George Richmond nailing it yet again behind the camera, and the pairing of Henry Jackman and Matt Margeson providing the score- and the soundtrack is just immense. I can’t say more than that.

Performance wise, the cast are good, and I know a lot of critics have been questioning the lack of proper use for the bigger names- but this is arguably Taron Egerton’s big Hollywood moment. With returning cast members Mark Strong, Sophie Cookson and Colin Firth on hand, this film cements Egerton as one of the most versatile actors working today. New additions include Jeff Bridges, Halle Berry and Channing Tatum as the American equivalents of the Kingsman agency and Julianne Moore as a decent villain, but the surprise was Elton John’s cameo. Now, to go into detail about his role would spoil the surprise, but you’ll never see him in the same way again. To sum the film up, if you blend the Austin Powers films with the political correctness of today’s society, you have a good idea of what The Golden Circle is like.

THE VERDICT

I thoroughly enjoyed the full 2 hour 21 minute runtime of this one, unlike the majority of other critics- and while it may not feel as unique and daring as the original, Kingsman 2 is a really good standalone film, and just happens to tie up a lot of loose ends from the original. Will there be a 3rd film? Probably, the crowds I seen waiting for the next showing after mine say it all- this is going to be another great success.

RATING- 4.5/5