Very fun action comedy

Rating: 8/10 (2 January 2018)

'Kingsman' is fun - it's a modern take on action/adventure save-the-world films and while it pays homage to the Bond films, it isn't a direct knock-off of them. The director Vaughn also "rebooted" superhero films recently ('X-Men: First Class' & 'Kick Ass') and is helped ably by this film being based on another Mark Millar (Wanted, Kick Ass, Secret Service) graphic novel, which means you're guaranteed excessive violence and unexpected plot twists. I hope they keep turning his graphic novels into films!
Like any good spy movie, it starts with a ridiculous 'evil genius' - Valentine (Jackson, with a hilarious lisp & wardrobe) - plan: use a neurotransmitter to make people homicidally violent and wipe out the majority of the human race to save the planet from climate change. Then comes the secret spy agency that no government even knows about - the Kingsmen, led by Arthur (Caine). Their top agent Galahad/Harry (Firth, great to see him playing against type) who recruits Eggsy (newcomer Egerton) and we get to see him go through trials until he becomes a "gentleman Kingsman". Some very nice suits, gadgetry and locations are used to impress that "manners maketh the man".
There are quite a few differences between the film and the graphic novel, but they don't detract from what is a simple, well-made, fast-paced action film, with plenty of wit and comedy thrown in for good measure. All the actors are great and Jackson seems to relish being the crazy villain. I hope there's sequels to follow! The 'fireworks' scene at the end is exceptional & hilarious. Also - only nine months until we get to see Mark Hamill again!