Hyperviolent cartoonish fun

Rating: 8/10 (13 February 2015)

The second film directed by Matthew Vaughn to be based on a Mark Millar-penned graphic novel series after 2010's insanely brilliant 'Kick-Ass', 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' maintains the former film's stylish mix of pitch black comedy, ultra-violence and creative narrative twists.
Essentially a send-up of many classic British spy franchises (most prominently 007), 'Kingsman' focuses on a veteran secret agent (Colin Firth) taking on an inexperienced apprentice (Taron Egerton), with both individuals coming up against a diabolical billionaire (Samuel L. Jackson). The plot's been done to death thousands of times before, but 'Kingsman's' unique self-referential humor and willingness to cross narrative boundaries and defy genre clichÃ©s makes it stand out amid a sea of mediocre espionage films.
I was initially worried that Eggsy, the apprentice and the film's main protagonist, was going to be unlikable due to his somewhat arrogant nature, however ultimately Egeton is able to make him a worthy hero by providing the right amount of charm and vulnerability. Colin Firth fits right in as the old-fashioned, gentlemanly Harry Hart, but in some places leaps out of this familiar territory to become a ruthlessly brutal action juggernaut. Samuel L. Jackson is also a terrific watch, with his prominent lisp and aversion to the sight of blood making him a highly unconventional but highly watchable and entertaining villain.
As mentioned earlier, like in 'Kick-Ass' before it, 'Kingsman' is genuinely shocking and brutal in certain stages. At other points, over-the-top, ridiculously well-choreographed violence is fused with the film's morbid sense of humor, providing yet another unique viewing experience from Matthew Vaughn. Like his other productions, the success of 'Kingsman' lies largely in its ability to not take itself too seriously, as well as its tendency to both pay homage to and make fun of the other films that have inspired it's creation.
Even though it's still relatively early to tell, 'Kingsman' will easily be considered one of the best action films of the year.