Wasted Potential

Rating: 3/10 (7 March 2015)

What could have been an engaging cross between James Bond and Marvel comics is marred by misplaced vulgarity, over-the-top gore, and the ineptitude of Samuel L. Jackson. The premise of twenty-somethings vying for a spot in a secret society of British super agents is promising, but the storyline moves disjointedly between comedy/adventure and Pulp Fiction-like violence. Colin Firth shines as the veteran Kingsman, and Taron Egerton and Sophie Cookson are fine as Kingsman candidates, but Jackson is a lame villain who doesn't have the charm or acting chops to fill his role. A movie like this needs a Hans Gruber, and Jackson is no Alan Rickman. "Kingsman: The Secret Service" is a good idea; with the right script and a compelling villain it could have been much better.