Solid and entertaining film...not your average spy movie

Rating: 7/10 (19 March 2015)

Expect cheeky man whore spies and equally convoluted spy movie clichés? Kingsman: The Secret Service is not that type of spy movie.
Slated for an American release in February amongst the lame romantic comedies and other dud-like films released in the dead of winter, Kingsman: The Secret Service shocks all by being quite a great movie.
Kingsman is the name of the super secret espionage agency that polices the world and England in anonymity and without recognition. Only the most intellectual, moralistic, and talented are able to join this selectively reputable group. And, of course you must be invited and pass their highly competitive and rigorous training program. For this year's recruits, Galahad (played by Colin Firth) chooses Gary 'Eggsy' Unwin (Taron Egerton), a rough around the edges hooligan with promise, to represent him amidst the rest of spy- hopefuls. Meanwhile a new 'bad guy' is ready to unleash his evil twisted plan and effectively destroy the world.
We've all seen a spy movie, and if you haven't, you just simply must let me know where you found your rock. Gone are the tactical plot points and character archetypes, and instead Kingsman: The Secret Service is a refreshingly good, novel and entertaining film. The plot is linear, unlike most spy movies of recent time, and it makes for a very clean and captivating film.
What is a spy movie without a protagonist, villain and killer action scenes? Colin Firth makes for the quintessential 'seasoned' spy while Taron Egerton makes for the perfect 'cheeky' anti-hero. Both have amazing chemistry and play well off one another while being engaging enough to continue garnering the audience's attention during solo scenes.
And now, for the action. At first I thought Colin Firth had somehow managed to nonchalantly steal the award for best fight scene in an espionage film and then Taron Egerton showed up, a secondary dark horse in the running. The fight coordination is fast, concise and without flourish but stylized for a flare seemingly unique to Kingsman: The Secret Service.
Admittedly, I was on the fence about this film going in. The trailer looked sick, and Colin Firth has never known to make a heinous misstepbut a spy movie in February that was more superficial and light than its dark and edgy peers? I was happily proved wrong, if you will, and Kingsman: The Secret Service is sure to entertain. I just hope there is a sequel/prequel.
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