The spy version of Kick Ass

Rating: 10/10 (30 January 2015)

Wrote this elsewhere. Copying cause I don't feel like doing a new one
I'll start this by saying that this may not be for everyone. Metacritic currently has it at a 75/100 which is understandable. The movie can probably be best described as the campy James Bond type spy movie for the modern age. It takes the risks that no Bond movie will probably ever take again (not since the disaster that Die Another Day was). They make no attempt to hide this and halfway through the movie make it pretty clear that it's what the film is going for without breaking the fourth wall. Until it...kind of does break the fourth wall a little. To enjoy the film you're gonna have to turn off whatever part of your brain governs rationality and skepticism. Because the tech and gadgets used here will cause your eyes to roll if you're expecting this to be a Skyfall style spy movie.
Seeing posters for this did nothing for me when I first heard about it. Then the trailers grabbed my attention. What I wasn't expecting was just how violent it was going to be. The action sequences are over the top to the point where the agents are superhuman. Again, you're gonna have to turn your brain off a little to enjoy it. If you're incapable of doing so, just don't bother seeing it. If you can, I think you'll enjoy it. Most of the theater who got advanced screening tickets applauded quite loudly. Twice. They applauded the first credit screen then partway through it there was a bonus scene. More applause at the end.
I'm not quite sure how Colin Firth has never been cast as a gentleman secret agent before. He absolutely nails it. Samuel L. Jackson is actually pretty delightful as the villain with a disdain of violence (not exactly a spoiler as this detail of his character was in trailers). Micheal Caine is actually a touch disappointing in his role. I feel like they really underutilized his talents. Wasn't expecting Mark Hamill to be in it, but was pleased with his appearance, and his British accent was completely believable. If I hadn't seen pictures of Hamill prepping for Star Wars 7 I would've thought he was just some random British middle aged actor. Mark Strong was solid in his role but nothing too fantastic. The big surprise to me was Taron Egerton (who I had to look up, I'll admit), the lead of the film. The guy who kind of looks like Josh Hutcherson. It honestly is quite impressive to see him go from this British "bruv" to towards the end of the movie a sophisticated secret agent with honestly, the charm and wit of James Bond. The transformation is believable and impressive. Looking back on the movie that may be my favorite thing about it and given that he's only...24 (I think?) I don't think it's completely absurd to consider him to eventually replace Daniel Craig. Maybe he's not the best choice but he's made my list. Might not grow out of his boyish face, but if he does he should get a call.
Anyway aside from the individual performances, the movie's plot is completely ludicrous (in a fun way), the violence is over stylized, but the humor is quite fun. After seeing all the comedies I've seen. certain jokes are just predictable and Kingsman has its share, but some jokes are quite surprising.
TL;DR summary: Intentionally campy, a lot of fun if you don't expect a serious spy film, quite funny, super violent at times (I can only really compare it to 300...actually no this is more like a spy version of Kick-Ass really, but it's not quite as gory) more entertaining than most movies I saw last year. If there's a sequel, I will watch it. Also Sophie Cookson may just be my new celebrity crush. And also my ticket was free through the advanced screening service I'm signed up for but when I find time, I'm gonna pay to see it again...in 13 ****ing days.
EDIT: back to the Kick Ass comparison, I think if this is well enough received as it was for me and the friend I took to see it, it may enjoy the same cult classic status. Luckily for...it. It will come way before the big blockbusters of 2015 will hit theaters. May give it enough time to gain that appreciation. In my personal opinion, it's better than Kick Ass.