Filmgoers are enticed by action films with the elite hero, such as James Bond and Batman—wealthy, well dressed, resourceful, relentless, an Olympic-grade athlete, with an arsenal of gadgets. We fall for it every time! It’s every sort of wish fulfillment rolled into one. Moreover, the creation of a central villain (and interesting henchmen) allows for simple resolutions in most cases. The bad guy is defeated and peace is restored. While paranoia about terrorism and global conspiracies rises, this simplified good-vs-evil narrative is an escapist pleasure in itself.
Interestingly, Bond and Batman have gotten grittier in recent years, still looking slick while kicking butt, but existing in a morally grey space. There is less of that apparent in Kingsman: The Secret Service, the latest comic book adaptation directed by Matthew Vaughn (Snatch, X-men: First Class), which goes full on with video-game-like fight scenes and high style. Dapper men’s fashion, arms technology and British gentility unite against a billionaire mastermind…and, naturally, the hero is plucked out Cinderella-like to discover his latent powers. The only thing more tailored than the suits is the script itself—for an audience of young adults.
The gist: Harry Hart (Colin Firth) recruits Eggsy (Taron Egerton)—a gifted dropout turned street punk—to train and join an elite secret service team “The Kingsman,” but before the young talent is accepted he must prove to be a gentleman, an excellent marksman and a quick-witted combatant. They are, as Firth’s character says in the film, “the new knights.” Naturally, it doesn’t take all that long for a prodigy like Eggsy to prove himself—even to the elite, private school recruits—which is good, because the world soon needs saving.
Class issues and chivalry, nostalgia for the courtly British empire, it’s all presented in the least challenging way. It may not be an innovation, but it’s a polished, glamorous popcorn flick with blockbuster flair for the dead of winter. (With more Marvel movies coming, the producers are wise to not pit mere mortals against mutants and gods.) For those who like action flicks but prefer more human heroes (think Wanted and Kick Ass), Kingsman is a good bet—especially if you are a sucker for men’s fashion and English accents.
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The Kingsmen
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Cast: Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 129 mins
Release Year: 2015
Country Of Origin: United Kingdom
