Kingsman: The Secret Service

Release Date: Feb 13, 2015 
Runtime: 2 hr. 9 min. 
Director: Matthew Vaughn 
Cast: Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Taron Egerton, Michael Caine, Mark Strong, Mark Hamill.

Mix 007 with a shot of manic adrenaline and you get "Kingsman," a rollicking spy flick with a gory twist. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the visionary behind "Kick-Ass," it's another hyper-stylized thrill ride that rallies to please. Paying homage to past films and current alike, there's a little something for anyone who's seeking a mindless escape. Starring a usually debonair Colin Firth as a lethal secret agent, it's his unexpected swagger that irrevocably steals the spotlight. Eradicating bad guys in a methodical manner, he joins the ranks of Liam Neeson in gentlemen turned rogue. Rounding out the cast are other notable Brits – the always respectable Michael Caine and invariable Mark Strong. They add a broadened sophistication that complements the tone, while concurrently conflicting with the more graphic elements of the film. If you're familiar with "Kick-Ass," then that should come as no surprise, as Vaughn outshines at crafting artful violence. The accelerated scenes are exhilarating to watch, though not always on par with the occasional wane in story. As for the eminent villain, it's a subjective hit or miss, as Samuel L. Jackson takes on a particularly quirky persona. While befitting for a comedy, his character here feels out of place – neither iconic nor memorable as Bond antagonists typically go. Nonetheless, "Kingsman" is the first real fun of the year, a good precursor to the summer ahead of us. As Vaughn has already stated the possibility of a sequel, this could be the new era of British intelligence.

Rating: 3½ stars