Another entertaining film about spies.
The British can be proud of their secret services... at least, they are the ones that turn out to be the most appealing for cinema. Not even the CIA has that much attention from the seventh art. Much of this attention comes from the 007 franchise, but there are other films, like the 1998 “Avengers” (not the Marvel franchise) and now this film.
If manners make the man, as said in the film, the script makes the film. It all starts when a troubled young man is approached by a gentleman who knew his father, and who offers him a way to change his life and not be a bully. This “blue pill, red pill” moment marks his recruitment into Kingsman, a bizarre private spy agency created behind a renowned gentlemen's tailoring business. They're probably the best dressed and most recognizable spies in the world of fictional espionage. However, soon after becoming a secret agent, he will have to save his agency, and obviously the world, from a villain called Valentine.
Directed with great care by Matthew Vaughn, the film is a bizarre cross between a common teen film and James Bond. It could be a terrible mix, but this was skillfully considered and based on good quality existing material. In general, I liked the film: it's very entertaining thanks to tons of action and meticulously choreographed fights. There is no shortage of weapons, for all tastes and ammunition, elegant cars and the usual spy gadgets that solve any problem, such as an umbrella that serves as a weapon and a bulletproof shield. The mark of greatest excellence goes, however, to the choice of filming locations and the design of the costumes (whoever made Colin Firth's costumes had exceptional good taste), the sets and props, where technology, creativity and classic style blends very well. The soundtrack, with an epic tone, suits the environment, and the visual effects and CGI are good. A note of warning: the film has some scenes with very graphic content.
The film features Colin Firth in another impeccable work, where he shows all his energy and, also, his unmistakable elegance. It was a job that could only be challenging if we consider the action scenes, which he did almost without stunts because, in fact, the character itself is within what the actor likes to do regularly: the typical imperturbable English gentleman. Taron Egerton is young enough for the role and mature enough not to look like just a kid. He does what is needed and ensures decent work, but he is not able to keep up with mature actors. Samuel L. Jackson is an effective villain and seems to be having so much fun with the job that it gives a dark sadistic touch to the way he plays the character. Mark Strong and Sir Michael Caine are equally magnificent additions who fill the film with charisma and impact.