MOVIE REVIEW: “Kingsman: The Secret Service “

Running Time: 2 hours and 9 minutes

Rated: R for strong language

Directed By: Matthew Vaughn

Grade: B

Starring:

Colin Firth as Harry Hart/Galahad

Taron Egerton as Gary ‘Eggsy’ Unwin

Mark Strong as Merlin

Samantha Womack as Michelle Unwin

Mark Hamill as Professor Arnold

Sofia Boutella as Gazelle

Samuel L. Jackson as Richmond Valentine

Sophie Cookson as Roxy

and Sir Michael Caine as Arthur/Chester King

You are about to embark on the most dangerous job interview in the world.

After a fellow kingsman perishes during a mission in the Middle East, Harry Hart hand delivers the bravery medal to the kingsman’s widow. Struck by grief, the widow would not accept it so Harry gives the medal to her young son known as Eggsy. Seventeen years later, Eggsy is an unemployed street thug who dropped out of the Royal Marines at his mother’s request. When Eggsy gets arrested for stealing a car, he calls the number on the back of his bravery medal which summons Harry to the rescue. Harry offers Eggsy the chance to become a Kingsman by presenting him for the training programme led by senior Kingsman, Merlin. Meanwhile, internet billionaire (Richmond Valentine) is up to no good when VIPs from around the world are disappearing and he is giving out free SIM cards that allow unlimited access to the internet and cellular service for life. If he and his henchwoman (Gazelle) have their way, the ‘for life’ part of the deal will not be for long.

Mankind is a virus and I’m the cure.

Add Kingsman: The Secret Service to my list of very well-done comic book to big screen movies. Even though many of the characters have been changed or omitted, the writers constructed a story as fine as the tailored suits in the film. The script is as sharp as Gazelle’s prosthetics with witty lines and just enough humor to take the edge off of the serious scenes. Colin Firth was an excellent choice for the gentleman spy as was Taron Egerton as his protege. Samuel L. Jackson was hilarious as the bad guy with a lisp (which he added on his own). No spy movie would be complete without ingenious gadgets and plenty of action that overflow in Tarantino-style. Manners maketh the man. Do you know what that means? Then go see this one! ~Movie Buffette