The action spy comedy featuring cast members Colin Firth, Channing Tatum and Halle Berry was released in the UK in September. The film has already grossed $290 million worldwide but the much-anticipated sequel has received some mixed reviews.
The first movie ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ introduced us to a whirlwind of laughter, gentlemanly style and a whole lot of fabulous Samuel L. Jackson one liners. Its sequel brings forth much of the same wit and unique aesthetic, but, misses the mark in terms of fluidity in the storyline and general feeling.
The Golden Circle provides a jarring ride from start to finish – literally. The intense shaky camera techniques used during the action sequences can push you way out of the story. It becomes almost confusing and predictable with the shots being used. You do start to become exasperated by the numerous slow-motion shaky action takes. I believe the producers and director caught wind of the popularity attached to the infamous Colin Firth ‘Church scene’ and thought it great to over-saturate the sequel with the same visual style. From a personal standpoint, Matthew Vaughn shows his distinctive direction in these elegant and adrenaline pumping scenes and it shouldn’t be a constant within the movie. I feel over-whelming the film with a surplus of such dazzling sequences turns them stale. You are no longer entranced but bored.
The movie keeps in line with its predecessor regarding their wit and overall intoxicating foolishness. You cannot help but be stunned into laughter by the running gags and blatant ridicule of itself. This movie is amazing at humbling its’ characters through mockery. No stereotype is left unsullied. Prime examples include ‘The Statesman’ costume designs and a certain celebrity cameo. The music choices also bring a varying degree of giddiness as they enhanced certain comedic performances i.e. the celebrity cameo.
The Kingsman characters, overall, were nurtured excellently. They received emotive scenes and dialogue as well as the expected humorous ones. You understood their motives and –somewhat- misguided direction to their goals. The statesman on the other hand whilst interesting were developed with a vague laziness. You were intrigued but not necessarily satisfied with their time on the screen.
To describe Kingsman: The Golden Circle as a below-average sequel is not giving the film its due credit. It provides emotion, a sometimes-clumsy storyline, an impossibly unique take to the spy genre and an overall highly amusing movie to watch. It is very engaging if not a bit cringe-inducing to watch at times. You will be dizzy from the intense action scenes and in absolute hysterics by the following ludicrous ones. You will be leaving this crazy slick of a film - unsatisfied in expectations but still smiling all the same.