Kingsman - Manners Maketh Man

Kingsman: The Secret Service, released in 2014, is possibly best described as a mix between Kill Bill and Austin Powers, but there is just no sufficient answer to the question what this movie actually is. First and foremost, it is a comic adaptation and a James Bond parody (directed by Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn). However, it is not as goofy as most parodies in recent years, and not really subtle either, but less quirky. In contrast to a James Bond movie, not everyone here is a gentleman, but everyone certainly tries to be. And in the middle of it all, you will find yourself inside a kind-of zombie apocalypse. 

Harry "Galahad" Hart (Colin Firth) doesn't like having his conversation interrupted. Pub: Very Bri'ish. Source.

 

The movie starts off with a young man (played by Taron Egerton) from a troubled family who gets recruited by a mysterious organization directly alleged to the British Crown. He, the proletarian underdog among his highly educated peers, has to undergo a brutal training somewhat reminiscent of the Hunger Games, but – spoiler alert! – fails. In the meantime, a criminal mastermind – Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) – prepares everything to secure the success of his evil plan. Jackson portrays an interesting mixture of apple-generation entrepreneur and tacky hip hopper: A distinctly American villain. His style mirrors our street-smart hero's origins and bourgeois aspirations at the same time. 

 

His plan (which won't be spoiled here) seems more sophisticated than most other evil plans, because it has a more profound vision overall (he has a bit of an Agent Smith vibe going on). In fact, it might make you think, and although Valentine’s designs are still, well, pretty evil, his motivation is not purely selfish. The ruthless temptress at his side (Soufia Boutella) plays a perfect counterpart to Valentine who, highly ironically, cannot stand watching physical violence. 

Gary "Eggsy" Unwin (Taron Egerton) and evil genius Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) meet for the first time. Source.

The movie is fast paced, has just the right amount of humour and comes up with a lot of fresh ideas (the narration is rather conventional, however) and enjoyable mind-blowing plot twists. Otherwise, it is a rather standard action movie coming with a neglectable number of minor logical flaws. Kingsman is, nevertheless, among the best the genre has to offer and certainly knows how to entertain. Highly recommended.