(spoiler free)
Matthew Vaughn has yet to put a foot wrong in terms of his directorial career. However he’s also never directed a sequel to one of his own films, maybe this is the secret to his success? When the sequel to ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ was announced I was both excited & nervous. I didn’t want another ‘Kick-Ass 2’ situation so was relieved that Vaughn was returning to direct this sequel. So with the reassurance of Vaughn returning and a massive injection of star power into the already impressive cast ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ was looking like it was suited and booted for success!
This time round the Kingsmen are up against villain Poppy Adams, played by Julianne Moore, the leader of a global drug organisation know as the Golden Circle. Much like it’s predecessor and probably more so the narrative here is over the top & far fetched but that’s all part of the fun. It’s maybe not quite as self-aware as the first film, some of its meta storytelling might have been helpful once again here. Thankfully though despite the quite eccentric main plot Moore really sells it with her villainous performance, more about her later though. Aside from the main story line this sequel has a number of subplots, which hold varying degrees of success. Although when viewed collectively I thought the inclusion of so many did somewhat slow the pace of the movie and robbed it of some of it’s energy. Sometimes simplicity is the key and I think some restraint in the writing might have been useful as at times it just feels like there is too much going on. None of these subplots are unbearable though and the inclusion of the wonderful comedy that was present in the original always makes this sequel entertaining. The Elton John gags get a little old though.
In the lead up to the release of ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ it seemed that there was a new addition to the cast every time you looked online. Of these new additions Julianne Moore is easily the best. Her 50s obsessed villain, Poppy, is great fun and all of her scenes are joyfully entertaining. She’s not underused but I would have liked to have seen her get a little more screen time, in place of one of the subplots maybe. Channing Tatum also joins this sequel, his role is comparatively small compared to the rest of the cast which is a mighty shame as he’s well suited to his role as an agent in the American version of the Kingsmen. Of course rising star, Taron Egerton returns as the films main protagonist Eggsy. He reprises his role with the same enthusiasm he brought the first time round, holding his own against the rest of the all star cast. It’s brilliant to see Colin Firth return also. Harry Hart is one of his best film characters and when Firth and Egerton share the screen the film is always at it’s strongest. The supporting cast which includes Mark Strong, Halle Berry and Jeff Bridges, to name a few, all contribute well too making sure that this isn’t a film with a big named cast to overcompensate for the film itself!
The original film provided us with some of the best action sequences we’ve seen in recent years on the big screen so could the sequel follow suit? Similarly the action sequences featured here are incredibly impressive and always striving for creativity. The bookends of the film are definitely the highlights in terms of the action. If recent spy flicks have been a bit too serious for you ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ won’t disappoint as it does not hold back with the gadgets. It’s at times bonkers stuff but the tone carries it off effortlessly and the content never feels out of place. When set against the adventurous sounds of the brilliant theme music the action only enhances. Not to mention the use of some other popular music in the film too, always adding to the wonderful sense of fun present
So whilst not his strongest directorial effort ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ still continues Vaughn’s fantastic run in the directors chair. He’s succeeded in proving that these characters and premise have serious worth as a series of films. The writing could have been slightly more tailored but any issues that arise from this are easily forgivable thanks to the tremendous cast and boisterous action. With a third film already planned and Vaughn eying Dwayne Johnson for the villain it looks like there’s no stopping this series and that’s nothing but music to my ears.
Written by Hamish Calvert
Rating 8/10
Question: What is your favourite Matthew Vaughn film?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)
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