Kingsman

This trailer seemed to me to be a compilation of the best bits of the movie. I've seen that before: all the best parts are in the trailer and then the actual movie itself is disappointing. Not so, this time. 

The trailer is actually an artfully pieced teaser that does not match the chronological events, so even in the parts that were in the trailer you're surprised by little twists and quirks. It heightened the pleasure of the clip. Odd quirk, that, in itself!

Movie: Kingsman: The Secret Service
Actors: Colin Firth, Samuel L Jackson, Michael Caine
Director: Matthew Vaughn.
Blurb: Based upon the acclaimed comic book and directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kick Ass, X-Men First Class), Kingsman: The Secret Service tells the story of a super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency's ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius

In a word: terrific! 

I absolutely loved the clever way they brought out the opening credits, so funny! The action kicks off almost immediately and keeps on building, but with enough lulls that you don't end up hyperventilating. Phew!

Colin Firth would not be my first choice of "action hero" and I have to admit I was somewhat concerned about his role here. Would the movie be a parody? A farce? It is neither. Firth brings a mature confidence to the Bond-esque world of international spy movies and he is excellent. The fight scene in the church was bloody marvelous, and Firth has new respect from me for his ability to hold his own in a much wider repertoire than merely romantic comedies!

Speaking of Bond (as in the James variety) made me compare this film to the Bond genre, and it compares very favorably indeed! It has the serious-spy-movie-ness of Sean Connery or Timothy Dalton combined with the self-denigrating humor of Roger Moore or Pierce Brosnan, all rolled up into a contemporary action package to make Daniel Craig jealous and that made me seriously consider consigning Mr Bond to second place in the category. If they come up with a Kingsman 2 option that holds to this caliber, this lifelong Bond fan might switch allegiance!

Samuel L. Jackson's lisp made him seem almost effeminate and his role was the only one that seemed to be miscast, at worst, at best merely an uncomfortable fit. I'm sure he had a marvelous time in the role, his enjoyment is apparent. I'm not sure that he was the actor they'd originally had in mind for it, though. 

The end scene was so obvious, it was almost ludicrous. It was done so marvelously, though, that I enjoyed it immensely!

Overall, two thumbs up on this one. A great movie that I look forward to watching again!