KINGSMAN THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

SEQUEL NOT AS SLICK

 

Film review by Fiore

It’s never easy to make a sequel as compelling as the original.  KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE makes a most valiant effort, but cannot live up to the level established by the first.  To be sure, it’s chock full of action sequences, over the top storylines, a bevy of new stars and characters and eye-goggling special effects, but the movie suffers, as most sequels do, in repeating too many of the ploys and gimmicks that made KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE one of the top films of the year.

PLOT AND STARS:

 

Eggsy, again played by Taron Egerton, is living an idyllic life with Princess Tilda, played by Hanna Alstrom, when a former Kingsman trainee, Charlie Hesketh, played by Edward Holcroft, unleashes a vicious attack on the Kingsman organization.  The maneuver forces Eggsy and Merlin, again played by the uber talented Mark Strong, to join with their American counterparts, the Statesman. 

With the introduction of Stateman, new stars enter the espionage world of the well-dressed, well-mannered spy.  “Champ” is played by Jeff Bridges, who seems to be having a lot of fun in his role, playing a lighter version of his character from HELL OR HIGH WATER.  Channing Tatum, Halle Berry and Pedro Pascal play his top agents.

The villainess in Poppy, played by Julianne Moore.  She has taken over the illegal drug business, and is holding all drug users hostage for an antidote, only she can provide.  Julianne, whether playing protagonist or antagonist, is always delicious on screen.

Most surprising of the newcomers is Sir Elton John.  He appears as himself, but in a completely unexpected fashion.  Poppy kidnaps John so he can perform constantly for her.  John, like Salma Hayek in HITMAN’S BODYGUARD is so over the top, he steals the show.  His fight scene is particularly funny.

PARTICULARS:

As established in the first film, KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE is filled with parquour and gymnastic techniques, cleverly mixed with slow motion cameras, to enhance absolutely impossible physical feats.  The cinematography is first rate, with the exception of the snow lift sequence where the matting is suspect.

The film’s biggest flaw is its length.  While old characters are reestablished and new characters are introduced, the film endures for two and a half hours, which is a good 45 minutes too long.  Poor editing results in unnecessary and over extended scenes.

REPORT CARD:

ACTING = B

CINEMATOGRAPHY = B

SOUND/MUSIC = A

EDITING = D

LIGHTING = C

SCRIPT = B

SFX = B

ACTION = B

 

SUMMARY: 

 

KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE is a solid popcorn movie.  It is just the ticket for a few chuckles and Sir Elton is worth the price of a ticket alone.  It’s not a bad follow-up to the first, but it is certainly not as smooth.  There is a rather disturbing pro-drug theme carried throughout the film, especially its endorsement of recreational drug use.  It is a bit grating.  Overall, though, KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE is an enjoyable time in the theatre.

REWATCHABLE INDEX: AVERAGE