So before delving into the sequel let’s talk about the original first…

(Some Spoilers Ahead)

Kingsman is a masterfully executed, action-packed British comedy with a star-studded cast including the nation’s sweetheart actor Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, and Mark Strong.

The leading part is entrusted to the young Welsh talent, Taron Egerton. He portraits the troubled but intelligent teenager Eggsy, who struggles in a tough neighbourhood after the loss of his dad.

Firth is the typical English gentleman who would fit perfectly into the non-brogued shoes of agent Harry Heart. To be fair he could easily be cast in the other famous and highly sought after spy role of a certain 007. So Hart takes on Eggsy under his wing to train him up to be a Kingsman. He and a very posh version of Michael Kane are the two patriarchs of this special secret service.

Every superhero needs a villain to fight and Jackson is the funny and brilliant baddie with a ridiculous but quite entertaining lisp. Somehow he happens to be a complete contradiction as he is an environmentalist at heart who on one hand wants to eradicate the majority of the poor and frankly common people in favor of the rich and powerful in order to preserve the planet on the other he becomes completely sick at the mere sight of blood.

Overall the fast-paced fighting scenes are absolutely amazing and visually impressive. My personal favourite is when Firth kills his way through a church full of misogynistic racists in many inventive but fascinatingly brutal ways.

The cinematography and special effects are also excellent especially the light-reflecting CGI stomp blades of Valentine’s sidekick and personal assassin Gazelle.

The funny dialogue, non-stop action, and the great cast make this a new fresh take on the Bond movies and an incredibly entertaining big box office hit.