Review: ‘Kingsman’ is a wild, crazy and bloody spy adventure

Posted on February 20, 2015

By MARK VIOLA

What if you could have a movie that had all of the style and sophistication of the Bond films, the physicality of the Bourne films, with the over-the-top violence and almost cartoonish trappings of, say “Kick-Ass,” thrown in for good measure?

Well, then, you would have “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” an incredibly fun spy adventure from director Matthew Vaughn (“X-Men: First Class”). The film is somehow able to simultaneously subvert and honor the original Bond films while creating something entirely original, with its own legend and rules. Likewise, the story is quite funny while also ensuring we care enough about this world and its characters that the tension runs throughout and their plight is quite compelling.

Although the violence may be too much for some, “Kingsman” is a terribly good time for those looking for fun, action and a story that’s very much shaken, not stirred.

The film is rated R for sequences of strong violence, language and some sexual content.

(This is a shortened version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition papers.)

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