At Your Service: Review of Kingsman

Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Director: Matthew Vaughn

By Alex Watson

Kingsman: The Golden Circle is a certainly a movie that provides fun, its just a shame similar focus wasn't given to its story. While Matthew Vaughn's swift style gives the movie a coat of gloss, underneath it feels like an incomplete portrait. Saddled with numerous plot holes and a pretty laughable villain, this second instalment tries too much into one movie. Although it recaptures some of the spirit of its predecessor, Vaughn pushes things a step too far.

Eggsy (Taron Egerton) is now a fully fledged member of the Kingsman. However, one day his entire organisation is literally blown to pieces by drug baroness Poppy Fields (Julianne Moore) leaving only Eggsy and mentor Merlin (Mark Strong) as survivors. Desperate to stay alive they make contact with US affiliate Statesman led by Champagne (Jeff Bridges).

The first Kingsman movie was a retread of a diamond in the rough coming good. Kingsman: The Golden Circle on paper seems like as fun of an experience, but no amount of finesse can disguise the flaws. The main problem seems to come down to the direction of the story. Having this picture as a straight up fight between Golden Circle and Kingsman would have made a more concise effort. Things start heroically with a thrilling duel inside a taxi speeding through London. Sadly Vaughn seems to lose his picture in numerous and unnecessary subplots. The first concerning Eggsy's unconvincing romance with his hookup from the last movie, Princess Tilde (Hanna Alstrom) which just gives the story deadweight. Then there's the return of Harry Hart (Colin Firth)- now an amnesiac who believes he's his former before Kingsmen self. The explanation for his magical reappearance while test even the biggest Kingsmen fan.  His road to recovery should have been one of the main devices, instead, he's left simmer on the back burner.

Including sister agency Statesman (known for their whiskey) adds little to the movie's story. Head honcho Champagne (or Champ to everyone else) is a good ole southern boy but is only wheeled out for group meet and greets. Likewise, Channing Tatum's Tequila who gets precisely zero to do other than a couple of brief scenes. Ginger Ale (Halle Berry) is the US equivalent of Merlin so spends most of her time looking at computer screens. There are some fine scenes with the underrated Pedro Pascal as Whiskey- a lasso carrying agent whose moral compass seems unclear. Vaughn's command of the action sequence is a hit and miss affair. While he does a manage a joyous finale shootout, there is also an overblown and frankly ludicrous scene set on a cable car. This instalment doesn't seem to know where to set the limits, though you can tell Vaughn is having a blast directing this.

The real weak link in Kingsman: The Golden Circle comes from its poor villain. Poppy is a forever peppy international drug dealer who spends the majority of her time behind a counter at her diner styled hideout. Given little presence onscreen other than looking like a drug-dealing version of Martha Stewart, Vaughn invests little in the villain stakes. Elton John in a hilarious extended has far more impact and is given an impressive array of fancy costumes. Plus the idea of Poppy having a pair of murderous robot dogs will make anyone squirm. It's a real mystery how this sequel could have all the ingredients for success but still end up burning the cakes?

Taron Egerton gives things his best shot and as usual, he has the charisma to pull off this character. Asking him to go deeper is where his performance unravels and Egerton struggles to find the romantic side of the character. Colin Firth is completely wasted on his return. So important first time out, in this instalment it feels like a misstep to resurrect this character. The real hero of Golden Circle is Mark Strong's Merlin. Coming off as the real brain of the organization, this time he is given sufficient screen time. In one particularly potent moment, Strong firmly stamps his important on this sequel. A-listers Bridges, Tatum and Moore are all cast in decidedly underwhelming and thankless roles that require little outside of showing up. With all this supporting talent on display, why were they not given meatier roles?

Kingsman: The Golden Circle will go down as one of the more disappointing sequels we will see in 2017. Although I guarantee you will tear up each time you hear 'Country Roads' by John Denver afterwards.

Touch The Sky: Review of Eddie The Eagle

Eddie The Eagle

Director: Dexter Fletcher

By Alex Watson

Celebrating a truly heroic failure, Eddie The Eagle is a movie that will make your heart soar. Although it is basically a by the number numbers heart warmer, the formula works perfectly for director Dexter Fletcher. It seems impossible to comprehend that a man such as Eddie Edwards dared to dream back at the 1988 Olympics, but although it takes some missteps this picture will still melt even the coldest person.

Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton) is a young man with Olympic dreams, the problem is he lacks any talent at all. After some success at on the British Ski Team, he booted off by snobby chairman Dustin Target (Tim McInnery). However, after learning that Britain has no ski jump team, Eddie's hopes shift considerably and he travels to Germany to attempt to train. While there he meets alcoholic ex-ski jumper Bronson Peavy (Hugh Jackman) who attempts to dissuade him. Eddie's never say die attitude will not only win over Bronson but millions of fans worldwide.

Yes Eddie The Eagle is a very thinly veiled attempt at schmaltz, but if you approach this picture with an open mind it is a far smoother ride. His early pratfalls (one of many) raise a laugh as he goes from woefully misguided misfit to stealing the heart of the nation. Continually put down by his plasterer Dad (Keith Allen) Eddie is someone who just wants to succeed at anything. What he lacks in ability he makes up for in sheer determination and when he meets the drunken Peavy it is anything but encouraging. His mentor was once a highly rated talent by legendary coach Warren Sharp (Christopher Walken) who lost his chance due to his own arrogance.

When the action shifts to his life changing training in Ausberg, Germany it is by far the picture most entertaining section. Eddie nearly kills himself on many occasions while attempting jumps often to the mocking contempt/concern of more established competitors like champion Matti Nykanen (Edvin Endre). As Bronson grudgingly takes a shine to him, his fortunes begin to change (cue a training montage to Hall and Oates). This relationship between the two is what gives the movie its drive and despite Eddie's numerous accidents we year for him to make that jump. His real stroke of luck comes from the fact he is running unapposed for a place on the British team so all he has to do is achieve something modest and a place is his.

The finale of Eddie The Eagle takes place during the 1988 Calgary Olympics and here the movie takes on a more mushy feel. Featuring Jim Broadbent as an old school BBC commentator it does capture the euphoria that surrounded his presence. After making a disappointing jump, Eddie still breaks the British records and his wild celebrations make him an instant celebrity. There is a foreboding sense that Bronson worry about him simply being a novelty act is coming true. Journalists are more interested in his antics that how far he has come, Making a possibly suicidal choice to do the 90m jump has out hearts in our mouths. What follows is a finale of Cool Running type joy that will have you leaping for the underdog.

Although Taron Egerton is a young choice to play the real Edwards, he nonetheless convinces well. Showing his likeability that his role in The Kingsman brought, Egerton is very much the movies soul. Capturing Eddie's refusal to back down and his will to triumph, the young Welsh actor brings a true champion to life. Hugh Jackman fits well as the forever drunk Peavy but this is a role that tests him in any way. Give the movie a big name and Hollywood credibility goes a long way though and Jackman makes for a wonderful other half. Perhaps the only misfire was the bizarre inclusion of Christopher Walken who although adds a veterans touch, doesn't feel completely necessary.

In short, Eddie The Eagle is a movie that is good silly fun and for those wanting a reason to believe again this will be a good choice. Though be careful hitting the slopes afterward.

Secret Agent Man: Review of Kingsman: The Secret Service

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Director: Matthew Vaughn

By Alex Watson

After nearly sealing the deal with his X-Men reboot, Matthew Vaughn makes a welcome return to the screens. Kingsman: The Secret Service is another wonderfully silly and utterly enjoyable piece of work from this man. Sporting his trademark ability to find humor in the most unlikely of places, Vaughn homage to his love of spy movies is one to remember. Making a hero out of an ASBO figure deserves kudos and in Eggsy, Vaughn has a great new foundation in which to build a franchise.

Gavin 'Eggsy' Unwin (Taron Egerton) is a streetwise youth who is always on the wrong side of the law. That is until one day when a helping hand comes in the form of Harry Hart (Colin Firth) who reveals his father was a top secret agent for an secret organization called Kingsman. Eager to put his old life behind him, Eggsy is recruited to help stop billionaire villain Richmond Valentine (Samuel L Jackson) from using his technology to destroy the world.

Although Kingsman: The Secret Service does suffer from being uneven in places, but these are mistake which are forgivable. The movie possess the typical suave and slick quality to a spy movie where impressive gadgets are on display and spies are able to tell expensive whiskey on taste alone. When Eggsy and Harry are forced together by fate, the resulting chemistry is one that sparkles. Watching Harry effortless dispatch a pub for all vengeful hooligans is bound to raise a smile.

But the most impressive element is by far the diamond in the rough, because Eggsy although sharp around the edges, possessive some genuine smarts. In training he is sneered upon, but rather than get mad he gets determined and a bravery and never say die attitude is uncovered. His character development is as interesting and equally as thrilling as Dave Lizewski in Kick Ass. Vaughn makes a real gem out of a risky character and through it all a real charm goes to life with this character. His heroic during the films slightly wayward final act are worth of a medal and he emerges as a figure we cannot wait to get more of!

Though at the centre of this we have a villain who both bolsters and hinders the movie. Richmond Valentine, the often hilarious lisping billionaire is a tricky one to predict. His serving of McDonald,s as a fancy dinner is one of many surprises. But his reasons for wanting to wreak havoc upon the world just are not strong enough to hold the film together. Though it does launch the film into an unexpected overdrive in time for the final act as we see Harry stab, shoot, kick and punch in a church sound-tracked to Lynard Skynard's 'Free Bird' is a jaw dropping display of high octane violence.

Taron Egerton, in typical Vaughn fashion emerges as another major star from one of his works. Sporting a effortless charisma along with a strong presence on screen, the 25 old is looking like he has a bright future before him! Colin Firth also excels as Harry and bringing his trademark impassive wit and skillful delivery, he makes for the perfect mentor figure. You can only wonder what may have happen with him at the helm of 007? Samuel L Jackson as usual phones in his performance and at times he is compelling as Valentine, but it just doesn't feel like he is giving this one his all!

Matthew Vaughn once again has created another great film out of nothing. This could have been something far worse in the wrong hands, but Kingsman: The Secret Service is one of the funniest and most enjoyable movies of 2015 so far!