Kingsman: The Secret Service movie plot/story and review featuring Colin Firth,Michael Caine,Samuel L. Jackson

With Matthew Vaughn at the helm, Kingsman: The Secret Service was never going to be a fluffy affair. As the (some might say) twisted mastermind who brought audiences Kick-Ass and X-Men: First Classamong others, Vaughn’s latest directorial offering promised plenty of action, impact and attitude, served up with a side helping of good old-fashioned British wit. And, for 129 gloriously gory minutes, the world of the Kingsman was eager to fulfil its expectations.Based on the comic book The Secret Service created by Dave Gibbons and Mark Millar, the screenplay for Kingsman: The Secret Service doles out all the grit and black humour you would expect from Vaughn and co-writer Jane Goldman. Turning the classic, clichéd spy genre on its head, the plot follows Eggsy (Taron Egerton), a young, wayward boy from a debatable part of London, who is given the chance of a lifetime when he encounters Harry Hart – played to perfection by Colin Firth - a long-serving secret service agent for the dangerously dapper brigade of suited spies known as the Kingsman.With Samuel L. Jackson taking the role of mega-villain Richmond Valentine and Sir Michael Caine no less slipping on the shoes of Kingsman leader, Arthur, there is certainly no lack of talent to be found anywhere among the cast list. And, it’s the spot-on performances from almost all the actors – including outstanding lead performances from some of the young unknowns - which bring the movie to life.The language may be crass and the action may not suit those with a sensitive stomach, but that’s what the genre needs. With wizards, vampires and superheroes all being given a modern makeover in recent years, it was only a matter of time before somebody brought a fresh spin to the spy movie scene and, luckily, Kingsman: The Secret Service does just that.While the Hollywood gloss that coats each scene is hard not to notice, the film manages to remain dark in an undeniably British way. And it’s the black comedy that balances the gore so well – in fact, even though some of the cultural references may have been a little lost on a Middle East audience, there were moments where the entire audience erupted in belly laughs. And, proving that he is definitely one to watch, Taron Egerton provided most of these moments, his natural charm and ability shining through a cast of A-List veterans and excellently bouncing off the stiff upper lip character portrayal that Firth put together better than anyone.

The scenes move at a sharp pace, which again adds to the ‘young’ feel and is an almost signature hallmark of Vaughn’s directorial style. Although the graphic FX are somewhat underwhelming, it comes across as an element of irony – almost a pastiche of the formulaic spy films of old; a self-mocking theme that is also played upon often in the story and dialogue. And, with suspicious glances, revelations and dramatic high points not-so-subtly accompanied by the major/minor chord for which Bond himself is so easily identifiable with, even the soundtrack does its part in adding to the well-intended mimicking.If you’re expecting a serious super-sleuth adventure, you will be disappointed. But, if you want to lose yourself in what is hard to describe as anything but a good, fun romp of a film, Kingsman: The Secret Service will almost certainly satisfy. It won’t be winning any major awards, but – while our brains for one are still struggling to contemplate certain elements of this year’s Oscar-contenders, all pretty heavy in one way or another – Kingsman has snuck in and taken over as our pure entertainment pick of the year so far. Just allow it, enjoy it, and remember Oxfords, not Brogues.