If you've seen "Kingsman : The Secret Service," then you may as well watch "Kingsman : The Golden Circle." Besides being able to see what's become of the characters from the first installment, you probably also want more of those kinetic action sequences and fancy spy gadgets. From the first ten minutes, this movie already throws you straight into elaborate action sequences involving close quarters combat, and a car chase through the streets of London. Those spy toys are also very much present throughout the movie, with a particular lasso being the main weapon that you should really enjoy seeing in action. Like the previous film, there are some fun to be had.
While this movie does have a great ensemble cast that revolves around Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Pedro Pascal, Halle Berry, Channing Tatum, Julianne Moore, to Jeff Bridges, it is still far and foremost a story that focuses on Taron Egerton's character of Eggsy. While the supporting cast do have important contributions to the story as well as some standout scenes, it's still far and away an Eggsy movie. I kinda wished it was more of a true ensemble piece though, because unfortunately some of the cast were definitely under-utilized. On another note; depending on whether you already know this singer's involvement in this production or not, there is a celebrity cameo that worked fantastically in this movie. Loved every bit of that!
With all that said, this movie felt longer than it needed to be. Either that or this just felt like a multi-episode mini-series that was stitched together into one big movie. There are more twists and turns, more world building, more characters, and more of everything here, but it did seem like Director Matthew Vaughn was just overindulging himself. More editing would have made the movie feel tighter and more to the point, but what we got instead were scenes that seemed to be designed just to showcase another world-trotting location, or more superfluous story beats involving Eggsy as the main character.
The story of "Kingsman : The Golden Circle" is honestly not as compelling as the "normal guy turned into super spy" premise of "The Secret Service." The introduction of the "Statesman" is the best thing this movie has to offer though, and made me appreciate the expanding world building of this franchise. Just like the previous installment however, there is yet another thematic social commentary with the story, which may or may not rub people the wrong way.
As far as fun spy action movies are concerned, I'm glad to have "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" around. It's not necessarily breaking new grounds in the genre, nor was it flawless as a movie, but it was definitely entertaining and enjoyable to watch.
lovedit ENJOYED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible
