Today’s quick review: Kingsman: The Golden Circle. After a devastating attack on Kingsman, Eggsy (Taron Egerton) and Merlin (Mark Strong) seek the help of Statesman, their American sister organization. Aided by Agent Whiskey (Pedro Pascal), the spies race to discover the location of Poppy Adams (Julianne Moore), an eccentric drug kingpin who has infected the world’s drug users with a deadly virus.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle is a spy action comedy directed by Matthew Vaughn. The Golden Circle continues the Kingsman tradition of inventive violence, spy-genre style, and tongue-in-cheek humor. The gentlemanly Kingsman agents are joined by their rowdier, cowboy-themed American cousins. The impressive cast includes Colin Firth, Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, and Jeff Bridges.
Like its predecessor, The Golden Circle’s main draw is its action. The action scenes are expertly choreographed, fast-paced, and often brutal. Unlike the spy movies it draws inspiration from, The Golden Circle does not shy away from violence. Coupled with occasional coarseness, this gives the movie a particular tone that may not appeal to all viewers. Sensitive viewers may want to steer clear.
For the most part, The Golden Circle maintains the quality of the first film. The action is as sharp as ever, Statesman is a fun and welcome addition to the canon, and the movie has the same mischievous twinkle in its eye. But The Golden Circle is missing the careful world-building of the original. The destruction of Kingsman and rapid introduction to Statesman lack the emotional depth of Eggsy’s training and first mission.
The Golden Circle also dips more heavily into science fiction than its predecessor. Poppy Adams has outfitted her drug operation with cybernetic limbs, robotic guard dogs, and drones, while Statesman introduces new gadgets like electric lassos, microscopic trackers, and advanced first aid technology. Nearly every addition to the universe is an enjoyable one, but they are a step beyond the already implausible spy gadgets of the first film.
Watch Kingsman: The Golden Circle if you are in the mood for a high-quality action movie that is unabashedly fun. Its more mature content is not for everyone and its virtues will mainly appeal to action fans, but The Golden Circle is a strong choice for anyone interested by it. Newcomers to the series should start with Kingsman: The Secret Service for a proper, chronological introduction to the universe.
7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for fun, stylish action.