Movie Review: Kingsman: The Golden Circle

In Kingsman: The Golden Circle, our British heroes find themselves fighting alongside their American counterparts, and the results: everything here is bigger, louder, bloodier, more political, more expensive, more violent and the suits are amazing. If you were a fan of the original Kingsman, this film is just as crazy and over-the-top as you'd expect (the film is 141 minutes long). 

Those who hated the first film will be twice as irritated. Screw 'em. True Kingsman fans will appreciate that director Matthew Vaughn made this film to be more violent, sexually adolescent and politically reactionary, just what a Kingsman movie should be. I will say there are many of wtf moments when watching this film, and some scenes will make you feel gross, but for some odd reason, it all ties in together well.  As an action film, Kingsman: The Golden Circle does not disappoint. From its opening car chase through London to its Bond-style alpine fight scene to its crazy final assault on the villains, the hyper action scenes are as breathless, acrobatic, bloody, and in-your-face as the originals. 

This next reason that I liked this film, more for the ladies who read my reviews – I like to personal and shameful disclosure this: I find Taron Egerton, the swaggering star of the films, to be quite cute. Something about his fresh good looks, his character’s charm, the streak of his sensitivity, the suits he wears with sneakers . . . yeah, it works on me. I’m only human.

The Golden Circle sets up world-saving stakes—a poisoned supply of recreational drugs threatens to kill millions unless a cartel queen-pin madwoman (Julianne Moore) gets her way — and yet nothing about the movie’s actual storyline didn’t have any real weight. I didn’t care too much for Julianne Moore crazy scenes (won’t spoil any parts) but her being the “super villain” really didn’t do it for me. And yet—I did have fun watching it anyway (I even laughed out loud a couple of times). Sure, because of Egerton, sigh, is a dashing figure with a dose of humility and a killer smile. Sue me! In my defense, I am a huge action person and The Golden Circle won my movie thumbs ups because of several of its action scenes—like an opening fight inside a London taxi—are dizzily choreographed, physics-defying thrills.  

But, yes, I recognize that there is also plenty to not like about the film, including a mostly useless cameo from Channing Tatum, wasted scenes by Halle Berry, and one poorly big final twist that confuses the movie’s already-confused politics. I understand why people were repulsed by the first movie, and expect them to be even more so by this one (If they even see it). But if you are just wanting to be entertained by a movie that has plenty of action scenes this is definitely a must-watch. It’s not getting a lot of good reviews, to which I say, fair. I get it. And, oh well. All the more Eggsy for me.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars. Have a great weekend! - xo Mel