Reviewed by Owen Bush.

Kingsman: The Secret Service is Bond meets Jump Street, with epic thriller tones and comedy gags as well as superb, classic actors and unique, credible directing – what more could you want? It doesn’t miss the tone either, with a teenage spy film finally having some edge and distinctness that possibly makes the Bond saga feel outdated. Sure, Kingsman doesn’t get your brain ticking, but there are some subtle lines that suggest a deeper exploration of themes that are talked about constantly. For example, global warming is mentioned, thus creating a solidly structured plot that actually (mind the over-the-top villains) makes sense – which, for a spy-themed teen epic, is unusual.

The film features respected heroes of acting with the likes of Colin Firth (Harry Hart) and Samuel L. Jackson (Valentine) showing off their major skills as usual, but Tagon Egerton, who plays our unusual protagonist Eggsy, also shines within his role and I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of Egerton after starring in this eagerly anticipated thriller. These actors, as well as Mark Strong (Merlin), work tremendously to carry the movie. Understanding the humour and action was necessary to mark this as a success, and they definitely did.

The plot is initially separated into two, with the first being Eggsy’s rise to becoming a Kingsman, and the latter being Valentine’s plot for the world. Both plots carry each other, with there being a sufficient amount of scenes to develop both as well as stopping the audience from getting bored. Alas, the film is unfortunately over too soon, but I’m feeling confident for a sequel. Ultimately, Kingsman lives up to all its expectations and more, delivering quirky and innovative plot points with style and ease. The concepts aren’t rushed but aren’t dragged out, and sufficiently execute many genres whilst subtly adding some thought-provoking global issues.

That’s not all either, Director Matthew Vaughn adds a unique, fun directing approach, with one scene (you’ll know which one when you watch) having an exciting time with slow motion in order to accentuate the gore and violence occurring. There are almost hints of 2010 blockbuster Kick Ass, with Vaughn’s work continuing to satisfy the audience and the critics. The co-operation with music also works well in creating a wacky atmosphere; music in films is certainly developing and Kingsman follows this new pattern of well known films incorporating modern music to raise the originality of the movie, The Great Gatsby added hip-hop to fuel the film’s success and Guardians of The Galaxy went for all time classics as it stormed as a summer hit last year. Kingsman unexpectedly works well with music, adding another dimension to this stunning piece.

Specifically, the scenes with Eggsy and other competitors trialling for a place as a Kingsman work well to market the film for teen audiences, and the difference between lower and upper class identifies how class shouldn’t be judged through intelligence, as Eggsy identifies his strengths through the tasks. Egerton and Firth have brilliant chemistry together, adding another strong aspect to a film that I originally imagined would be stupid and predictable. Samuel L. Jackson is quirky as Valentine; our villain of the film is fresh to watch – but only someone with a famed background like Jackson could have made it work. Further applause to the casting directors!

Kingsman doesn’t rely on the comic to guide its interpretation, and moulds the characters into likable and believable people. Style is definitely a key theme along the movie, mixing with insane action scenes creates a fantastic film for most, the humour is incredibly British and real, possibly having comparisons in its humorous tones to that of The Inbetweeners and maybe even the Jump Street movies, but many will not like it due to the rude undertones and outrageously dark scenes. However, Kingsman will be attractive for many, due to the incorporation of both adventurous action and witty humour and personally, the film will probably be a highlight as 2015 concludes. I only hope it isn’t drowned out and forgotten due to big action releases like Mission Impossible 5.

Verdict : 9.5/10

Stylish to a fault, innovative, humorous and even subtly thought-provoking, Kingsman is a new level of Bond, adding the fun we sometimes miss with the densely populated spy genre. Although outrageous at times, the actors prove to be interesting and likable to watch and even those with little experience with major movies manage to sufficiently interest the audience. Kingsman will be fun and enjoyable for many, and you hopefully won’t forget the crazy experience by the end of the year.