KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE: Trailer has landed, at last. Here’s the lowdown on the newest adventures from the Spy school with style..
Well, it took a while. Many a viral tease for a tease and a trailer for a trailer. Then, a misunderstanding over just when, precisely, this initial teaser trailer would land. But finally: it is here. A revealing on one hand, guarded and furtive on the other, teaser trailer for KINGSMAN : THE GOLDEN CIRCLE.
I gave a middling review to the first movie, KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE. I thought it neither one thing nor the other. Was this a feel-good, childish, escapist romp? Well, ok. But why fuse that to such a brutal and adult tone of violence? I was also not ‘sold’ on the supposedly very classy and British brand being modeled.
To me, this was a nouveau riche pup’s view of class and style, rather than an organic innovation or genuine tribute to some bygone Britain. ‘Tailored at Savile Row’: so what? There was something of the middle of the road Boarding school vision of what being a man was about at work. And THAT ending: funny, sexy..but also: sexist, gratuitous and immature.
But, as I caught the film again on Blu-Ray, its charms grew on me. The visuals are outstanding. Pacing is perfect, with barely a dull moment or a sag in the editing. Music score is upbeat, rousing. The performances are great, including Samuel L Jackson’s innovative take on the traditional James Bond villain. Taron Egerton was a true standout and a star and whilst he missed out, narrowly, on winning the coveted role of the young Han Solo, he is set to be the new Robin Hood and a distinguished career awaits.
So, I am delighted to report that the sequel looks, at first glance, excellent. Rip roaring FUN, with spy adventure escapism, bright visuals, a truly great cast and just a slice of Americana to supplement the otherwise British vibe. Little is given away about plot or character advancement.
But it looks that the British Kingsman branch is destroyed, thereby necessitating an allegiance with its American counterpart. And yes, Colin Firth is back. Ish. With an eye-patch. Clone? Double? Hologram? A Video Message in playback? Twin Brother? Ghost? All of the above? We shall see in time..and ANYTHING is possible, given the varied verisimilitude on offer in this new toy-box of a universe being built by director Matthew Vaughan and co..
As a trailer, this is: Sexy. Action packed. Thrilling. And above all: FUN! But if you don’t believe me? Just have a look for yourself.
KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE is released later this year. We intend to review it. ‘Oxfords not Brogues’.
