Kingsman: The Golden Circle

⭐⭐

This is the sequel to Kingsman: Secret Service, an over the top Bond with even more outlandish gadgets and inappropriate banter. The first film was very enjoyable, the action, how it was filmed felt very fresh and original. The cherry on the cake was seeing Colin Firth gun-fu his way out of a tight spot in a church - shooting everyone in graphic fashion. This was so shocking and unexpected, especially for Mr Darcy!

The second film however is silly cartoon rubbish, with over used bad CGI, lewd jokes that are really don't land and are just too offensive. Plus it has such a ridiculous far-fetched plot with a very star-studded cast that don't really have much to do except chew the scenery. Yes, the action does impress and looks cool but when you rely on these set pieces throughout the film and not focus on plot, the film as a whole will inevitably get boring and repetitive.

I think I have spotted why Matthew Vaughn's film do so well initially but then the sequels fall flat. He takes an actor we are used to seeing in a particular role, e.g. Robert De Niro as the tough cop or mobster and then gives them a part as the opposite character, the pirate in the fantasy film Stardust. The same applies to Colin Firth who was infamous as the classic gentleman who could do no harm. But you give him a gun and make him fight, of course this will startle and amaze because it is new and different. This formula worked well to start with, but the novelty has worn off and hence why this film is so bad.

Overall, this film is stupid. Too many characters that don't get enough to do. Too much action and little plot. Focuses too much on spectacle rather than what makes a gripping film. Plus the acting is so hammy and Elton John is in it way too much, he adds nothing, just cheap laughs.