Kingsman: The Secret Service Review

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)

Courtesy - 20th Century Fox

Kingsman: The Secret Service, a 2015 spy – action – comedy – drama … so basically a confusing mess. The film follows the story of Gary “Eggsy” Unwin, a troubled teenager who is engaged in petty crime but somehow is also a talented individual (pretty unbelievable). To have a purpose and get away from his troubled life involving an abusive stepfather and conflicts with gangs, Eggsy is recruited by Kingsman agent Harry Hart (Colin Firth) to train and become a Kingsman agent as a favour for Eggsy’s father who sacrificed his life for Hart’s during a mission years ago.

There are a number of action sequences and tests Eggsy undergoes. As the film progresses, we also explore the main antagonist, Richmond Valentine (Samuel L Jackson) who also is a very strange character (wears a baseball cap and talks with a lisp, -.-"). It seems he has a very unclear determination and basically wants to conquer the world (I sense cliché).

The film basically ends with Valentine being killed and Eggsy being a successful agent. Throughout the film we see some very bloody and incredible violent action scenes which I would say are somewhat entertaining. There are a few lines attempting at making the audience laugh, however, the humour is quite dry. Overall, I would say the film is really a time-pass. If you’re looking for a quick flick and just want to see some action – see this film. Otherwise, save your time and watch something more engaging preferably with more realism and character depth.

3 Stars

By Navin Ralhan

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation - Movie Review

Paramount Pictures

Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation directed Christopher McQuarrie is the fifth instalment of the mission impossible franchise. It follows the further of adventures of Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team of agents. The official synopsis reads:

“Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate - an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF.”

Ethan Hunt catching a plane - Paramount Pictures

Usually when a film franchise tries makes more than three movies, it starts to go downhill. Not so with this movie. This film is THE definition of a fun summer blockbuster. Right from the start of the film you have Tom Cruise hanging from the side of an aeroplane as it takes off and the action just continues on getting bigger and bigger. You have crazy stunts, well made action set pieces and witty dialogue. The film is shot beautifully with stunning scenery as the action moves from country to country. For the whole movie you will be sitting on the edge of your seat just waiting to see what happens next.

Even with all the action, the film manages to have a well-structured storyline with complex characters, dynamic arcs and clever twists. The performances by the all the actors are on point and very captivating. Tom Cruise especially shines in the film, performing all his own stunt and really stretching the limits of what type of extreme stunts can be accomplished on camera. The only negatives for me was that there were a few moments in the film that were a bit predictable and clichéd but overall the movie still remained fresh.

Rebecca Ferguson in Rogue Nation - Paramount Pictures

Overall, the film is one huge adrenaline rush and enormously entertaining. The performances, music and scenery all blend together to give a highly enjoyable thrill ride. So this is definitely one you should see if you are looking to spend a night entertained and if you haven’t seen the previous Mission Impossible movies, don’t worry – this film makes perfect sense on its own.

4 Stars

 Thomas S