BY SARAH OLSEN '18
“Kingsman: The Golden Circle” sees the return of over-the-top action and wacky humor that made its predecessor, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” so likeable.
The film begins with the hero of the first film, Eggsy Unwin (Taron Egerton, “Sing”) being pursued by former Kingsman applicant Charlie (Edward Holcroft, “Vampire Academy”) in an elaborate car chase through London. After losing a fight to Eggsy, Charlie, who was last seen in “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” has joined an organization called The Golden Circle. The organization is the world’s largest drug cartel and run by the disturbingly cheerful Poppy Adams (Julianne Moore, “Crazy, Stupid, Love”), who aims to legalize all recreational drugs and become the world’s most powerful business woman.
When The Golden Circle launches an attack on the Kingsman’s headquarters and agents, surviving members Eggsy, Merlin (Mark Strong, “Kick-Ass”) and Harry Hart (Colin Firth, “Pride and Prejudice”) must team up with Statesman — the American equivalent to the Kingsman organization. With the assistance of Ginger Ale (Halle Berry, “X-Men”), Agent Whiskey (Pedro Pascal, “Game of Thrones”) and Agent Tequila (Channing Tatum, “21 Jump Street”), the Kingsman embark on another mission to save the world.
While the use of a doomsday situation in “Kingsman” could cheapen the film or weigh down the narrative, its quirky sense of humor and ridiculous characters make the experience enjoyable. The film’s humor, ranging from crude jokes to simple gags, often borders on the absurd. While this approach could have ruined “Kingsman,” the film saves itself by not merely acknowledging its silliness, but embracing it.
An example of this quirky humor can be seen in how the film plays on British and American stereotypes. While the Kingsman organization uses a tailor shop as its cover, Statesman operates as a Bourbon whiskey distillery — hence the alcoholic agent names. The Kingsman agents, dressed in suits and polished shoes, sharply contrast with the Statesman in their cowboy hats and boots. Other examples include repeated cameos by Elton John, in which the film takes full advantage of John’s flamboyant persona, and the campy villainess Poppy, whose lair is a 1950s inspired Main Street hidden away in ancient ruins.
Despite the silly moments, “Kingsman” is not just about laughs and balances it’s ridiculousness with touching scenes, one of which features Merlin. The film’s mixture of humor and sincerity creates a refreshing break from the doomsday and reboot films flooding theaters of late.
As a sequel, “Kingsman” delivers an R-rated story that won’t disappoint fans of the original. According to Variety magazine, “Kingsman” is currently leading the world box office having earned $39 million domestically and $61.2 million abroad.
Using the power of Elton John, puppies and a funky soundtrack, “Kingsman” will incite laughter and tears as the world is, once again, saved from destruction.