So successful it was that it’s no surprise that we are now greeted by a second instalment coming in the shape of Kingsman: The Golden Circle. From the onset, when you look at the blockbuster and interestingly assembled cast, for the second instalment, you can’t help but be excited and intrigued. Our favourite hero Taron Egerton (better known as Eggsy in the movie) and his mentor Harry Hart (Colin Firth) return and are joined by the likes of Julianne Moore, Halle Berry, Elton John, Channing Tatum and Jeff Bridges…enough to wet the interest of any movie follower.

Consider the above as well as a classy and James Bond like feel to it, Kingsman: The Golden Circle seemingly has the ingredients to become a super movie. So, does it live up to the bill?

Cast – Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, Halle Berry, Elton John, Channing Tatum & Jeff Bridges

Director – Matthew Vaughn

Genre – Action/Adventure

Running Time – 2h 21m

The Plot

“Kingsman: The Secret Service” introduced the world to Kingsman – an independent, international intelligence agency operating at the highest level of discretion, whose ultimate goal is to keep the world safe. In Kingsman: The Golden Circle, our heroes face a new challenge. When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US called Statesman, dating back to the day they were both founded. In a new adventure that tests their agents’ strength and wits to the limit, these two elite secret organizations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy, in order to save the world, something that’s becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy…

Like the first instalment, Kingsman: The Golden Circle is less of a serious action movie and more of a flick that has action elements with comedic/funny moments splashed across it. It’s action sequences are ridiculous, high octane and fast moving, something that will endear it to many but might also prove to be a bit too much for some. Personally, I side with the former, I thoroughly enjoyed it as much as the first instalment. The fact that there’s nothing like it adds to its weird charm.

Despite all that said, I have to admit that the second instalment has somewhat lost some of the original charm that the first one had. I guess it is expected though, no two movies (even from the same franchise) can be the same. Even with its over the top sequences, the Kingsman franchise also features a classy and James Bond like feel to it that strangely makes one want to become part of…at least that’s how I felt.  

Kingsman: The Golden Circle is a great solid movie that delivers and definitely lives up to the bill. Granted the first instalment was slightly better (most origins stories usually are anyway), it doesn’t mean that this instalment is less special. It will not be for everyone but does make for a great rollercoaster watch for anyone with an open mind. One thing is for sure, general action junkies and those who enjoyed the first one will easily also enjoy this one. The gentlemen of Kingsman: The Golden Circle get a 3.8 out of 5 rating from me. Officially in cinemas next week Friday, go check it out!

Special thanks to MNet Movies (in conjunction with Ster-Kinekor) for a great screening!