Kingsmen

Genre: Action, Comedy, Satire
Rating: 15
Warnings: Mild Violence

A James Bond parody; it looked okay. Turned out it parodies the urban 'yoof' crime films and all kinds of spy film tropes. It was a really entertaining film.

Don't let the poster fool you. It's a parody of the poster for the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. Eggsy and Harry treat women a lot better than James could dream of, and the female characters are as well developed as the male ones.

The character who's legs frame the poster is a minor enemy, and a good portrayal of a disabled person. Her prosthetic legs are a defining trait, but more in the blades on them and her fighting style than in a trait of her not having feet. It's good and rare to see a disabled character that isn't a learning point.

There are fight scenes galore, so there is some violence. With a major character completely unable to cope with gore and a 15 rating, however, it isn't unbearable. The stunt coordinators and choreographers worked well, as the fight scenes are exciting and aesthetically pleasing. A huge multi-character battle, most likely included for the sheer enjoyment factor, is outstanding and makes the most of the way fights can be choreographed. Some great slow motion moments and prop use make it an ironically beautiful scene.

Back to the haemophobic character, Samuel L. Jackson's Valentine is a complex and interesting villain. Blood phobia, a lisp, and an understandable end-goal, he is far from the illogical and two dimensional villains of many spy and crime films. Eggsy is, likewise, a well rounded hero. His homelife troubles, distrust of the posh Harry and relationship arcs with other characters (including a very cute little dog) make him easy to identify with and like.

Of course, this is not a high brow or modern classic film, but it is a very good and enjoyable afternoon film. It might not become your favourite but it's definitely a good choice for an entertaining movie night. It could have been the lack of expectations I had, but I really think this is well worth the time to watch on an otherwise uneventful day.