Kingsman: The Secret Service

I have been a poor friend to all of you, and I apologize most sincerely.

In what way have I failed you, you might ask?

I have yet to recommend (nay, DEMAND) that you acquire a copy of Kingsman and watch it post-haste.

(Unless you’re SUPER squeamish, because there are some truly epic fight scenes you’d want to avoid in that case.)

Seriously. One of the best movies I’ve seen in a very, very long time. Perry recommended it to me while it was still in theaters (it is now available in Redbox, for the curious) and to my ever-lasting shame, I did not heed his recommendation in time to see it on the big screen.

Samuel L. Jackson. Colin Firth. Michael Caine.

Do I REALLY need to say more?

Yes? Well, that’s fine, cuz there’s plenty more to say.

On the surface, it’s a James Bond-esque film. (Old school rather than modern, gritty Bond) It’s a coming-of-age tale, as the main character is a boy learning to be a spy. It’s a true Bond flick, complete with gentleman spy, secret rooms, clever equipment, and megalomaniac villain. It’s got the absolute best fight scene I have ever seen in my life … and the next two fight scenes on the list as well. (Church, Ending Battle, Bar Scene, for the curious)

It also has enough over-the-top humor to have you giggling at a pug puppy, gasping with surprised laughter at a stapled-together dead guy, and startled into utter delight by the climax.

(Also, glorious, glorious British accents.)

It is a wonderful, delightful romp of a film that rides “not taking itself too seriously” without ever actually devolving into goofiness or slapstick humor.

Do yourself a favor and check it out as soon as possible.