You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled across a rather twisted and regal version of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure when you first read the plot outline of “The Kings Man.” A collection of history’s very worst criminals and tyrants are plotting to wipe out millions of people, and only one man, in a race against time, can stop them. What a treat!

I love a good origin story. Batman Begins, The Hobbit and here, The Kings Man. They can be hit and miss – this one delivers in spades. Without giving too much away, the plot centres around Orlando Oxford (played superbly by Ralph Fiennes) and his oversight of the fledgling Kingsman spy agency during World War I, his need to protect his son Conrad (Harris Dickinson) and trying to thwart the plot of classic criminals and tyrants.

The relationship and story development between Conrad and Orlando makes this film special. They learn from each other, grow together and take us on some unexpected turns along the way. Fans of the Kingsman Franchise will love going back to see where it all began. The fun-loving yet regal vibes are still here, and the engaging action sequences were shot perfectly and, again, well-choreographed. Think Guy Ritchie style-wise with a little less intensity. My favourite scene is the touch between Ralph Fiennes’s Oxford and the film’s villain, Rasputin (Rhys Ifans) – I’ll let you judge for yourself. There’s also a healthy dose of dark humour thrown into the mix, which I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Overall, this is a great watch for those who love the Kingman franchise or spy movies generally, for that matter! It is good fun, and the film visuals are also incredible. The decor, costuming and general early 1900’s vibe is rocking and matched with the exceptional cinematography, it’s a feast for the eyes.  The relationship and story development between the film’s lead make this film special, not to mention a pleasing amount of dark humour thrown into the mix; the film is a blast and a worthly prequel that I’m confident many will enjoy.

8.0/10

24th December 2021

Written by Amanda Rosazza

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Photographer Credit: Jared Vethaak, Vethaak Media @vethaakmedia

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