The King's Man

 

The King’s Man

The original 2014 film The Kingman: The Secret Service was one of those films that snuck up on me with how much I enjoyed it.  So much so I was excited beyond belief to see its sequel The Golden Circle three years later, which was a bitter disappointment for sure.  Another four years has passed and the third film in the franchise has now hit the big screen and with it the return of hope for a good film. 

The King’s Man is a prequel taking us back to the founding of this secret intelligence society in the run up and during the course of World War I. As such it’s more a spy thriller/war film than anything else as it lays the groundwork for the basis of the first two movies. With a lot of “positioning” of elements like chess pieces, TKM  focuses more on philosophical ideals and takes itself much more seriously.  Heavy on the political dialogue, the pacing does get slow and the story does drag in places, but not to the point I got bored or became completely disengaged. The violence, particularly the war scenes are brutal and hard to watch.   Both necessary evils to the overall movie. 

Having a more serious tone brings fewer over-the-top action sequences but when they hit, they hit hard and stick their landings. The dark humor is there as well but again is held in check. The musical score is sweeping as are the locations. The acting is wonderful, Ralph Fiennes and Charles Dance shine bright as expected.  Gemma Arterton, Djimon Hounsou, and Harris Dickinson more than hold their own.  Then there’s Rhys Ifans as Rasputin.  A pure, mind blowing, crazy and unsettling at its best.  A weird viewing experience, but still largely satisfying.  

Once again, we’re given a film where the villain(s) are generic and their motives are meh and they feel like a means to an end for setting up the next film, they remain serviceable to the story. Not the most interesting or engaging, but they work for the most part. 

While I won’t say The King’s Man is as good as the original, I’m thrilled to report it’s far superior to the sequel in every aspect. Thank goodness! It’s a strange blend of twistory, farce, espionage, politics, and ideology that makes for an oddly unsettling yet entertaining viewing experience. 

I’m going to give this one a 7.  

BTW don’t miss the mid credit sequence.