ONE OF the joys of video-on-demand services is the immediate access to must-see movies that flew under the radar. Kingsman: The Secret Service has been on my shortlist since its release in 2015, but I never managed to view it. Netflix finally gave me that opportunity this weekend.
The first of the Kingsman spy franchise absolutely deserves the accolades it received on its theatrical run. Matthew Vaughn expertly creates a tribute to and parody of spy movies that the British have elevated into a venerable institution. What makes this comedy of errors outstanding is the elegance that wraps around the comedy.
"Manners maketh the man", the movie (and theme song) proclaims. Men of delightful acting manners—Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, and Mark Strong—maketh Kingsman: The Secret Service movie one of the truly enjoyable and exhilarating action-comedy films of the passing decade. I can only wish that Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Caine get resurrected in upcoming installments. Their brief cameos are fun and impactful.
