'Kingsman: The Golden Circle' Review: Just Another Spy Movie With Average Humor

Matthew Vaughn has fulfilled his intentions of creating a sequel to his “Kingsman: The Secret Service” with a new franchise. But it seems that numbers aren’t adding up to what most had hoped to expect from the film, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” In fact, the downgrade might have stemmed from its predecessor.
With an evidently star-studded cast, a talented director and a prequel having good reviews, how could this second film get such reactions? The action-spy comedy still had Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, and Mark Strong. Plus an especially new cast featuring Channing Tatum, Julianne Moore, and even singer Elton John.  So what could go wrong?

New gadgets, new setting, same old routine

The “Kingsman” franchise served as a modern-made memento for the prevalent spy movies in the past. Films like “James Bond” had featured all the fancy gadgets and suave cars. Spies were cool back in the day. And this is exactly what ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ intended to bring back—but with a sprinkle of comedy.
The first film had been received warmly by the audience commending its surreal CGI, impressive cinematography and of course, fast-paced action. Even the wit and comedy tickled the audience’s funny bones. And that’s exactly why the second installment didn’t do as well—because it feels like “Kingsman” was intended for one movie only.

“Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” was like a bad spoof of James Bond’s “The Golden Ring.” And now that it’s been mentioned, “Golden Circle” sounds like another ridiculously bad parody name.
All the big bang of the sequel felt like another deja vu—and not the mind-blowing kind.  It had simply been another over two-hour long of physically impossible fight scenes in slow motion, absurd gadgets, and oh yeah, exaggerated characters.

How typical was it that the American counterparts of Kingsman, the Statesman just had to dress up like the 19th-century cowboys? With Lassos buckled on their belts and leather hats to finish the look? And then seated next to them was another stereotype—the fancy suit-wearing brits (have you noticed their glasses?).
“Kingsman: The Golden Circle” can try all it can to convince us that it is the better version of its last installment, but in reality, it’s just another bad spy movie with very average humor.

‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ choice of cast paid off

While the film might have delved less into developing the characters, the acting had been praised by some critics. Particularly, Julianne Moore as she played the ruthless evil mastermind, Poppy Adams. It was definitely refreshing to see the 56-year-old Academy Award-winning actress go nuts until she turned borderline obsessed.
Let’s not forget to mention that seeing Channing Tatum topless had also been a thumbs up for most viewers out there. But other than that, the imaginary world of Matthew Vaughn is not easy to wrap your head around in. Especially with all the unthinkable criminals out there, and the seemingly convenient technology at the hands of the vile. So for all the characters who had to immerse themselves in such a complex world, you’ve somewhat saved the blandness of “Kingsmen: The Golden Circle.”
To sum it up, if you want to see another version of Rowan Atkinson’s “Johnny English” but flashier and somewhat less comical, then go for it.