‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ Brings the World of Espionage to Theaters

2015 ushers in action-spy film “Kingsman: The Secret Service” in theaters on February 13. Directed by Matthew Vaughn and written by Vaughn and Jane Goldman, the film is based on the comic book “The Secret Service,” which was created by Dave Gibbons and Mark Millar in 2012, reminiscent of James Bond films. The movie follows veteran agent Harry Hart, played by Colin Firth, who instructs a young protégé how to live in the world of espionage.

The protégé in question, Gary Unwin, is played by Taron Egerton. Joining Firth and Egerton is Michael Caine as Chester King, Samuel L. Jackson as Richmond Valentine, Sofia Boutella as Gazelle, Jack Davenport as Lancelot, Sophie Cookson as Roxy, Mark Strong as Merlin, Mark Hamill as Professor James Arnold, Samantha Woman as Michelle, and Richard Brake as The Interrogator. Notable cameos are made by Adele, David Beckham, Lady Gaga, and Elton John.

Front and center in the film is Colin Firth, a highly prolific actor most notably known for his work in period pieces, his most popular portrayal to date being King George VI in “The King’s Speech,” which rightfully earned him an Oscar among many other accolades. Beyond that performance, Firth has played Fitzwilliam Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice,” Mark Darcy in “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” and Geoffrey Clifton in “The English Patient,” all of which have turned out to be quite iconic characters despite the generational gap between classics and younger viewers. Undeniably unlike any character, he’s embodied before, “Kingsman’s” Harry Hart will show audiences how Firth “still has it,” and it doesn’t hurt to see all the action moves he puts into play.

Samuel L. Jackson is another actor notorious for exemplary choice in portrayals, having earned critical acclaim by appearing in “Jungle Fever,” “Patriot Games,” “Jurassic Park,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Die Hard with a Vengeance,” “Shaft,” “Black Snake Moan,” and was even a part of the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy. Despite his busy schedule as Marvel Comics character Nick Fury, he has a versatile lineup of films to be released, and right at the top of his list is “Kingsman,” in which he will be playing Richmond Valentine. While very few details of the film have been revealed, that only gives more incentive to see these actors in such secretive roles.

To complete the interesting lineup of actors is Mark Hamill, who has certainly come a long way from his Jedi days back in the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy when he portrayed the memorable Luke Skywalker. Since then he has transitioned into becoming a well-known voice actor, most notably as the Joker in the “Batman” realm, all in film, television, and video games.

You don’t need much more of a reason to see this film but knowing that the direction, writing, and cast are definitely up to par!

‘Kingsman: The Secret Service” slinks into theaters Feb. 13.