Movie sequels get a bad rep, and not without reason; it seems like any time a movie becomes popular, Hollywood feels the need to replicate the same success, leading to unnecessary descendants. Horror franchises and sequels to The Hangover are just some examples. Even with critically acclaimed franchises, the first film is often cited as the best. Consequently, my expectations for Kingsman: The Golden Circle, the sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service, were quite low, and, perhaps as a result, easy to surpass. 

Kingsman: The Golden Circle revolves around Kingsman Eggsy Unwin (Taron Egerton), about a year after the events of the first film. After an attack leaves his colleagues and loved ones dead, Eggsy and Agent Merlin (Mark Strong) follow the Kingsman doomsday protocol, leading them to Kentucky. They discover that the American Secret Service Statesman Harry (Colin Firth) is still alive, and collaborate to bring down the Golden Circle, a secret terrorist organization led by the crazy but capable Poppy Adams (Julianne Moore), in order to avenge the deaths of those who have fallen.

Like its predecessor, this film masterfully combines elements of action, espionage and comedy. From beginning to end, fight sequences remain stylish and exciting, with everything from car chases to cowboy sequences in between. Laughs were frequent throughout the film, due to unrestrained, witty dialogue and wonderful performances by the actors. Make sure to watch for a hilarious drinking scene between Egerton and Strong’s characters. In other words, the movie without a doubt entertains. 

One also cannot dismiss the plethora of celebrated actors. In addition to those already mentioned, the cast is joined by Halle Berry, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, Jeff Bridges and even the brilliant Elton John. While 2014’s Kingsman consisted largely of British actors with the exception of Samuel L. Jackson, the sequel strikes a rare balance between the British and American cast members and certainly takes advantage of it, making it all the more appealing to U.S. viewers.

I am of the most likely unpopular opinion that the sequel was better than the original. The first Kingsman was heavy with violent gore and satire, which I may not have minded, but I watched it uncomfortably with my dad, who likes neither of those elements – especially when they pick on his favorite James Bond film franchise. Many times in the much cleaner Kingsman: The Golden Circle, I forgot that the film was a parody, and viewed it instead as an action-comedy; this appealed to me, but may not appeal to those who liked the boldness and freshness of the first. A couple friends of mine were also disappointed in the predictability of the sequel. Still, I think most viewers would concede that this film was funnier than the first. 

In my experience here at Colgate, midnight shows are the best way to watch newly released movies. Not just because they are free for us students, but because we are surrounded by our peers. Reactions of amusement and shock resound throughout the theater and make fun films all the more enjoyable. Seating is of course somewhat limited, but I highly recommend that students attend these showings if possible. Make sure to watch Kingsman: The Golden Circle at the Hamilton Movie Theatre while it’s still showing. 

 Contact Gloria Han at [email protected].