Our verdict on Kingsman: The Golden Circle

CERT 15, OUT 20 SEPTEMBER, 141 MINUTES

Starring: Taron Egerton, Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum, Colin Firth Director: Matthew Vaughn

PLOT: After the Kingsman spy network is virtually wiped out by a set of explosive strikes, survivors Eggsy (Egerton) and Merlin (Mark Strong) team up with an affiliate organisation in Kentucky, based at the premises of a bourbon whiskey maker. The combined operatives have their work cut out, because a deranged drugs kingpin called Poppy (Julianne Moore) – who inexplicably controls the global supply of six major types of narcotics – has unleashed a plan to legitimise her business. This plot involves her contaminating her product with a slow-acting poison and then holding the world to ransom in order for the antidote to be released.

WHAT’S RIGHT WITH IT? Over two Kick-ass movies and now two Kingsman ones, Matthew Vaughn and principal creative collaborator Jane Goldman have brought a contagiously giddy punk-rock energy to their commercial filmmaking, reinvigorating both the costumed vigilante movie and the spy flick. The pair have particular fun this time around with their conception of the ’50s-styled Poppy, whose obsession with the decade epitomising America’s heartland values belies her ruthless, murderous ambition. Elton John proves very game in the admittedly unchallenging role of Elton John, a kidnap victim imprisoned in Poppy’s retro HQ, Poppy Land, where he’s forced to do his captor’s bidding.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH IT? Given the horrible price society does indeed pay for criminalising the supply of drugs, it’s a pity that the character urging an end to prohibition (Poppy) is a psychopath. Whatever. More regrettable is the film’s leery treatment of a female character into which Eggsy has been tasked with planting a tracking device. VERDICT: Combining all the pluses and

minuses of the first Kingsman movie, The Golden Circle serves up another portion of enjoyably reprehensible entertainment. ★★★★ Charles Gant