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I first took note of British director Matthew Vaughn with Kick Ass, a film that demands a deft touch. Vaughn successfully integrated humor and ultra-violence in an engaging manner. The sequel, Kick Ass 2, saw a change in directors, and the resulting film lacked the understanding of the source material, resulting in a clumsy and less appealing execution. Consequently, when Vaughn returned with Kingsman: The Secret Service, based on Mark Millar’s (Kick Ass) comic book, my interest was piqued.
The initial film, released in 2014 and starring Taron Egerton, masterfully balanced violence and humor. The sequel, arriving three years later, was adequate but fell short of the original’s quality. The Kingsman series then remained dormant until the announcement of The King’s Man, a prequel exploring the origins of the organization.
British aristocrat Orlando Oxford (Ralph Fiennes) establishes a spy network utilizing service personnel. In the early 1900s, maids and butlers were largely overlooked, allowing them to gather classified information discreetly. As World War I looms, a series of seemingly disparate events coalesce into a larger, more significant conspiracy.
The King’s Man possesses several noteworthy strengths, including its casting. Ralph Fiennes has been a standout since his performance in Kathryn Bigalow’s 1995 film, Strange Days. His presence and gravitas immediately forge a connection with the audience. The supporting roles are also well-selected, with Gemma Arterton as Polly and Rhys Ifans as Rasputin being particularly memorable.
Unfortunately, the first half of The King’s Man struggles to find its footing. The film oscillates between drama and more absurd sequences, such as the cake-eating and leg-stroking scene, creating tonal inconsistencies. Vaughn’s nuanced approach, evident in his earlier works, feels somewhat absent. However, the film recovers in its latter half, delivering a compelling and engaging conclusion. This ending suggests a potentially more captivating sequel, which is rumored to be in development.
The Blu-ray edition’s picture and sound quality are particularly impressive in the trench warfare scenes. The contrast between darkness and light, coupled with the sounds of bombings against the backdrop of silence, is exceptionally well-rendered. Moreover, the extensive and high-quality supplementary material on The King’s Man Blu-ray is noteworthy. The collection includes a documentary exceeding one and a half hours, covering various aspects of the filmmaking process, along with numerous shorter features exploring specific scenes. While The King’s Man is also available on Disney+, it lacks any bonus content beyond a trailer.
In conclusion, The King’s Man is an entertaining film that effectively blends fiction and historical elements. Despite a somewhat uneven beginning, the strength of the third act and the comprehensive Blu-ray edition contribute to a favorable recommendation.
Disney provided review copies for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted with the reader and consumer as the primary focus.
