20s Movie Review - The Long Walk

Director: Francis Lawrence
Genre: Horror/ Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 108 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Cooper Hoffman, David Jonnson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Jordan Gonzalez, Joshua Odjick, Mark Hamill, Judy Greer Josh Hamilton

Description: A group of teenage boys compete in an annual contest known as “The Long Walk”, in which they must maintain a certain walking speed or get shot.

Review: “The Long Walk” is based on the book by Stephen King. Director Francis Lawrence delivers an intense, psychological battle of attrition that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

The concept is as simple as it is terrifying. In a totalitarian America, fifty teenage boys compete in an annual, live-broadcast walking race. There’s only one rule: keep walking at a minimum speed of about 5 km per hour. If your pace drops, you’ll receive a warning. After three warnings, the penalty is death. Only one can win. The prize? A massive sum of money and the fulfillment of all your wishes.

The film excels thanks to its raw atmosphere and fantastic acting performances. Cooper Hoffman (son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman) and David Jonnson, who play Ray and Peter, carry the film with their fragile, soulful performances. Their growing friendship forms the emotional heart of the film.
Although the characters are outdoors, the film feels oppressive, and escape is impossible. Mark Hamill as “The Major” shines as the cold-blooded, terrifying dictator overseeing the race.

The film is fast paces and just under two hours long. I wouldn’t have mind it to be a little longer. Some of the characters fade into the background before you really get to know them.

“The Long Walk” is a brutal, emotional rollercoaster that will stay with you for a long time. It’s one of the best Stephen King adaptations of recent years. An absolute must-see for fans of pitch-black survival thrillers.

Rating: 4/ 5

20s Movie Review - The Life of Chuck

Director: Mike Flanagan
Genre: Drama/ Fantasy
Runtime: 111 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Mark Hamill, Jacob Tremblay, Matthew Lillard, Annalise Basso, Kate Siegel, Samanta Sloyan

Description: A life-affirming, genre-bending story about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man names Charles Krantz.

Review: With “The Life of Chuck”, director Mike Flanagan proves that he can do more than horror. He is an absolute master of portraying the human soul. Based on the short story by Stephen King, that I just finished reading, this is a deeply moving celebration of life, told in reverse chronological order.

The film begins at the end of the world and works backward to the childhood of Chuck. It’s a darling structure that works perfectly; as the world around the characters literally falls apart, we discover the small, seemingly insignificant moments that give a life meaning. The iconic dance scene on the street is already a classic. It was my favorite scene in the book and is the best part of the movie as well. It’s pure, infectious, and a symbol of indestructible joie de vivre.

Flanagan embraces the sentiment without ever becoming sentimental. He is very faithful to Stephen King’s story, which I can only applaud. He reminds us that every human being carries a whole universe withing them. “The Life of Chuck” is a visually stunning and emotionally overwhelming tribute to the fact that we exist. Tom Hiddleston is absolutely brilliant in it. The film is an absolute triumph and a new favorite film.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - The Wild Robot

Director: Chris Sanders
Genre: Animation/ Science Fiction/ Adventure/ Family
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Lupita Nyongo’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Matt Berry, Mark Hamill, Ving Rhames, Catherine O’Hara
 
Description: After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz (Lupita Nyongo’o) is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island’s animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 52: A FILM THAT’S A 2024 FAVORITE FOR MANY PEOPLE
 
Review: At the center of “The Wild Robot” there is Roz, a robot that seems far too complicated to serve as a household helper. But would probably be given that function in most cases. Were it not for the fact that this particular one is stranded on a desert island. As far as people go, that is. This island is inhabited by animals and most of them see her as an enemy. Until she finds a goose egg.

When the egg hatches, the little goose latches on to Roz. She needs to teach him how to swim and fly and eventually get ready for migration. Roz makes it her task, with the help of Fink, an seemingly unreliable fox that feels just as an outsider as Roz does.  

Robots are supposed to be emotionless, trying to solve problems with logic, using algorithm. But when Roz’ algorithmic thought processes fail, she must learn to rely on her intuition and feelings. On the contrary, the animals of the island do nothing but act from gut instinct. They must learn to turn off their instincts in order to survive together. And it turns out that programming and instinct are not so different after all.

The sympathy you feel for Roz, from the start, is partly due to Lupita Nyongo’o’s excellent vocal performance. With only her voice, she manages to convey so much feeling and nuance. As Roz develops, we see her create her own consciousness. Her character growth is accompanied by universal themes of parenthood, friendship, belonging and (self-) acceptance, with the story emphasizing that the relationships we form are enough to lead fulfilling lives.

The breathtaking animation, vulnerable emotions and moving story are perfectly brought together. This results in countless enchanting scenes that really make something happen to you. I felt every emotion while watching “The Wild Robot”. Director Chris Sanders has outdone himself once again with this wonderful Dreamworks animation and it is indeed my favorite film of 2024.

Rating: 5/ 5

TV Show Review - The Fall of the House of Usher

Season: Mini Series
Genre: Horror/ Drama/ Mystery
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2023
Starring: Bruce Greenwood, Mary McDonnell, Carla Cugino, Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel, Zach Gilford, Samantha Sloyan, Michael Trucco, Mark Hamill    

Description: To secure their fortune (and future) two ruthless siblings (Bruce Greenwood, Mary McDonnell) build a family dynasty that begins to crumble when their heirs mysteriously die, one by one.

Review: Many filmmakers have a bond with the actors they work with. Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, or Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. Director Mike Flanagan does this with his series and films as well. In his newest show, “The Fall of the House of Usher”, we see a lot of familiar faces, like Bruce Greenwood, Carla Cugino, Zach Gilford, Henry Thomas, Samantha Sloyan and his wife Kate Siegel. I was very excited for this show, I’m a huge fan of Mike Flanagan’s work.

“The House of the Fall of Usher” is (very loosely) based on the Edgar Allan Poe short story of the same name. The story is about 40 pages long, so creating an 8-part TV-series around it is quite the challenge. Flanagan also took it to modern time. And I believe he did an excellent job.

The Usher family has amassed enormous wealth, but is mostly known for theur major crimes they get away with time and time again. Until one day, Roderick Usher’s six children are killed one by one in bloody accidents in a short period of time. Roderick invites hi judicial adversary to confess it all, because he knows full well who is targeting him.

“The Fall of the House of Usher” is marketed as horror, it is not a show just for the horror fans. I see it mostly as a dark, gothic mystery thriller with horror elements in it. The show has some really strong and effective scares, that would be stated horror.

The characters are diverse, but I can say that you will hate them all. They are all so unlikeable, but extremely interesting. The series only downside is that it has some predictability, because you know when which sibling will die. Because it’s set I a way that one person will die per episode. The way they all kick the bucket is not predictable, because some of them are very original, and all gruesome.

The cast is fantastic, but Carla Cugino and Bruce Greenwood (who previously both starred in Flanagan’s “Gerald’s Game”) are the ones that impress the most. Cugino is a literal chameleon in “The Fall of the House of Usher”.

I don’t think this is a show for everyone, whether you like horror or not. I highly enjoyed it and jumped a few times because of the scares Flanagan so well added. And the conclusion of the whole story was very strong.

10s Movie Review - Star Wars Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker

Director: J.J. Abrams
Genre: Science Fiction/ Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 142 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, John Boyega, Mark Hamill, Ian McDiarmid, Lupita Nyong’o, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Billy Dee Williams, Richard E. Grant, Anthony Daniels, Greg Grunberg, Dominic Monaghan, Keri Russell

Description: The surviving members of the resistance face the First Order again, and the legendary conflict between the Jedi and the Sith reaches its peaks bringing the Skywalker saga to its end.

Review: The resurrected Emperor Palpatine recruits Kylo Ren to restore his empire. Jedi-apprentice Rey and her rebel friends are the only ones tat can stop them.
In 2015 director J.J. Abrams had a challenge. He had the tough task to bring new life to the Star Wars franchise. And he managed with “Star Wars Episode VII – The Force Awakens”. And in my opinion the second film in this trilogy, directed by Rian Johnson, was also good and I really liked it (I know this is an unpopular opinion).
For the finale, Abrams returns, but “Star Wars Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” is not as sleek as its predecessors. The story goes by so fast and important plot development hardly have any time to settle in.
A lot that happens isn’t that new or original, “Star Wars Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” stays in its comfort zone. The story plays a lot with family bonds and many elements are expected and predictable.
But the heart of the series hasn’t gone and I did enjoy this film. The emotional connection between Rey and Kylo Ren is strong and the moments where Abrams decided to focus on his characters are the best. And the film again looks fantastic, visually it’s great.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

80s Review - Star Wars Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Director: Richard Marquand
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 1983
Starring: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Peter Mayhew, Frank Oz, James Earl Jones, David Prowse, Alec Guinness

Description: After a daring mission to rescue Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from Jaba the Hutt, the Rebels dispatch to Endor to destroy the second Death Star. Meanwhile, Luke (Mark Hamill) struggle to help Darth Vader back from the dark side without falling into the Emperor’s trap.

Review: To start off, this is my least favorite of the original three “Star Wars” films, but by no means do I hate this movie. I love anything “Star Wars”.
This was, at the time, the last chapter in the “Star Wars” saga. And it is for most people their least favorite and it’s noticeable not the best in this series. When it comes to the story, the characters and the setting, it’s just as good as the other two. But those Ewoks really bring this film down. And although they look pretty adorable, they are actually a bit creepy and annoying and take all the tempo out of the film.
That final fight between Luke, Darth Vader and the Emperor is really cool and this is what all “Star Wars” fans want. And this fight has many layers, since it’s between a father and son. They are trying to get Luke to join the dark side, but Luke still knows there is something good in his father and he tries to do the opposite. Luke is a Jedi now, he has come a long way since the first film.
“Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” is a great end to a wonderful saga, which we all know eventually continued, but it tied all these storylines together and rounded them off. It’s the least of all three, but still a joy to watch.

Rating: 4/ 5

80s Movie Review - Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Director: Irvin Kerschner
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 1980
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, David Prowse, James Earl Jones, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Alec Guinness, Jeremy Bulloch, John Hollis, Jack Purvis, Des Webb, Clive Revill

Description: After the rebels have been brutally overpowered by the Empire on their newly established base, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) takes advanced Jedi training with Master Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader as part of his plan to capture Luke.

Review: The rebels have found the perfect hiding place on ice planet Hoth. The location is discovered by Darth Vader anyway and he attacks the planet. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca and Princess Leia manage to escape. Luke goes to planet Dagobah to train with master Yoda, to become a Jedi. Han, Chewbacca and Leia go to Han’s friend Lando for help.
The second film in the first “Star Wars” trilogy is probably the most popular one of all and seen as the best film of the franchise. The atmosphere is darker, there is more action and no unnecessary side plots. There is a love story here, between Han and Leia, but it never dominates the story.
It still amazes me, after so many years and so many viewings. This world created by George Lucas. I really wished I came up with all this. “Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” is a fantastic film and a must see. Not just for movie fans, for everyone.

Rating: 5/ 5

Oldies Review - Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

Director: George Lucas
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Runtime: 125 minutes
Year: 1977
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Peter Cushing, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, James Earl Jones, Phil Brown, Shelagh Fraser, Jack Purvis, Alex McCrindle, Eddie Byrne

Description: Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) joins forces with a Jedi Knight (Alec Guinness), a cocky pilot (Harrison Ford), a wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) from the evil Darth Vader.

Review: If you’re young or old, a fan or not. Everyone know the “Star Wars” series. The franchise knows many unique characters and all the great adventures. The first film, “Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope” is a legendary and timeless science fiction film and the start of what probably is the most popular movie franchise ever.
After Darth Vader intercepts Princes Leia’s spaceship, she asks Jedi knight Obi-Wan Kenobi for help. Together with the young Luke Skywalker and pilot Han Solo, Obi-Wan goes after Leia who is the leader of the rebel alliance.
In 1977 there was no advanced technology, something many film makers use nowadays. George Lucas had his fantasy, imagination and a creative crew. Although you can see that it’s an older film, the visual effects are still stunning.
Although the performances feel somewhat forced, it never bothers you. The interaction between Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher is fun to watch and it adds a lot of humor to the film.
“Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope” is a joy to watch, every time.

Rating: 5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Brigsby Bear

Director: Dave McCary
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Kyle Mooney, Mark Hamill, Jane Adams, Greg Kinnear, Michaela Watkins, Claire Danes, Beck Bennett, Andy Samberg, Matt Walsh

Description: After being freed from his life in an underground bunker, a man (Kyle Mooney) sets out to make a movie of the only TV show he has ever known.

Review: Twenty-something James’ life is all about the fictional bear Brigsby. Every week a new adventure awaits him, in the form of a VCR tape on his doormat. Brigsby Bear teaches its viewers life lessons, math and morals. James’ bedroom is filled with Brigsby Bear stuff and you would think a toddler lives there. But James doesn’t know anything outside the bunker he lives in: his parents and the Brigsby Bear TV-show.
“Brigsby Bear” is the type of film I love to watch the most: light drama with a subtle hint of comedy. James’ life inside the bunker is interrupted and he has to try and survive in the real world. But is it necessarily better for him?
The film has a high level of feel-good and you want everything for James that he is fighting for. Two world come together, instead of exchanging one for the other. Because why shouldn’t James introduce the people in his new life to Brigsby Bear. His transition to this reality can go much smoother this way.
In director Dave McCary’s film, there is no room for misunderstanding and intolerance. It never gets mean or hostile. And I loved that about “Brigsby Bear”. There is so much hatred already, it’s great to see a film without any of that nasty behavior.
“Brigsby Bear” is movie that probably not a lot of people saw and that’s such a shame. It’s a movie that shouldn’t be left unseen, I loved this film. Never lose the child within yourself.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 131: Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Director: Rian Johnson
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 152 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Domhnall Gleeson, Andy Serkis, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Gwendoline Christie, Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern, Lupita Nyong’o, Warwick Davis, Peter Mayhew, Kelly Marie Tran

Description: Rey (Daisy Ridley) develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares to do battle with the First Order.

Review: As a fan of the Star Wars franchise, I am relieved. It’s a good one! “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was already a great start of a new Star Wars series and I was extremely excited for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. Director Rian Johnson took over from J.J. Abramds and manages to impress with a good mix of action, character moments, humor and drama.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” showed that the franchise still had the magic, we saw old heroes and new ones stole our hearts. Rian Johnson had a difficult task. He clearly respects and loves the Star Wars universe, but is also not scared to make it his own, especially with the humor he adds to it. The meeting between Rey and Luke Skywalker is great, but really nothing like you’d expect.
The film doesn’t focus on the training that Rey is undergoing, but more the inner struggle and insecurities of Rey. Daisy Ridley really does a great job. She is looking for her identity and in this she has a connection with Kylo Ren, who is also dealing with some struggles. How much are they alike and which character trade will eventually dominate?
I loved the fact that Poe Damercon, played by Oscar Isaac, had a bigger role in this film. He’s a character a liked from the start, also thanks to his sidekick BB-8, but his character was a little underused in the previous film. We got to know him better and he had a more important role too.
The return of Mark Hamill to the franchise probably made every nerd heart beat a little faster. And I have to say he was the best Luke Skywalker ever. I loved him in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. Also in combination with Daisy Ridley.
The addition of the Porgs was exactly right. I expected them to be as annoying as Jar Jar Binks in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace”, but they were in it just enough to make them loveable and not annoying.
The storyline of Finn and Rose is probably my only negative of the film. It took the pace out of the film a little bit and wasn’t as interesting. And off course the last performance of Carrie Fisher. It’s a bit heart breaking, but I loved seeing her one last time as Leia.
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” was really good. I enjoyed it very much and wasn’t disappointed one bit. It’s not better than “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, but certainly an excellent sequel. I would say they are equal.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Movie Cameos of 2015

Still looking back on 2015 as a movie year, I’ve started listing the best cameos in movies of that year. It was pretty tough, I had to dig deep. But here are my five favorite cameos of 2015.

5. 50 Cent (“Spy”)

The rapper has been in the acting game for a while now, but in “Spy” he plays himself while on a way to a concert near to the end of the film. Mostly alongside Miranda Hart’s character Nancy.

 

 

4. Daniel Radcliffe and Marisa Tomei (“Trainwreck”)

Radcliffe and Tomei show up in the movie within the movie. Amy Shumer’s character and John Cena’s Steven go and see it. It’s an Indie parody called “The Dogwalker”.

 

 

3. Hugh Jackman (as Wolverine in “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”)

Director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon had no idea if he was going to be able to snag Hugh Jackman to voice a picture of Wolverine in Rachel’s room. But when he told him about the scene, Jackman signed on.

 

 

2. Liam Neeson (“Entourage” and “Ted 2”)

Although I wasn’t a huge fan of either of the movies, Liam Neeson makes it all a lot more fun. In “Entourage” he does something we all want to do: he gives Ari Gold the finger. In “Ted 2” he buys a box of US cereal Trix and is concerned it’s just for kids. Really funny.

 

 

1. Mark Hamill (“Kingsman: The Secret Service”)

Mark Hamill pops up as professor Arnold, a scientist that the Kingsmen send Lancelot to rescue. This mission doesn’t go that well though. And Professor Arnold ends up, well…. He explodes.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Stan Lee (“Avengers: Age of Ultron”), Nemo (“Inside Out”)

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 169: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Director: J.J. Abrams

Genre: Science Fiction/ Action/ Fantasy/ Adventure

Runtime: 135 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Harrison Ford, Peter Mayhew, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Mark Hamill, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Max von Sydow, Greg Grunberg, Warwick Davis, Gwendoline Christie, Ken Leung, Simon Pegg

Description: Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises. The First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a ragtag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance.

Review: With new additions to many great franchises, like “Jurassic Park”, “Mad Max”, “The Terminator” and now “Star Wars”, 2015 has become an iconic year. Not every franchise found the right balance between nostalgia and an interesting new story. I’m so glad “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” turned out this good.

Off course there is the nostalgia, by bringing back Han, Leia and Chewbacca and seeing the Millenium Falcon makes our hearts skip a beat. And it’s clear that writer Lawrence Kasdan and director J.J. Abrams know the original trilogy very well. This is all combined very well with a good new story and new characters. I loved BB-8, the droid. He had a bit more character then R2-D2 had.

Stormtrooper Finn, X-wingpilot Poe Dameron and Jedi fangirl Rey are all great characters and are a breath of fresh air. They form an unusual yet diverse group of protagonists. Epecially Daisy Ridley as Rey. She was the star of the film, what a great discovery. The main villain is Kylo Ren, who seems to pay tribute to Darth Vader. He is a strong and believable villain. Captain Phasma isn’t though, she doesn’t get enough screen time to convince us.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is a great film, the movie we’ve all been waiting for. And we got exactly what we wanted and hoped for. Definitely a 2015 favorite.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Marry, Kiss, Cliff - Round 10

Round 10: Mark Zuckerberg (“The Social Network”), Luke Skywalker (“Star Wars”) and Dom Cobb (“Inception”)

Marry: I don’t really want to marry any of them. One is a douche, one has daddy issues and one has wife issues. I would have to go with Luke Skywalker, he at least has the force. And he knows Yoda, who is super awesome!

Kiss: Dom Cobb has a strange job and he never got over the death of his wife. Just a quick kiss and then run away even faster.

Cliff: I know Mark Zuckerberg is probably the most normal person of the three, but he’s kind of a douchebag. I know he’s loaded, but I don’t want to be with a rich douche.

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 33: Kingsman: The Secret Service

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Genre: Action/ Crime/ Adventure/ Comedy

Runtime: 116 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong, Mark Hamill, Sofia Boutella, Michael Caine, Sophie Cookson, Jack Davenport

Description: A spy organization recruits unrefined, but promising street kid Eggsy (Taron Egerton) into the agency's ultra-competitive training program, just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius (Samuel L. Jackson).

Review: Yeah to the spy movie! Matthew Vaughn made one of his best with “Kingsman: The Secret Service”. Pretty good for a movie I didn’t really expect much from. Vaughn, who made movies like “Kick-Ass” and “Layer Cake” really exceeds himself this time. The movie has everything you need for the next two hours: elegance, a good cast and a great script. But it’s overall its youthful character that makes this film so pleasurable. It’s like Vaughn just watched his first spy movie and jumped into this project with childlike nativity and creativity.

Based on the comic book series “The Secret Service” by Dave Gibbons and Mark Millar, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” shows us how secret agent Harry Hart recruits rebel Eggsy. Hart gets Eggsy in to a secret agency called The Kingsmen.

“Kingsman: The Secret Service” is full of nostalgic: the love for the spy movie genre is clearly present. But you can’t compare it to other movies in that genre. Vaughn managed to create something that stands on its own and is fresh and bold. Everything that makes a spy movie great is present: extravagant gadgets, a charismatic villain, stylish spies, beautiful women and a cool soundtrack.

Colin Firth, the face of British cinema, is good as always. Stylish and proud he shines as bad-ass spy. If you think he’s stiff, then this movie might change your mind. Who would have thought that Firth could easily overpower a pub full of rioters? Also Samuel L. Jackson is convincing as the bad guy, although I don’t know why he has that weird lisp. But it’s in fact new guy Taron Egerton, who plays Eggsy, who wins over our hearts.

“Kingsman: The Secret Service” succeeds in being funny and exciting consistently, without overdoing it. It’s a real joy, from beginning ‘till end and time flies when you’re watching it. “Kingsman: The Secret Service” is cinema with balls, a movie that will give you a grin even after you left the theater.

Rating: 4/ 5