With the exception of James Bond, the most popular spy movies out there right now must be the “Kingsman” series. I’m not too keen on this series. The first movie wasn’t bad, the ensuing installment, titled “The Golden Circle,” was unnecessary and, now, this latest one?
Director Matthew Vaughn has decided to name the latest installment in this series “The King’s Man” — I know, very creative. This third film will be set in the 1900s, and concentrate on how the ‘Kingsmen’ fraternity of spies came to be. Judging by the newly dropped trailer, it may be a considerable improvement upon the last one, I’m sure returning director Vaughn was no doubt irked by the negative reviews “The Golden Circle” received.
The 49-year-old Vaughn started off his career with four solid entries: the British gangster film “Layer Cake,” the charming satirical fantasy “Stardust,” the R-rated and deliciously twisted “Kick-Ass,” and, maybe, the best X-Men movie ever released, “X-Men: First Class.” Ever since then? Three ‘Kingsman’ movies. Has Vaughn just given up on finding original content to direct? It’s much easier and, a safer bet, for any director these days to grab an easy paycheck with an almost-guaranteed blockbuster franchise to your name.
The official synopsis for “The King’s Man”:
As a collection of history’s worst tyrants and criminal masterminds gather to plot a war to wipe out millions, one man must race against time to stop them. Discover the origins of the very first independent intelligence agency in “The King’s Man.”
The film stars Ralph Fiennes, Harris Dickinson, Daniel Brühl, Charles Dance, Rhys Ifans, Matthew Goode, Gemma Arterton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Charles Dance, Tom Hollander, Djimon Hounsou, and Stanley Tucci.
“The King’s Man” is scheduled for theatrical release on September 18.