Kingsman: The Secret Service

Anyone looking to beat those January blues this month couldn’t do much better than Kingsman: The Secret Service, the very-british-action-comedy-spy film released on the 29th. Directed by Matthew Vaughan (of Kick Ass and X Men: First Class renown) the film features a cast that includes such celebrity as Colin Firth (The King’s Speech), Samuel L Jackson (Django Unchained), Mark Strong (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Taron Egerton (Testament of Youth) and Michael Caine (The Dark Knight), as well as newcomer Sophie Cookson, who reportedly beat a host of Hollywood starlets including Emma Watson to the role.
The story, penned by Vaugn alongside frequent collaborator Jane Goldman (Kick Ass, X-Men: Days of Future Past) is based on comic-book ‘The Secret Service' by Dave Gibbons and Mark Millar. It follows Eggsy (Taron Egerton), a highly talented but wayward teenager headed down the path to destruction through a mixture of petty crime and drugs. Luckily for Eggsy he is being closely monitored by Harry Hart (Colin Firth) a veteran secret agent in the mysterious Kingsman Service with a taste for high-end tailoring and a talent for dispatching villains. When Hart is tasked with finding a new recruit for his agency, Eggsy is his immediate choice; a life-changing decision for both the boy and his new mentor.
Vaughn recently caused controversy when issuing a take-down of the Christopher Nolan style of action-filmmaking, arguing that Nolan (cult director behind Batman Begins and The Dark Knight) 'kick-started a very dark, bleak style of superhero escapism, and I think people have had enough of it.' He pointed instead to the success of 2014-hit Guardians of the Galaxy to insist that people want 'fun and escapism' instead. Kingsman, despite the presence of Nolan favourite Michael Caine, is certainly about as far away from the Nolanesque superhero film as you can get, and whether or not you agree with Vaughn’s remarks, early reviews suggest that it would be difficult not to enjoy this faintly ridiculous but highly entertaining and action-packed offering.

Cinemas in London showing Kingsman: A Secret Service

South: Where to see Kingsman: A Secret Service in South London: The Ritzy
Brixton's historic Ritzy is known for its relaxed atmosphere and eclectic programme of art-house films, documentaries and Hollywood blockbusters. The range of craft beers on offer make it a cut above the rest.
Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the Ritzy this weekend.

East: Where to see Kingsman: A Secret Service in East London: Hackney Picturehouse
The Hackney Pictureshouse shows a quirky mix of art-house and mainstream films. And with its buzzing bar and restaurant, it’s a great place to hang out before and after screenings.
Click here for other suggestions of what's on at the Hackney Picturehouse this weekend.

West: Where to see Kingsman: A Secret Service in West London: The Lounge, Whiteleys
The Lounge in Bayswater's Whiteleys is an Odeon like no other: under-18s are banned and and customers treated to a luxury cinema experience. Should you need a top-up, the chairs are equipped with buttons to call waiting staff during the film. Luxury indeed.
Click here for other suggestions of what’s on at the Lounge, Whiteleys this weekend.

If none of our suggestions take your fancy, check out the complete listings for cinemas showing Kingsman in London: Kingsman: A Secret Service film times, London