Say Good Knight!

Parkour, Evil Babes On Blade Stilts, Secret Gadgets and Even Samuel Jackson With A Lisp, The New-Age Comic Spy Flick Kingsman: The Secret Service Has Everything. 

ON CONTINUITY

ARTH VADER (AV): Based heavily on the comic book series, Kingsman: The Secret Service is officially listed as a “spy/action/comedy/film”. A film with a sense of humor and sense of itself, the movie ingrains itself to the audience as a smart, almost self-aware film. At more than one point in the film, actors in the film proclaim how “this ain’t that kind of film.” A spawn of the new age of comic-inspired story-telling in cinema, Kingman is fast, fun, and clever, quite like the comics published by Icon. 

THE PONTIFICATOR (TP): This film is based of the comic series “Secret Service” which I collected and very much enjoyed. There have been some subtle changes made from the series to the film, but I can honestly say that when I watched the trailer for the first time, I recognized it as a screen adaption of the comics immediately, which speaks volumes to how closely the filmmakers tried to stay true to the comic representation.

CASTING, ACTING & DIRECTING

AV: With a strong, veteran cast, Kingsman is solid entertainment. Colin Firth as Galahad is just stellar and Mark Strong as Merlin was terrific. And mad props to sci-fi super-fan-boy favorite, Mark “I am a Jedi, like my father before me” Hamill as Professor Arnold. These three gentlemen came together to deliver a solid performance and brought the caliber of a well-crafted film and a superb screenplay to a level of awesome few films get to enjoy. Director Matthew “X-Men: First Class” Vaughn’s visual storytelling compliments the film’s try and genre magnificently. Excellent cinematic endeavor wouldn’t you say, Pontificator? 

TP: This film was well cast and well acted for what it was meant to represent Vader…namely a comic adaption of a spoof on the James Bond genre. Colin Firth played an excellent role as the emotionally invested mentor of Lee (Jonno Davies in his first major film role). Mark Strong was great in his supporting role as was the well established Michael Caine and beautiful Sofia Boutella. I think Samuel L. Jackson was just added for star power, but you really can’t go wrong with him…despite the shallowness of his role.

ON SPECIAL EFFECTS

AV: A very smart array of visual effects helps make this movie even cooler than it’s idea. This movie did something I have NEVER seen before, and to me, that is the earmark of greatness—success or failure. The in-church fight scene is so action-packed, so infused with choreographed fighting with mind-bending cinematography, you have to take a deep breath after the scene ends. Really. It is that good. When visual effects make me say “…wow that was cool” to myself, well… thats the definition of good effects. To put the cherry on top, it is possible to watch this whole film and not truly even notice the effects they are so seamlessly integrated into the storytelling. That, my friend, is the right stuff. 

TP: If “over-the-top” was an official classification of effects, this film had that ad nauseam. Although I enjoyed the film and effects, I was literally sitting in the theater saying to myself…”no” as I could not believe how absolutely extreme some of the scenes were (as noted by the Dark One above). There is certainly something to be said for the similarity in the graphic comic presentation, and the duplication of that presentation in film. The 3D was used well, but it is getting to be a habit for me to feel like more could be made of using 3D in films.

TAKING A CLOSER LOOK

AV: Graphic novel adaptations have a checkered past in hollywood. Whether we’re talking the Men in Black franchise, Watchmen, Kick Ass or R.I.P.D., the graphic novel/comic book adaptation is a money making prospect for studios but hit-or-miss for content. Kingsman is a breed apart and can be considered as good as one of the best graphic novel adaptations. It shows how an action/comedy/adventure/spy thriller can entertain, delight and leave us wanting more. Gritty, senses-gripping action makes this film exciting. The characters and screenplay make it a must-watch. My only pause was the mousey or subservient nature of every single female character in the film. This of course, gives us the opportunity to do a more engaging female arc in coming films. Regardless, Kingsman is by far the best film I have seen so far this year. Ponty? 

TP: Heh… the year is still young Vader. This film was an obvious spoof on the James Bond series of films although the comic books never felt like that when reading them. Despite the insanely over-the-top gore in the effects, I found myself having extreme fun while watching it. I imagine many people that saw this film were not accustomed to the thick British accents throughout the film, but being an avid watcher of BBC America…I was right at home. I think if there was a template for a super spy spoof film that didn’t take itself too seriously, but still delivered some serious fun, this film fits that mold perfectly.

ON SEQUELS

AV: If there’s more in the store for Kingsman, I’m buying. This movie was solid entertainment, with a screenplay as smart as it was quirky. I could sit through a new Kingsman film every 20-24 months and enjoy it MUCH more than a Fast & Furious flick. Seriously. Action, adventure, comedy, social commentary and visual effects like a boss? Hell’s yeah, sign this brother up for 10 more just like it. 

TP: Of course they could continue the story beyond the books and make entertaining spy spoof films from now until whenever…but there is something to be said for doing a story just right, and leaving it to stand on it’s own merits.

RATE IT!

ARTH VADER rates Kingsman: The Secret Service: Truly a great film for action and spy flick lovers. If you like your films fun, your script witty and your action non-stop then I have no idea why you are still in your seat. Kingsman: The Secret Service is the type of movie Hollywood–and audiences–desperately need more of. It sets the pace for the genre and delivers an experience we have all too little of in films these days… a good one. So Kingsman: The Secret Service suits up with nine (9) very well-groomed and deviously-outfitted busted blocks.

THE PONTIFICATOR rates Kingsman: The Secret Service: Knowing the source material well, I was happy to see how successfully it transitioned to the silver screen. I think the effects being extremely graphic while the acting being a bit campy was the perfect blend of fun and entertainment... killing eight (8) busted blocks for King and country.

Kingsman: The Secret Service – 8.5 / 10 Busted Blocks

Chronicle of Disbelief

The camera becomes a tool, a participant and a conduit in this tale of supernatural teenage angst.

ON CONTINUITY:

ARTH VADER (AV): Capitalizing on the current 'handi-cam cinema' trend of movies told from a personal perspective (read; the Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield and Paranormal Activity to name just a few) Chronicle inserts the viewer into the world of three regular-seeming teenagers who stumble upon and extraordinary finding that grants them undreamt of power. And as always–at a cost. This movie also trends toward the never-seems-to-get-old empowered teenage genre (read; X-MEN, Twilight and Harry Potter Movies) and we get a front row seat on the latest tale of how absolute power corrupts absolutely. Did I miss anything, Pontificator?

THE PONTIFICATOR (TP): Nope, that just about covers it Vader. There are no continuity issues here since it’s an original film... or is it? I found myself reminded of other films such as Jumper and Push. The one word title’s aside, the film shares the idea of young people with powers, learning how to use them...and making some bad decisions along the way. Although similar, the movie does manage to separate itself enough for a unique presentation.

CASTING, DIRECTING & ACTING:

AV: With a cast or relative unknowns, Chronicle delivers a somewhat original story with a relatively fresh-faced cast. You know Pointy, my jury isn't in yet on thoughts on the whole handi-cam (hand-held) camera approach. It certainly worked wonders in Cloverfield, but this can also be a headache-inducing hinderance. While it frees up the actors to be more "real" I am not sure I get reality out of this effect. Lord only knows, Reality-TV is a writhing disaster that requires this in front of the camera to have little-to-know acting chops. Chronicle, though, offers a little bit more.

TP: Agreed Vader... it’s always roll of the dice to cast a movie full of unknowns... but this time it paid off. It also helped that the directing took the approach of the documentary effect validating the title of the film. Dane DeHaan was excellent and very convincing as someone that had serious social issues. Alex Russell had a more subtle role, but was very effective in being a pivotal presence as the kind of person many people know or have known while in high school. Michael B. Jordan, the most experienced of the main cast... and coming off his success in Red Tails, added flavor and injected a contrasting, but complimentary personality that offset and upgraded the other two characters.

SPECIAL EFFECTS (SFX):

AV: I don't know about this one—were there any special effects? Yeah there were a few very fast 'super-power' sequences and certainly the mysterious underground crystal scene was cool but I don't know if there was anything at home the average layperson couldn't do with a few trick and a boot-legged copy of Adobe After Effects. Outside the showdown and explosions of the big finale, this film, given it's premise, wasn't a Special Effects overload. Don't get me wrong, cool, but far from over-the-top.

TP: The special effects were good at times... and questionable at others. Perhaps I scrutinize more now than the average moviegoer because of this blog, but there were a few scenes that looked rushed to me. I was particularly annoyed when Steve Montgomery (Jordan) moved the BMW in the parking lot because it was clear the car was already poised for hoisting as evidenced from the extension of the tires in the wheel well. The car just looked completely spliced into the scene as it moved, making me groan. Other effects of telekinesis were excellent, as I expected, since the technology to simulate that power onscreen should be basic by now.

TAKING A DEEPER LOOK:

AV: At the core, I really liked this movie. A little cultish, more than a little predictable and chuck full of characters I really didn't care as to whether they lived or died. The acting was ... "meh". The story was OK, but there was something immersive about the whole experience. It seems as though hollywood is going through a similar awakening of this genre that occurred in the 1960's which birthed the the whole 'unlikely hero' story line with the likes of Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, The Hulk & of course, the X-Men. It will nice to see this film-making strand evolve. Super-powered teenagers are common (X-MEN, No Ordinary Family, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and Sky High to name a few) but this had an edge. I don't want to overstate this movie, it was well done, but really offered no credible new experience. Your thoughts, Ponty?

TP: There was drama. There was humor. There was action. There was also a lot of unanswered questions which worked in the movie’s favor considering the total presentation of the film. How did they get their powers? I saw, but never really understood. What were the limits of their powers and what effect did they have on their bodies. I saw, but never really understood. This to me added a great deal to the film since it was presented from their perspective... how much would any of us really understand about that situation analyzing it with our high school minds? I think this was brilliant as it added a realism to the movie that the movies I listed as similar above, didn’t have. It also left the door wide open to a future installment that could possible answer some of these questions.

ON SEQUELS:

AV: I don't see a need for a sequel in this one, but that hasn't stopped Hollywood in the past. We really need to get Hollywood to continue to hammer out new and different story lines. That said, this was a decent effort, albeit not new. We don't need another Chronicle, though I would love to see many more solid attempts like it in this genre.

TP: Oh Vader-Nader, I see potential here. How much further will Matt’s (Russell) power grow? How will he live in a world where it may not be known where he is, but the authorities know who he is? What was it they found...and were they the only ones to find it? These questions are just the tip of the iceberg in the polar cap that could be a sequel. They can even continue that unique feel of the film... since cameras are everywhere, it would still be a “chronicle” of what happens next.

ARTH VADER Rates Chronicle: A so-so story, fresh faces and some decent, if not eye -popping SFX puts Chronicle in a good spot on the must-see list. While you don't need to view this on the big screen, it is a good time–with a few twists and some thought provoking 'what-if' scenarios. Fun, brainless and full of bland characters, this one might easily be forgotten soon, but I use my new-found powers for good and bust seven blocks for Chronicle.

THE PONTIFICATOR Rates Chronicle: A very interesting and engaging movie with terrific action and special effects, I felt it could have been better, but understood and appreciated what it was... and respect the seven blocks it busted.

Chronicle: 7/10 Busted Blocks

Spartans Almost Perfect!

History comes alive in this vibrant, true life-inspired Hollywood re-telling of the amazing battle of Thermopylae.

CONTINUITY:

ARTH VADER (AV): 300 is far more than a story. It’s a legend, a timeless tale of a few standing against many. A handful of brave Greek souls defies slavery, tyranny and oppression in the face of overwhelming odds. The time of the great Greek city-states was brutal both in war and politics, a time when opponents met eye-to-eye on the battlefield. This is the setting for Frank Miller's epic Graphic Novel masterpiece, 300 and the movie does jaw-dropping justice to Miller's award-winning storytelling with an eerie re-interpretation of this infamous tale. Pontificator, I know you have some thoughts on this one.

THE PONTIFICATOR (TP): I do indeed Vader...if there’s one movie that’s been made as if it came straight out of the comic book and onto the silver screen...this one is it. Panel for panel and with all the dialogue, “300” stayed so true to the book that the only distinguishable difference between the movie and book were the seat I was sitting in when I viewed them.

Casting, Directing and Acting:

AV: While admittedly, some of the acting is a bit overdone (alright, more than a bit), I have to remind myself that 300 is an adaptation of an over-ambitious comic book. The movie is no different. I contest that the acting matches the epic storytelling. Director Zack Snyder’s vision engulfs the viewer in his over-the-top style and larger-than-life personalities. We connect immediately with the Gerard Butler’s cunning, bold and outspoken Warrior-King, Leonidas, along with his beautiful queen Grogo (Lena Heady) and the oddly enthralling narrative by Dilios (David "Faramir" Wenham) gives what would be an otherwise grim tale, life and substance. Somehow, the hammy, over-dramatic narration fits right in with the story’s pacing and personality. Really, Ponty, I found the casting to be first rate.

TP: Indeed Vaderman, the casting was superb. Gerard Butler was the perfect choice for King Leonidas and all the supporting characters fit comfortably around him as his performance carried this movie. The real story of excellence was in the directing. The unique style of directing is what brought the comic pages to life onscreen. From the purposeful use of shadow, to the slow motion... even in the constant narration, the direction of this film kept me engaged and on the edge.

Special Effects:

AV: Schwing! Anyone even vaguely familiar with Frank Miller's gothic, contrast-rich style of art and storytelling knows whose movie this is. There are extensive accounts (see 300 director's cut) of the comic frames acting as the movie's cinematic storyboards. Literally, panoramic and action shots were crafted to emulate Frank's storytelling. Folks, no movie has done this – ever. This is what makes 300 so spellbinding. The visual content is both overwhelming and spectacular, it masks any other potential flaws. The graphic depictions of violence make this movie all but downright wrong for anyone under 13. Heck, I wonder if anyone under 17 could even fully appreciate this movie. How say you, Pontificator?

TP: I say that we agree. The beauty of this film is that the special effects rested in the unique way it was filmed, directed and edited. The story itself didn’t call for huge explosions, dramatic crashes or over-the-top CGI. It was simple and very much to the...”point”...and all the special effects that were used enhanced what was already enthralling. Blood, decapitations and amputations reached a whole new level of shock with the clarity and attention to detail those scenes were given. Being a character driven movie, the effect that was most special was the performance.

Taking A Deeper Look

TP: I was an instant fan of the books when they hit the shelf some years ago and to see the books come to life in this movie was exhilarating for me. That said, I have to say that 300 carried a very dark tone to it that was barely scratched by the little bit of levity the movie had. It wasn’t a balanced movie by any means, but also couldn’t be if the goal was to bring the book to life.

AV: 300 is considered one of the best graphic novels of all time and rightly so. It rivals (if not eclipses) DC's The Dark Knight, another Miller masterpiece. The true brilliance of this movie lies in it's ability to completely transfix the viewer and believe things that, though based in historical fact, are wildly implausible. One particular scene shows a teenage Leonidas squaring off against an anatomically impossible black wolf-like abomination. It’s impossible size and glowing eyes are an on-screen travesty – and we don't care! It's Frank Miller's style and it's cool and that makes 300 transcend Hollywood convention. Why is there a giant hole in the ground (a well?) big enough to drive a truck into? Who cares! Small animals (like elephants!) falling to their death in bottomless pits are of no concern in the tragic world of Miller. It is detailed content like this that fuels the movie’s magic.

TP: This movie is what I call situational specific. That simply means the entirety of the film revolves around one particular kind of situation, even the scenes away from the battle are about the battle. Films like this are either going to be loved for what they are, or hated for what they're not. I happen to enjoy dark, gritty films laced with the gore of slow motion battle and superb fighting techniques. This film was very heavy in that department and delivered the intended effect.

Looking Ahead: Sequels

AV: The follow-up to 300 is the victory of the Greek City-States over the invading Persian Armies. 300 does NOT plug into the Hollywood sequel engine. It doesn't need to. Hey, if you really want to know what happened, Google "Battle of Thermopylae". I see Frank as a visionary entertainer/storyteller, on the order of Steven Speilberg. So while the story of 300 has been told, Miller has much more of his vision to share.

TP: Agreed Your Vaderness...there is no need to do a sequel. The story of “The 300” predates this movie and has been a self contained story of defiance in the name of freedom with the only sequel being the rest of history that follows. Is that history grounds for a continuation of “300”? I don’t think so. Some stories are best left to one movie...and this story certainly qualifies for that approach.

ARTH VADER rates 300: Action, passionate love, standing for what’s right in the face of overwhelming odds, both at home and on the battlefield, this movie delivers in spades. 300 reminds us that the purpose of entertainment is to move us viscerally and emotionally. Whether you are Spartan, American or simply a fan of doing what’s right, you can find no better example than telling of the story of the 300. I give 300 a perfect 10 busted blocks – and in the immortal words of the great storyteller, Stan Lee, “Nuff’ said!”

THE PONTIFICATOR Rates 300: A perfect 10 Vader? Well, we agree that this movie was awesome. A great retelling of a very old story in a way that would make learning history much more exciting than it’s being taught now. Since giving it three hundred busted blocks would break the scale, I’ll have to settle for giving it eight blocks busted...out of ten.

300: 9/10 Busted Blocks