The King’s Man (2021)

Title:  The King’s Man
Year:  2021
Genre:  Action | Adventure | Thriller |
Runtime:  131 min
Director:  Matthew Vaughn
Starring:  Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans

6,7/10

EVEN WITH A BLEAK FRANCHISE, THIS FILM IS THE STRONGEST OF THEM ALL

The franchise of The King’s Man has now spanned over to two films and one prequel narrating the imminent history of the secret independent secret service rightfully called The King’s Man. While other installments have gained focus on present-day storytelling, this story takes place during the first World War. It crafts an incredible story about friendship and trust for the world, just as it tries to shape a believable origin story about the secret agency.

Just like its predecessor, it’s filled with unprecedented humor and over-the-top violence. The language is filled with profanities and foul play. However, the story fills a void that the former two films have had in how to transform their characters. With this method, Matthew Vaughn exceeds all expectations as there is even a strong drama with a fallen character, something that was missing with the other feature films, which both were directed by Vaughn.

Ralph Fiennes takes on a strong leading role with grand emotion, even when he fights off a horny priest Rasputin. Some dialogues are absurd but still funny enough to keep engaged in the story. Rhys Ifans as Grigori Rasputin is dangerous but a funny character, one of the villainous characters who’s working together with the leader. Gemma Arterton as Polly gives a steady and confirmed addition to the man-slaughter club. Conrad Oxford, displayed as the protagonist by Harris Dickinson, gives an uncomfortable and stiff performance compared to the rest of the cast. He struggles hard to give confidence to this character and is rather a boring character who’s the son of Fiennes’ Orlando Oxford.

As the story is based on several characters, raging war – the Great War, together with Lenin when fighting in Russia. It’s trying to make itself relevant to iconic historic figures. With a slightly charming approach, it bodes well.  It comes off more serious despite it having some hilarious and light-hearted scenes. With this approach, this prequel is fairly better made than any other of the installments. One downside, aside from Harris Dickinson’s abysmal performance, it wrecks itself on the visual effects that keep a staggering eye on the plot. In the end, it’s a strong effort to take a new take on historic action-adventure, that’s is greatly appreciated.