Prepare for a thrilling journey back in time with The King’s Man, the action-packed prequel to the Kingsman franchise. Set in the early 1910s, just before World War I, the film delves into the origins of the Kingsman secret agency and introduces us to a new set of intriguing characters. While the concept is ambitious and inventive, director Matthew Vaughn’s execution struggles to find a consistent tone amidst a barrage of ideas.
The King’s Man The story revolves around the Duke of Oxford (Ralph Fiennes), a war hero who has renounced violence after the loss of his wife in a combat-related accident. Determined to prevent his son Conrad (Harris Dickinson) from joining the military, the Duke embarks on a secret mission to stop the impending war without resorting to bloodshed. However, the conflict turns out to be orchestrated by a shadowy organization led by a vengeful Scottish man, who enlists historical figures like Rasputin and Lenin as his deadly allies.
The film weaves a complicated web of historical figures and fictional heroes, making the first hour primarily devoted to exposition. The action picks up later in the movie, featuring entertaining sequences and an outstanding performance by Rhys Ifans as the flamboyant Rasputin. Yet, the movie’s mishmash of spy adventure, family drama, and revisionist history proves to be too much for Vaughn to handle seamlessly.
The King’s Man The film’s revisionist take on World War I adds an unusual comedic twist to the historical event, but this approach clashes with the poignant drama depicted in battlefield scenes. The result is a tone that struggles to find its footing and leaves a slightly sour aftertaste. Additionally, some characters, such as Djimon Hounsou and Gemma Arterton’s roles, feel underutilized and lack depth beyond serving their employer.
On the positive side, the casting choices are inspired, with Ralph Fiennes bringing a unique charm and intelligence to his action-star role. However, the film’s surplus of ideas and plotlines may have compromised its potential for more humor and character development.
The King’s Man is undeniably a visually entertaining and imaginative film, showcasing Vaughn’s creativity as a director. Yet, it might have benefited from more focus on comedy and lighter plotting akin to its predecessor. Overall, while it surpasses the franchise’s previous installment, The Golden Circle, The King’s Man still struggles to strike the perfect balance between its plethora of ideas and a cohesive narrative.
