We missed putting out a review of this one when it first hit theaters. But it's now available to stream on Hulu so we wanted to circle back and give it a look. The King’s Man is a prequel to the Kingsman franchise (Kingsman: The Secret Service from 2014 and Kingsman: The Golden Circle from 2017).
The King’s Man tells the origin story of the ‘independent international intelligence agency operating at the highest level of discretion, whose ultimate goal is to keep the world safe”. This phrase became known as Kingsman.
What’s it About?
Set in the early 1900s, The King’s Man provides an alternate history of the time just before and then during WWI. We meet various familiar characters from history such as Grigori Rasputen, Mata Hari, King George, Kaiser Willhelm, and Tsar Nicholas. But the story is driven by Ralph Feinnes as The Duke of Oxford.
He seems to be straightforward if powerful English lord. However, we learn that he is actually quite a bit more. Following the death of his wife in South Africa many years before, the Duke has raised his son based on a promise he made to his dying wife to keep him safe from danger.
While young Conrad has been raised to enjoy adventure and learn how to fight, he shows plenty of heroic qualities as a young adult. His father eventually introduces him to the small intelligence organization he has created. They head off on an adventure to stop Rasputin from keeping Russia out of the war.
Much excitement ensues in Russia, and the team returns home. Conrad now feels fully emboldened to keep up the good fight and defend his country in the war. However, his father will have none of it. Conrad defies him and joins anyway. He cons his way to the front lines of the trenches and dies a tragic (and stupid) death as a hero.
His father takes some time to pull himself out of his grief. Once he does, he gathers his intelligence team to find a way to take down the real culprit behind WWI. From there, the action ramps up, with gunfire, sword fights, and general mayhem.
Who is in it?
The cast is headlined by Ralph Fiennes (who I always think of as Voldemort in every role) as Orlando the Duke of Oxford, the founder of the Kingsman. He is joined by Djimon Hounsou as his bodyguard and friend. Gemma Arterton is Polly, who initially seems to be simply part of the help at Oxford’s estate, but reveals herself to be a talented intelligence operative.
The cast also includes Harris Dickinson as Conrad Oxford (Orlando’s son), Rhys Ifans as a completely over-the-top Rasputin, and various other recognizable actors. The acting is generally solid, as everyone seems invested in their roles and wholeheartedly bought in on some of the more ridiculous plot points.
Watch it or Not?
Reviews of The King’s Man were a bit mixed. Critics mostly gave it a thumbs down (42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), but audiences were more forgiving. From my perspective, it was a diverting bit of action and entertainment but never rises above the level of a disposable action movie.
However, now that it’s available to stream for free (with a subscription to Hulu) it’s worth adding to your watch list, if you enjoyed the previous Kingsman movies or if you just enjoy a silly action flick.
