Writer: Naseem Randhawa

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Watch this if you liked: "Kingsman: The Secret Service", "James Bond", "Jason Bourne"

Unsurprisingly most sequels falter when compared to the original, therefore it is rather surprising when this sequel to 2015's "Kingsman: The Secret Service" proved to be so much more wild and fast-paced, that you'll find yourself journeying from one exciting action piece to another!

Since most of the characters and their origins have already been explored via the first film, "The Golden Circle" wastes no time in getting right into the thick of action.

The very first scene itself is a brilliant heart stopping car chase action spectacle laced with trepidation, propelling viewers into the perilous professional world of the Kingsman, thus rightfully justifying its tagline, "a proper spy film".

Touching on the story briefly, this time Eggsy (Taron Egerton) finds that the very headquarters of the Kingsman in London has been attacked. Working with Merlin (Mark Strong), they uncover the American faction of the Kingsman called Statesman, and with the help of Agent Whiskey (Pedro Pascal), Agent Tequila (Channing Tatum) and Agent Ginger Ale (Halle Berry), they have to stop a mysterious drug cartel known as The Golden Circle from poisoning the world.

Some parts may feel like it has been recycled from the first movie, especially the whole villain wanting to take over the world plot, but then again what other spy film aren't set up in this cliche? Obviously the Kingsman will only step in when there is a villain worthy enough threatening for world domination.

Gone is the Taron from the streets as he is noticeably more comfortable being dapper now, carrying the role of a Kingsman with a good balance of being funny and charming. He well exhibits great qualities of a leading man, especially to pull in the younger crowd (both the males and females) who might finally take a liking to the genre that is usually catered for middle-aged males and up.

The ever charming Colin Firth returns as Eggsy's mentor Harry, and thank heavens for that. It would have been very strange not to have him return as his chemistry with Taron is just brilliant and the movie wouldn't have worked with another de-facto father figure. The less is said about Harry's return the better.

Mark Strong as Merlin is given more time to shine here and also has plenty of moments that show how great his comedic chops can truly be.

Overall, the British cast is way more memorable and impressive than their American co-stars (Channing Tatum and Jeff Bridges- the head of the Statesman included). However the psychotically bubbly Oscar-winner Julianne Moore taking over villainous duties from Samuel L. Jackson is fun to watch and is a breath of fresh air.

Sadly the same can't be said of Oscar-winner Halle Berry whose role seems to be relegated to that of playing a supporting character that could've been handed to anyone.

"Narcos" star Pedro Pascal has some of the best action scenes and it's nice to finally see his talent recognised in a blockbuster. He is equally as charming as the Brits with his southern drawl and the use of a lasso in a bar fight has never been done more creatively.

"Kingsman: The Golden Circle" is a terrific action entertainer that instead of treating audiences as spectators, brings them in as players right in the thick of action.

It features very clever immersive 'virtual-reality' like camera work, and the swiftly smooth action continuity style of shooting makes it easy for your eyes to follow, unlike many action films that are filmed too fast and jerky that you don't even know who is punching who anymore.

Move aside "James Bond" and "Jason Bourne", "Kingsman" is definitely a more fun spy franchise that is here to stay.

Cinema Online, 19 September 2017