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Advertised as an action-packed prequel to “The Kingsman” featuring colorful characters and cool-spy tech, this film is kind of a slow-moving World War 1 period piece that lacks direction or much of the fun stuff that was expected. The foundation of Kingsman spy agency could’ve been an interesting concept, but it’s pushed to the background for too much of the film, and a lot of it happens off-screen. The plot is just a tale of the first World War, but they add in some Bond-like villains that are pulling all the strings from behind the scenes. And they’re too concerned with keeping a lid on the man running thing’s identity just to set up a mediocre twist. While Mathew Vaughn’s previously directed “Kingsman” films have featured inventive and kinetic actions sequences, things fall pretty flat here. Action is scarce, and while there are a couple of good fight scenes, nothing stands out as being memorable. That goes for the characters as well. The acting is strong, but nobody really connects much with the audience. (With maybe the exception of Rasputin, who’s probably way too over the top, but at least makes an impact.)
** out of *****