Early social media reactions for The King’s Man are finally in and although the prequel to the Kingsman franchise is being touted as a blockbuster delight, some critics are pointing out tonal incontinences jarring the film’s experience. Nonetheless, it doesn’t seem to be a large issue for cinephiles to delve over as several film pundits have also praised the flick for its rewatchable element.
Unlike Kingsman: The Golden Circle, the upcoming film helmed by Matthew Vaughn won’t feature Colin Firth and Taron Egerton due to being prequel set in the early 1900s. Even so, The King’s Man features a cast ensemble on the likes of the original franchise starring Gemma Arterton, Ralph Fiennes, Rhys Ifans & more.
Early reactions from movie critics and journalists have fortunately offered an overall positive review for The King’s Man. Aside from praises towards the film’s action sequences, some pointed out a different styled narrative when compared to past Kingsman movies.
Many critics lauded Rhys Ifans‘s portrayal of Rasputin and although some called it a tonal mess, others have offered their praise to Vaughn for directing an entertaining action drama. Still, it can be argued the verdict is yet to arrive as a few folks indicated mid-tier elements classifying it as an average flick to enjoy this Holiday season. Readers can check some reactions below.
#TheKingsMan is better than THE GOLDEN CIRCLE. It's clear that Matthew Vaughn wanted to make a World War I action drama and used the IP for commercial purposes. It's slight but with cool action and my 14-year-old liked it a lot.
— Scott Mendelson (@ScottMendelson) December 6, 2021
#thekingsman Early Reactions Call It A Tonal Mess With Fun Actionhttps://t.co/W7xkE2hk4a pic.twitter.com/xkJvijhdEJ
— Arctic Ninja Paul (@arcticninjapaul) December 7, 2021
#TheKingsMan is both what you’ve come to expect from the franchise while also being something new. Leans into being a war film more than I expected.
While it lacks the element of surprise that carried the first film, it’s still impressive in its ability to be fresh. pic.twitter.com/NPP5yIyKfg
— Eric Italiano (@ericitaIiano) December 7, 2021
#TheKingsMan is far weightier than expected due to its significant setting but despite tonal inconsistencies still makes time for the dynamic action that the series is known for.
Full review coming to @EscapeFilmClub pic.twitter.com/AQPBxVawtj
— Jack Aling (@AlingMedia) December 6, 2021
#TheKingsMan is excellent and loaded with fantastic action and a number of surprises. While Ralph Fiennes was great, Rhys Ifans *steals* the movie with his portrayal of Rasputin. Loved how Matthew Vaughn weaves in real history. Will def see again. Thumbs way up. pic.twitter.com/Z1erb86R5Z
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) December 6, 2021
Overall, #TheKingsMan is playful, if violently wild with its tonal tidal shifts. Best to report is the positioning of Ralph Fiennes as an appealing hero, proving again he’s always game for subversive fun. Same goes for Djimon Hounsou, an eternally underrated supporting player.
— The MN Movie Man (@joemnmovieman) December 7, 2021
I very much enjoyed #TheKingsMan – it’s quite different from the other two films in terms of setting & the main heroes, but what it shares w/ them is awesome, inventive action sequences & just the weirdest over-the-top villains. Rhys Ifans’ Rasputin is exceptionally entertaining pic.twitter.com/xqe1tyna0B
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 7, 2021
#TheKingsMan is a rip-roaring blast of a WWI actioner. A fantastic Ralph Fiennes leads an estimable ensemble clearly having the time of their lives, taking us along for the ride. Matthew Vaughn is one of the best action directors working today. Fun, clever, and even surprising. pic.twitter.com/j0STfXW1se
— Dancin' Dan (@dancindanonfilm) December 6, 2021
#TheKingsMan is dashing good fun!
Excellent action sequences
with lots of twists & turns
and surprise cast members!Sequel, sequel!
Embargo lifts 12/14 pic.twitter.com/xRanZJVp5T
— Grace Randolph (@GraceRandolph) December 7, 2021
DAMN#TheKingsMan despite a shaky 1st act is a more somber, grounded & human story, while still having the kinnetic pacing, exhilirating action & sharp wit of the others blending it all so well.
Think First Class by way of Britain.Full review to come🔽https://t.co/PYqrx5vb9Y pic.twitter.com/7p1z5Ks1ZG
— Ren Geekness (@RenGeekness) December 6, 2021
#TheKingsMan is bags and bags of fun! One of the most entertaining films of the year with tons of comedy, loads of great action and it’s an all-round fantastic prequel leaving you wanting more of all these characters. And a wild mid-credits scene pic.twitter.com/Miw1Imr22A
— Jed Wagman (@JedWagman) December 6, 2021
The King’s Man was scribed by Vaughn and Karl Gajdusek and also stars Harris Dickinson, Djimon Hounsou, Tom Hollander, Mathew Goode, Charles Dance, Daniel Brühl, Valerie Pachner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Aaron Vodovoz, Todd Boyce, Branka Katic, Olivier Richters, Stanley Tucci and more. The franchise is based on a graphic novel created by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons.
The embargo for full detailed reviews lifts on December 14 so fans can learn more about the film and decide if it’s a worthy prequel to watch in theatres when The King’s Man arrives on December 22 in the US and on December 31 in India.
