Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)

We have rated Kingsman: The Golden Circle 7 out of 10, because it is bigger, louder and more chaotic than the first film, even if it is not quite as sharp. Taron Egerton remains excellent as Eggsy, and Colin Firth’s return gives the film an emotional anchor that fans wanted. The Statesman concept is fun, especially with Pedro Pascal bringing swagger as Whiskey, and Julianne Moore clearly enjoys playing the strangely cheerful villain Poppy. The problem is that the sequel sometimes mistakes more for better, piling on characters and set pieces until the focus gets a bit messy. Still, when it works, it delivers the same stylish violence and comic-book spy madness that made the franchise stand out.