The Kingsman return to save the world, but following a catastrophic attack on their organisation they seek out American equivalent Statesman for help. Statesman, based in “good ol” Kentucky use the front of selling whisky to cover their top secret spy organisation. The antagonist this time is the leader of The Golden Circle, the largest drug cartel in the world.

As full disclosure, I watched this film as part of a cinema double bill with the original and I would recommend that you do not, as it pales in comparison. As a stand alone film it might pass as entertaining, if overlong. But held in the light of the original and after some thought, it just seems rather bad.

The biggest issue are the new additions to the cast. The Statesman appear to be a fantastic idea in the trailer but it boils down to one of the biggest wastes of talent on film. Jeff Bridges is in a handful of scenes never leaving a boardroom, Channing Tatum gets a couple of scenes before being sidelined for the rest of the film and Halle Berry gets to hold a clipboard. Pedro Pascal is the only Statesman to get anywhere near a worthwhile role as a lasso wielding agent.

This waste of talent extends to the new villain. Julianne Moore does quite well as a kitsch sociopath but never leaves a single location and appears sparingly. It feels infinitely worse to see the potential and for it not to be realised. Were these actors just doing 1 or 2 days on set squeezed into their schedule?

The main plot points feel like less impressive versions of the original too. A wealthy sociopath with an evil plan and a minion with a bionic body part come to mind. Neither quite as good. And without giving spoilers there are some character decisions made by writing team Goldman and Vaughn that are infuriating! “Why did they do that?” moments.

On a good note the action scenes are competent, although nothing comes near the church scene in the original. And the absolute best part of the entire film is an extended cameo from Elton John. Not only does he take the lions share of the laughs, I think he gets as much screen time as Jeff Bridges.

Also, fun fact, John Denver songs have now appeared prominently in Free Fire, Okja, Alien: Covenant and this all in 2017!