Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Saccharin spy sequel ropes in repeat viewers with self-indulgent circle-jerk of artificially enhanced action choreography.  Despite tonally consistent attempts to render disbelief weightless, the stellar assembly of stars to this shallow but shiny show is more difficult to fathom than the robodogs, Elton’s John Wick, or Firth’s ludicrously close shave.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Starts with a bang, ends with an ass, and provides a fun ride in between but James Bond: First Class kicks less ass than expected.  Vaughn gets it Wright occasionally but otherwise burns screen-time with tedious training, self-critical comedy, and a lead less compelling than any of his ample support.

X-Men: First Class

Kick Ass director fixes Origins with series saving reboot. McAvoy and Lawrence hold their own, but Fassbender delivers powerhouse performance followed closely by six superpowers of Kevin Bacon. Inferior to first two films on account of mediocre supporting mutants, sub sized plot holes, and too much shrieking First Class flying.

Stardust

The best comedy fantasy since Princess Bride and an outstandingly clever film. A cast of supporting superstars surround a relative unknown as he makes his way through an ingeniously funny fairy-tale land. De Niro and Pfeiffer provide two of the best performances, of the film, and of their recent years.

Kick-Ass

Watchmen’s Zombieland with matching angsty, redundant voiceover. Bright colors and cleverly Layer-Caked transitions add nice touch to poorly paced but generally enjoyable film. Nick Cage perfectly paired with best female superhero yet, and their violence is beautiful to behold. Features hallway fight to rival Oldboy but done by young girl.