“Kingsman: The Golden Circle” (Action/Comedy: 2 hours, 21 minutes)

Starring: Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Halle Berry, Julianne Moore and Jeff Bridges

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Rated: R (Strong violence, profanity drug content, and some sexual material)

Movie Review: “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” is the sequel to “Kingsman: The Secret Service” (2014), both directed by Matthew Vaughn. 

Both movies are adaptations of Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons’ comic book, “The Secret Service.” The movies have a James Bond meets “Pulp Fiction” (1994) appeal that makes them enjoyable, even if the action stunts and visual effects go overboard. 

After the Kingsman headquarters and several of its agents are assassinated in their homes via missiles, Eggsy (Egerton) and Merlin (Strong) seek assistance from their brother organization in the United States called Statesman. There, they collaborate with Whiskey (Pedro Pascal) to stop Poppy (Moore), a ruthless drug dealer set on pushing her illegal substances on the world. Kingsmen and Statesmen must act quickly to save the world.

Again, the action and visual effects antics are over the top. These aspects are plentiful. They are also not often tangible moments and these bits are ostentatious additions. Nonetheless, the action, special effects and the comedy are enjoyable. They fit and they add to the energy. 

The cast is also engaging. Egerton, Firth, Strong, Berry, Channing Tatum and the rest of the cast appear to enjoy themselves. Their enthusiasm is contagious.

“The Golden Circle” is popcorn entertainment. It is not supposed to be a serious story. The tongue-in-cheek humor works charmingly; it is fun. It works nicely for all types of adult audiences.

Grade: B- (Golden entertainment despite its flamboyant style.)

“Friend Request” (Horror/Thriller: 1 hour, 32 minutes)

Starring: Alycia Debnam-Carey, William Moseley, Liesl Ahlers and Connor Paolo

Director: Simon Verhoeven

Rated: R (Violence, profanity, disturbing images and gore)

Movie Review: “Friend Request” suffers from poor writing and stereotypical moments. It is a formulaic horror. It delivers on frights but it appears something seen multiple times already, mainly in “Unfriended” (2014).

Outgoing college student Laura Woodson (Debnam-Carey) befriends Marina (Liesl Ahlers), a fellow college student and misfit. After a disagreement, Laura unfriends Marina on Facebook. Angry she has no friends online or offline, Marina records her suicide via webcam and uploads it for all to watch. Soon, a demonic presence begins killing and tormenting Laura’s friends. 

An abundance of material here makes no sense for the thriller. The characters constantly do the wrong thing — the crazy action. Apparently, no one knows how to call 911. Even more asinine, law-enforcement officers in this movie do not know how to get a court order to track a phone. These are just some of the messy story components adorning “Friend Request.” 

Grade: C- (Decline this request.)

“The Lego Ninjago Movie” (Animation/Action/Adventure: 1 hour, 41 minutes)

Starring: Jackie Chan, Dave Franco and Fred Armisen

Director: Charlie Bean and Paul Fisher

Rated: PG (Violence and crude humor)

Movie Review: These Lego pieces appear to be clones. “Lego Ninjago Movie” appears as if it were any of the versions of Power Rangers mixed with television’s “Captain Planet and the Planeteers” (1990-96). Even more, it has a wayward Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader-type of story. It is definitely unoriginal.

The people of Ninjago ostracize teenager Lloyd Garmadon (Franco). The city is under frequent attacks by Lloyd’s father, the evil Lord Garmadon (Theroux). Lloyd plans to defeat his father with the help of five fellow ninjas.

Following “The Lego Movie” (2014) and “The Lego Batman Movie” (2017) putting forth a good effort for entertainment, the latest lacks the innovation observed in its 2014 prequel. “Lego Ninjago Movie” is good for the kiddies while others can catch a quick nap or two.

Grade: C (These Lego blocks do not stack up.)