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Movie Review Kingsman: The Secret Service

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RELEASE DATE: February 13, 2015

STUDIO: 20th Century Fox

DIRECTOR: Matthew Vaughn

MPAA RATING: R (for sequences of strong violence, language and some sexual content)

SCREENWRITERS: Matthew Vaughn, Jane Goldman

STARRING: Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Caine, Colin Firth,Taron Egerton

GENRE: Thriller, Action, Adventure

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Kingsman: The Secret Service is cool as hell. It’s about an underground secret organization of spies that’s even secret to people like the CIA and MI-6. But, they’ve been around for a long time. Now, one of their own has been killed in the line of duty. It’s time to gather up new recruits to see who’ll replace him as a Kingsman. The question is, will any of them survive long enough to take the title ? The story centers on Eggsy, a young man who had a rather bright future in the past but now is a reprobate. With a loose mother whom is being abused by her boyfriend. Eggsy is arrested by the cops after one of his “adventures” and calls a number given to him when he was a child after his father was killed as a Kingsman himself.

The tale, in and of itself, isn’t especially unique or anything but the way it’s told is what made me love it. The story is based off of a Mark Millar (Kick-Ass) comic of the same name. So expect raunchiness, expletives, and violence but, done quite politely. You see it mostly takes place in England so all but a few main characters are English. There’s a very James Bond quality to what is shown on screen but done with a tongue firmly placed in cheek as the movie is self aware. There’s a part where Samuel L. Jackson tells the Kingsman he’s facing that he loves old spy movies and that they were at the part where he tells him his plan and tries to kill him in an elaborate way. And right before he shoots him he tells him “This ain’t that type of movie.”

I loved the cast as they all brought something awesome to their respective characters. Eggsy was a crass little guy but, you always felt like he was better than that thanks to the portrayal of Taron Egerton. Mark Strong plays Merlin the tech wizard and operations handler. He plays the role with a little bit of a swagger that lets on he’s more badass than he shows. Colin Firth is Harry Hart, Eggsy’ mentor and the guy that his father saved. He’s a mix between a few different James Bonds. He’s Pierce Bronson smooth with Daniel Craig physicality. Samuel L. Jackson plays the villain, Valentine. His character is the evil version of Russell Simmons. His lisp is freaking hilarious and you can’t help but giggle at him talking anytime he’s on screen. The action is done well. It’s brutal and hard hitting. The humor is at the forefront of all the brutality as the jokes fly fast and furiously. The jokes come at the right time to lighten up some of the more violent moments.

I found little fault in the movie. It was maybe some of the special effects that irked me a little but very little. The acting was fantastic as everyone fit in to their roles amazingly. The plot was silly but that goes with the feel of the movie and it is handled perfectly by having the characters be self aware of how crazy it all sounds. I wouldn’t bring the kids because it’s a very for adults film. Other than that, I just couldn’t recommend this movie enough to people who love action movies.

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The Life and Times of Kota Srinivasa Rao: A Pillar of Indian Cinema Bids Farewell

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On July 13, 2025, Indian cinema lost one of its most enduring lights—Kota Srinivasa Rao, a name that has been woven into the very fabric of Telugu cinema and Indian film history for nearly five decades. He was 77.

To speak of Kota garu is to speak of a man who embodied the soul of acting, not merely performance, but lived truth on screen. As a journalist who has spent years documenting the landscape of Indian entertainment, and more importantly, as a lifelong admirer of its emotional and artistic depth, I find it nearly impossible to separate the arc of my love for Telugu cinema from the face, voice, and commanding presence of Kota Srinivasa Rao.

Born on July 10, 1948, in Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao was the son of freedom fighter and dramatist Kota Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu. The stage called to him early, long before the silver screen embraced him. His transition from theater to cinema in the late 1970s was seamless, natural, and even. His debut in K. Viswanath’s Pranam Khareedu (1978) may have seemed modest at the time, but in hindsight, it was the quiet ignition of a force that would later dominate the craft of acting across genres and generations.

Kota Garu was never a man of one shade. He could play a corrupt politician one moment and a hapless, loving father the next—with equal gravitas and complete immersion. Who could forget his roles in Gaayam, Shiva, Aha Naa Pellanta, Pratighatana, Money, Anaganaga Oka Roju, Leader, and Tagore? These weren’t just performances; they were living case studies in human contradiction and nuance.

In Aa Naluguru, his portrayal of a morally grey newspaper editor offered a sobering mirror to society. In comedies like Hello Brother, his deadpan wit was so precise that it could make audiences erupt with laughter on a single line delivery. Every filmmaker—from K. Viswanath to Ram Gopal Varma, Krishna Vamsi to Sekhar Kammula—sought him out, not just for his craft, but for his wisdom. Watching him act was never passive; it was an education.

Kota Srinivasa Rao did not rely on grand gestures. He mastered silence, pauses, and subtle shifts of the eye or lip. His voice—a deep, gravelly cadence seasoned with satire and command—could either be a thunderclap or a whisper that echoed.

To those of us in the audience, especially those who grew up in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, his voice became part of our lives. We knew it like we knew the changing winds before the monsoon. Even when he wasn’t on screen, you could feel his influence in the rhythm of dialogue and the texture of storytelling.

Despite his towering fame, Kota garu remained rooted. His brief but meaningful stint in politics—elected as MLA from Vijayawada East in 1999—reflected his desire to contribute beyond the screen. But he soon returned to his first love: the cinema.

His accolades are many, including the Padma Shri (2015) and multiple Nandi Awards, but what truly set him apart was how loved and respected he was by peers and audiences alike. For young actors and directors, working with Kota garu was a rite of passage.

Jr NTR once said in an interview, “You don’t act with Kota garu. You surrender. And in doing so, you become better without even realizing it.”

As the film industry and fans across India mourn his passing, one thing becomes clear: Kota Srinivasa Rao was not just part of Indian cinema—he was one of its pillars. He leaves behind a legacy that transcends language and time. He proved, over and over again, that you don’t need to be the lead to lead a scene. That character is not just something you play—it’s something you embody.

For those of us who grew up seeing him on VHS tapes, in dusty cinema halls, on cable TV reruns, and later streaming platforms, Kota garu’s presence was a constant. He was a reminder of what cinema was, and what it could be—pure, affecting, transformative.

As I write this not just as a journalist, but as someone whose very identity has been shaped by Indian films, I say: thank you, Kota garu. For the laughter. For the fear. For the wisdom. For the truth. Your performances were never just “roles.” They were lessons in being human.

In Gaayam, you once delivered the haunting line:
“Nijam cheppadam easy kaadu… adhi cheppataniki guts kavali.”
(“Telling the truth is not easy… It takes courage to speak it.”)

You spoke the truth through every role, and we heard you—loud and clear.

Your absence leaves a void, but your art remains. And in that, you are eternal.

Rest in peace, Kota Srinivasa Rao garu. Your voice may have fallen silent, but your cinema will echo forever.

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FX’s Alien: Earth Makes Impact at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 With World Premiere, Epic Hall H Panel, and Immersive Activation

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Get ready to scream, San Diego.

FX is going full-throttle at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, transporting fans into the spine-chilling world of Alien: Earth — the brand-new television series from visionary creator Noah Hawley (Fargo, Legion), inspired by the legendary sci-fi horror film franchise. Between a can’t-miss world premiere in Hall H and an atmospheric, interactive activation titled “The Wreckage,” this year’s FX slate will leave fans trembling in anticipation ahead of the show’s official premiere on Tuesday, August 12 on FX and Hulu.

👽 Enter the Wreckage: FX’s Alien: Earth Immersive Experience
Located on the Hilton Bayfront Lawn, “The Wreckage” lets fans step foot inside the ominous remains of the USCSS Maginot, a ship torn from deep space and crash-landed on Earth. This thrilling, two-part activation features daytime exploration and an after-dark survival horror mission dubbed Code Red — a terrifying twist perfect for the brave.

🔥 Highlights Include:
Alien: Earth: Code Red – A nighttime horror maze experience you won’t forget

Interactive Prodigy Corp Drop Site – Sign up as an FX Insider and unlock VR exclusives and giveaways

Exclusive Merch & Collabs – Enjoy in-world beverages from Chain, the cult-favorite pop-cuisine creators

Podcast Studio – Live interviews with talent, influencers, and creatives all weekend long

🗓️ Activation Dates & Times:

Date Daytime Hours Code Red Hours
Thu, July 24 11am–4pm 4:30pm–8pm
Fri, July 25 10am–4pm 4:30pm–10pm
Sat, July 26 10am–4pm 4:30pm–10pm
Sun, July 27 11am–3pm —

📍 Location: Hilton Bayfront Lawn, 1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ Admission is free. Ages 18+. Press can skip the line by RSVPing to madison.welsh@civic-us.com

🎬 Hall H World Premiere: Alien Lands at Comic-Con
The hype doesn’t end on the lawn. On Friday, July 25 from 1:25pm–2:50pm, FX takes over Hall H for the world premiere of Alien: Earth, screening the pilot episode before its global release.

Fans in Hall H will be the first on Earth to witness the terrifying new story, starring Sydney Chandler as a young woman who must lead a squad of soldiers through a world where extraterrestrial nightmares have arrived — and they’re not alone.

Following the screening, creator Noah Hawley, executive producer David W. Zucker, and the cast will participate in a Q&A, diving deep into the making of this bold, horrifying new chapter in the Alien universe.

🧬 About Alien: Earth
When a derelict alien spacecraft crash-lands on Earth, a dark and deadly mystery begins to unravel. As humanity faces the planet’s greatest threat yet, survival may rest in the hands of those least expected. Packed with dread, awe, and action, Alien: Earth builds on decades of cinematic legacy while exploring timely themes and fresh characters.

The series premieres August 12 on FX, and will stream on Hulu (and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers). Internationally, it will stream on Disney+.

🌌 Stay Connected:
🌐 Visit FXSDCC.com for updates and schedules

📱 Sign up to become an FX Insider: fx.tv/alien-earth-insider

📸 Follow @FXNetworks on socials for behind-the-scenes exclusives

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Hank Hill’s Backyard Takes Over SDCC 2025 – Propane and All

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Hulu, the go-to streaming destination for adult animation, is back at San Diego Comic-Con 2025! This year, they are bringing Arlen, Texas, from the iconic King of the Hill franchise to life right outside the Convention Center. Guests will step inside Hank Hill’s Backyard for a big ole cookout, complete with BBQ bites served up throughout the day, classic lawn games, themed photo ops, and a cold can of Alamo (water) to beat the heat.

Located next to the Convention Center on the Bayfront’s Parking Lot (Fifth Ave Landing – Lot A1) – 600 Convention Way, San Diego, CA 92101 – Hank Hill’s Backyard will allow fans to experience what life is like in Arlen, Texas. Starting July 24 at 11:30 am – 7 pm, July 25-26 from 9:30 am-7 pm daily, and July 27 from 9:30 am–5 pm, Hank Hill’s Backyard will transport fans into the world of Arlen, where they can interact with legendary moments from the show.

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