Colin Firth just pulled a Liam Neeson.

That's what happens in "Kingsman: The Secret Service," which stars Firth as Harry Hart – code name Galahad – a secret agent in the independent spy group known as Kingsman. He's suave and very British in that quiet way of his, but when he starts kicking ass and taking names, it's completely unexpected but feels so right.

Galahad recruits the son of a late colleague, Gary "Eggsy" Unwin (Taron Egerton) into the organization, and he shows him the ropes as they try to prevent Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) from destroying the world by way of smartphones.

Based on a comic book series, "Kingsman" is an homage to all things James Bond, and it manages to walk a fine line between being silly like "Austin Powers" and being debonair like the Roger Moore era. For the first 10 minutes, while the audience is still making up its mind and the film is still finding its footing, things could go either way. The turning point is when Galahad teaches a group of thugs some manners in a bar fight. That's when you know that you're in for a fun time.

There are so many nods and winks and in-jokes that the film manages to simultaneously reference Arthurian legend and Bond without breaking a sweat. Chester King (Michael Caine) – code name Arthur – serves in the Bond role of "M," and Merlin (Mark Strong) is basically the gadget guy, "Q."

In case you can't tell by now, "Kingsman" doesn't take itself too seriously. There's a deadly sequence that is quite hilarious because the people are killed off as "Rule, Britannia!" plays. The film also pokes fun at itself a few times. As Galahad dines with Valentine to gather more intel, they lament the serious state of (Bond) movies and villains ("Give me a far-fetched, diabolical plot any day.").

The fight choreography is excellent, but that's expected since the movie employs some of the same talent from "Kick-Ass." The sequences are surprisingly lengthy, so kudos to the actors for the dedication required to execute the moves so flawlessly. Gazelle (Sofia Boutella) is Valentine's assistant-slash-muscle, and her prosthetic legs also double as sharp sabers. The fight scenes with her are the most intriguing, since you wonder how much green screen technology was involved in the filming.

This is the first major film for newcomer Egerton, and he does an admirable job portraying a thuggish, aimless youngster who blossoms under Galahad's tutelage. He goes through a nice transformation, and by the end of the movie, he looks quite dapper in a tailor-made suit and ordering martinis.

Firth did almost all of his own stunts, which is astonishing since he's known and loved exactly because he has done none of that in his acting career. He simply exudes so much class that it doesn't feel like he had to act too much to be Galahad. He takes down a room full of thugs without spilling any of his Guinness or mussing his hair. If you weren't a Firth fan before, you will be after this outing. This is his "Taken," and Hollywood may attempt to cast him in future action films, but I think he would be more selective than Neeson has been.

To play Valentine, Jackson seems to have raided Flavor Flav's closet. It's impressive that Jackson manages to keep a straight face while he plays the lisping villain. It sounds preposterously funny when he explains his evil plan.

Most of the film's success is due to director and screenwriter Matthew Vaughn ("Layer Cake", "Kick-Ass"). The action portions are done well, and he manages to infuse some suspense when it's needed. Given the astronomical body count, "Kingsman" showcases very little blood. I shudder to think of this movie in Tarantino's hands.

"Kingsman: The Secret Service" is a rollicking good time and is sure to provide some great, casual fun. The film is paced well and entertains from start to finish, so just sit back and enjoy it.

Score: 8.0/10

"Kingsman: The Secret Service" is rated "R" and has a running time of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It is showing in 2-D.