Today’s quick review: Kick-Ass. Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) leaves his ordinary life behind when he decides to become the world’s first real-life superhero: Kick-Ass. Equipped with a scuba suit, a pair of clubs, and no training whatsoever, Dave sets out to make the streets a safer place. But he soon gets embroiled in the fight between vigilantes Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) and Hit-Girl (Chloe Grace Moretz) and crime boss Frank D’Amico (Mark Strong).
Kick-Ass is a superhero action comedy directed by Matthew Vaughn and based on the comic by Mark Millar. Kick-Ass asks a simple question about the superhero genre: If so many people like superheroes, why has nobody become one? What follows is a wry, semi-realistic take on crime-fighting, comic books, and adolescence. Kick-Ass’ creative premise and punchy attitude make it a fun watch, but its violence and warped humor won’t suit everyone.
Kick-Ass offers something unique. Its premise, world, and characters work together to tell a story that’s one part subversion of the superhero genre and one part loving tribute. Kick-Ass isn’t afraid to throw sucker punches, either at its characters or at the audience. The twists are unpredictable and are just as likely to be played for laughs as for drama. Tonal variety, sharp dialogue, and a strong cast keep the movie engaging and rewarding.
Kick-Ass does have a few notable drawbacks. The film’s variety is a double-edged sword; comedy and drama are mixed together even when the film would get cleaner results by sticking to one. The plot lurches around, with a solid structure overall but odd timing for its individual events. Several members of the supporting cast don’t get as much time or development as they deserve. Finally, the film’s explicit content will turn off some viewers.
Anyone interested in an irreverent take on the superhero genre should give Kick-Ass a try. The movie does have a few rough edges, but its clever ideas and solid execution make it worth a watch for fans of the genre. Those who aren’t interested in the genre, are sensitive to gore, or prefer adventures that are more innocent may want to give it a pass.
For a slicker, more action-packed adaptation of a Mark Millar comic by Matthew Vaughn, try Kingsman: The Secret Service. For a much more serious subversion of the superhero genre, try Watchmen. For another stylized black comedy about one man trying to make a difference, try Fight Club. For a more outlandish action movie based on a Mark Millar comic, try Wanted.
7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for skillful take on a novel premise.