Thanks for checking out our Kick-Ass Review
Genre: Comedy Action
Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Staring: Aaron Johnson, Clark Duke, Evan Peters, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Nic Cage
Released: April 16, 2010
THE GENERAL IDEA
Dave Lizewski is an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan with a few friends and who lives alone with his father. His life is not very difficult and his personal trials not that overwhelming. However, one day he makes the simple decision to become a super-hero even though he has no powers or training.
THE GOOD
This movie most certainly kicks ass. There is a LOT of incredible action and a great sense of humour about it all. There is a nice contrast between Kick-Ass becoming the hero, and the real capable “heroes” which are more anti-heroes, but they only shoot bad people.
Nic Cage is ON in this. He is incredible here and every bit the caring father and hardcore violent vigilante all at the same time. And if that wasn’t enough, his daughter in this is just freaking amazing.
This movie should have been called Hit-Girl because Hit Girl is awesome. You have to be reminded to stop falling for her because she is like 11 or something. Shes adorable, and she can dish it out. I loved this character. Its all very believable, while incredibly over the top. The blowback alone from those pistols should dislocate her arms, but she doesn’t lift a car or anything silly. When she punches someone they bounce back like you would if an 11 year old punched you in the face.
The story is light, but still works well with the characters involved. Its a unique angle to jump into this world with Kick-Ass leading the way when everyone else is far more fun to watch than Kick-Ass himself.
THE BAD
There are a few dry “story” parts of the movie where things kind of lose their pacing, but when the aciton is on, its ON. The movie seems to stop and go like a track star with a limp. One leg is a little slower than the other.
Another thing I didnt care for was Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and while even he admits that he is milking the nerd roles, he is juts McLovin in a mask in this. Ok, maybe a little less nerdy and not so foul mouthed, but this guy is a one trick pony.
OVERALL
A good fun flick with more good going for it and really no outright bad parts, just less good. But its a lot less good. Its a great rush, but you might have seen all the action from the trailers.
On a side note, much of this was filmed in Toronto Canada, while the Highschool scenes were all done at Churchill Secondary right near my home in Hamilton. The “cruising in the Mistmobile” scene was shot as they drive down Yonge Street in Toronto, and you see signs for Future Shop (only in Canada – it was our Best Buy, now we have both) and when they walk past the theater you see Scotiabank logos on the door, also only in Canada.
I give Kick-Ass a 8 out of 10
I had no idea what to expect when i saw Kick-Ass. Being unfamiliar with the comics, I expected a generic superhero fight-em-up show. Where was my jaw when Kick-Ass first went after those guys and they let him get hit by a car. I knew I was in for a wild ride right then and there. I really dug this show, but my lady decidedly did not. I just told her to leave the room if she didn’t like it. And Hit Girl? Amazing character. Totally!
I was fairly disappointed with this movie. I’ve got no problems with the language or the violence. It was just a bit boring. Every scene with Hit Girl was completely awesome. The thing that really annoyed my is the romantic sub-plot that really dragged the movie out. Surely the 20 minutes of screen time devoted to this could have been better used elsewhere. Its a movie that is worth seeing at the cinema, but it strikes me as a bit of a wasted opportunity.
I saw it on a Saturday at a 6:45 showing and there was a guy in about his 50’s there and to my shock his mother came in aided by her ederly walker and sat next to him. I told my GF this granny is gonna be in for a shock and untterly offended.
So in comes the part when HG takes out the mob guys in the building and the old lady says “Well, they had it coming”. My Girlfriend and I chuckled to ourselves and she seemed thoroughly enjoyed.
David, You would be surprised how smart some young actors are.
Give Chloe a little credit. This kind of role will lead to larger roles and that’s her path to walk down.
Leave your kids at home. PG-13 is todays Rated R. Deal with it.
Another thing…..I had a very, very guarded childhood, my parents would find excuses to sneak me outta the theatre if there was even a stupid kissing scene in the film! I wasn’t even allowed to surf through channels on the television!
Although my parents were very, very cool with me, weren’t dictators or anything, I feel the insane extent they went to to “protect” me from the “dangers” of film and television, did more harm than good……they ignited a level of curiosity that exists to this day. Not to say that I’ve become a night-time voyeur, that I sneak out to porn theaters under various disguises (hmm, not yet, at least), or I’m some sexual deviant who gets turned on by people leaving theaters during kissing scenes…..but yeah, that urge to know what was being hidden was ever present. I didn’t really act upon it all that much, hell, I was just a kid, but I feel that the whole restriction business was overdone. Had my parents been subtle about things, it might’ve been alright.
So yeah, there IS, of course, a huge degree to which parents need to guard and protect their children, but there’s a way to do that…..if you thrust this “I need to show you what’s good for you and not show you what’s not coz I’m God Almighty and I know what’s best” down your kid’s throats, it’s gonna backfire on you the day you walk in on him jacking off to God only knows what kinda porn (–> not according to experience).
Amen.
Hit-Girl kicks ass!
Love it, I got the impression from the trailers that she steals the film. Love it!!!! That purple “UFO Moonbase” hair rocks! :)
Nice review, I’m looking forward to seeing this one!
Leave your kids at home whiners!
and your brain.
While I loved the movie, I was a little disappointed they changed Big daddy’s back story. I thought it was much better in the comic and I did not see it coming. I kept thinking they were going to do it with how many hints they were giving in the movie.
I LOVED this film. However, being someone who does not read a lot of comics, I found myself feeling like I was watching a cross between Watchmen, SuperBad, and The Incredibles. All three were amazing flicks, but I agree that the pacing kinda messed me up.
I agree with Rodney’s rating, but I don’t think I’ll find myself going to see it again while it’s in theaters, or buying it. I’d watch it if someone else had it though.
Lol guys James is 18.
And Kick-Ass was GREAT
Lol, he’s 18? He sounds much older, no offense :-P
Goodie, I’m NOT the younger commenter/commentator here!
And yep, yep, yep, Kick-Ass was SUPREME.
Like cheese.
I just turned 19!
=]
Oh cool, I’m 19, too!
Why are we “chatting” here, man, that’s just wrong :-(
In the comic after hit girl kill all the bad guys she asked kick ass to hug her..i think that should be included into the movie though..emotional stuff
The film is entertaining and worth a watch but I don’t think it was as faithful as the above thought it was. I can not say what or why without dropping some HUGE spoilers. It had the same effect as the Jurassic Park adaptation had for me. Really enjoyed the films but having read the source material before hand left me highly disappointed on top of being pleased. Maybe Hollywood needs to stop making movies before the source is finished.
I completely agree with you when it comes to Christopher Mintz-Plasse. I love McLovin, but I don’t think Mintz-Plasse was quite the person for this role.
I saw this movie in March so I definitely need to see it again.
I’m not sure if you mentioned it, but Kick Ass also had a bloody amazing soundtrack.
I also love Nicholas Cage, but I don’t think he was.. well had much face time in this film.
Abysmal movie. Just saw it. I’ve never seen a little girl so foulmouthed.
It is funny how some people are focusing on the foul mouth. Hit girl kills (dismembers, brutally mames) some 30 odd men, but people are focused on the language. Funny world.
I just saw the movie and while I was slightly uncomfortable at seeing how freakin awesome this 11 year old (the character) was at killing. I left the theatre pleased and satisfied with the movie. It was also cool to see some of home appearing in a Taiwan movie theatre.
I agree, with a few changes…..
Christopher Mintz-Plasse was nothing like McLovin’! There was a completely new element to him! It’s just our own inability to move beyond McLovin’ that makes us think “Oh, that’s just McLovin’ in a mask”…..not true! But the kid does have to stop drinking or something, coz it’s showing rather heavily on his face.
And yeah, Nic Cage is just SuPERB…..brilliant,
performance…..well, whaddya know? The guy CAN act!
Seriously, if Chloe Grace Moretz doesn’t become a major star later on, I’ll change my name.
Nicolas Cage has proven time and time again that he can act. Look at Leaving Las Vegas, Bringing Out The Dead, Lord of War, Adaptation, Raising Arizona, The Weather Man, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, Matchstick Men. He’s an awesome actor, it just sucks he picks more roles for the paycheck than substance. But he truly is a good character actor.
You liked him in Bad Lieutenant? I didn’t…..
But yeah, you’re right, the other films you mentioned have obviously established him well. It’s just that the last few flicks he’s done have been so bad that my faith in him went down, down, down.
But after watching him towards the end, when he gets his butt saved by his daughter, and then you-know-what happens…..Jesus, I was stunned. Brilliant, brilliant acting.
I loved him in Bad Lieutenant. I thought his performance was fantastic and his approach of being over the top, fit the film perfectly. To each his own though. I’ve shown that film to quite a few people and about 9/11 people loved it. I’m stunned when people don’t, but that’s just because i believe in the film.
Oh, oh, oh! Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED that film! I just thought that Nic Cage was somehow too damned detached (for wont of a better word) to be any good…..but the film is AMAZING!
First step in his second rise to fame :-D
I thought Cage was great in Bad Lieutenant and really made that movie. The other movies you mention were also very good and his performances in them were excellent. I wrote a review about Bad Lt. on my blog and said that its a shame he picks crappy movies just for a paycheck. He’s so talented and has the ability to do anything he wants but for some reason or another he keeps gravitating back to shitty films which, as you said, lack substance.
Great review, Rodney. I guess I will be seeing this one after all.
How does it compare to the comic?
It’s actually very faithful to the comic.
There are a few major changes to the story because the comic book was still being written while the movie was being filmed but overall it’s exactly what you’d hope to see in a movie adaptation of Kick-Ass.
I would say its about 85-90 percent close to the actual comic which is awesome! Of course the fanboy inside me is trying to nitpick at little things here and there. But the movie was awesome and lots of action. But to me Red Mist doesn’t really seem to be needed in the movie, maybe its just McLovin/ Fogel that doesn’t need to be in the film. Hit Girl and Big Daddy friggin rocked!
Should I let my 14 year old son see this movie?
Nope
Im bringing my 12 year old brother and 14 year old sister.
I brought my 6 year old little brother to see Watchmen and Punisher War Zone and though
But my family never cares… I saw pulp fiction, showgirls, the exorcist and basic instinct when i was like 5
My six-year-old brother would probably have gone into post-traumatic shock if I had taken him to see Watchmen.
“When did superheroes start fucking and using profanity!?”
Only if you want to prove you are a bad father.
This is rated R for a reason. Excessive violence and an 11 year old girl MURDERING people for fun and cussing like a trucker.
If those are the values you want to enstill in a malleable 14 year old mind, good luck with your sociopath.
my ex was 14 and she was pregnant! (not with my kid thank god) its ok though she was a little shit, cant believe i went out with her looking back now
anyway, when i was 4 i had already seen most of the rated R movies from the 90s and 80s and i turned out totally fine!
But i did become atheist at a very young age, like 8
I meant to say 14 not 4. my bad.
A guy in my theater had his infant in his lap. I was thinking, this guy REALLY wanted to see this movie! Yeesh.
@James: Wait, WHAT? You were dating a 14 year old???? Who was pregnant????? How old are YOU?
Well i was 15 and she was in my grade. After like a month of us being broken up she had a huge belly
It was funny though, because she kept a pregnant belly journal diary of pictures on her myspace. she got SO big it was gross. maybe cuz of the baby. idk.
Oh! You were 15! I thought you were something like 30 or something…..how old are you anyway?
You’re not thinking clearly Rodney. My parents are far from bad. Kids don’t react to movies and grow up to being sociopaths. Don’t be so stupid. I have hard core baptist parents, but I was watching hard R movies by the age of 5. I’m straighter than the majority of the population and no where near a sociopath. Not to mention I’m a Vegan and a pascifist.
You were watching R-rated movies when you were five and you’re calling Rodney stupid?
Umm…..dude, seriously, get a check-up.
Rodney isn’t it a bit hypocritical to call someone a bad father because they would allow their child to see this movie with a child serial killer but at the same time while writing your review celebrating a child actor for playing said serial killer?
I’ve been watching horror movies since the age of eight. I think the first thing my dad showed me was john carpenters the thing. I don’t think being exposed to these movies has desensitized me. I know the difference between real and fake violence very well and abhor the former. However I do believe that while parents show these movies to their kids they should straight forwardly explain the difference between tv and real violence. I also believe that the movie failed to examine the effect that all this murder would have on a ten year old child which is odd when the movie is about superheroes in the real world. It seems they only applied this vision when it was convenient.
I’d personally give the movie a seven out of then. The insertion of teen comedy just as the movie is trying to build up tension just killed it for me. This could have been like an easier to follow version of watchmen but there was too much emphasis on making it like superbad. I haven’t read the comic so I don’t know if it’s part of the package but I think the movie would have worked better if they played it down.
It was very good see mr. cage in something solid again. It’s been a while.
I dont find it hypocritical at all. The character in the book required a child to play it, and while it was a career choice for this actress’ parents to allow her to portray such a role, I am sure it was done with a degree of maturity and discussion. This young actress delivered a presence of maturity and understanding that I can say my own children would not have displayed. I have faith that this actress knows the difference between fictional characters and roles and permission to behave this way in real life. Any child actor would have to, however there are acceptions. Drew Barrymore comes to mind where a child actor is thrust unprepared into an adult life due to her occupation.
The issue is that if other minors were exposed to that, they could be influenced into thinking such violence was cool for kids to do and without warning, the negative influences of this film could affect the viewer. But it is that parents job to monitor what their kids were doing. My kids will not be seeing this movie, however I see no issue with minors being in R rated films when the role requires it.
Children being thrusted into violence because of films rodney, is definitely the fault of the parents and the child’s upbringing. Much like the myriad of children failing high school. The lack of parenting is truly what bruises a child’s future. Now, I’m not a parent like you are. However, I have a ton of nieces and nephews that i spend time with and my first niece watches tons of films with me that i myself watched when i was a kid. With the combination of people like me around her, her mom, and grandmother. We teach her the difference between right and wrong and what’s make believe. She watches what she wants (to an extent) with full knowledge and understanding (as I did growing up) and she doesn’t fail at school, has manners, no violent tendencies, and is an all around great child. Ultimately, what I’m trying to say is…if a parent brings their kid (at a reasonable age, at least) I feel it’s the parents responsibility to discuss things pertaining to this film and teach em just as much as a parent would teach a child about manners, respect, and overall values. I think there are many other things in this country that can be more detrimental to kids this day and age than movies.
Im 19.
=O
Since when does being a pacifist or a vegan mean you are a “better” person.
Furthermore, I would challenge your qualifying of your parents as “hardcore baptists” since no “hardcore baptist” would let their child watch violent movies, nor would a true pacifist find pleasure or entertainment out of violent movies.
Your statement is full of qualifiers that you yourself contradict to some degree.
I have to say that’s very arrogant statement about being a bad father Rodney. There are so many other factors that can make someone a bad father and taking their child to see a movie like this doesn’t qualify. Kids these days are exposed to a variety of different things that are much worse but yet theyre fine. A lot of they see is from the Internet where parents cant constantly monitor them. Furthermore, youre insulting the parents and kids who go see these types of films. Not every parent may be smart enough to explain the differences of whats real and what isn’t but that is still for them to decide. Most kids know what they are watching is just a movie. I mean I see lines of kids waiting to go see the shitty installment of Saw but I don’t hear of mass killings in the news just after its release. I grew up watching Conan the Barbarian, Rambo, Predator, Rocky, etc. and Im 26. I never went picking fights or doing dumb shit. Also, what does being a hardcore bapist have to do with what types of movies people like to watch? My dad is fairly uptight Roman Catholic but he loves Animal House. People’s religious views dont necessarily dictate what they watch. If that was the case no one would have any fun.
Without getting all theological on you there, your faith and the kind of movies you like are a direct coalition. The movies you watch and the entertainment you choose to amuse yourself with is in direct line with what you feel is right or wrong and in regards to faith – especially Christianity of any flavour – allowing such amusement in acts that your faith dictates are sins are equal to committing them.
According to the bible, to think of adultery is the same as committing it. Your “uptight Catholic father” will be able to tell you all about the type of things he is required to offer up in confession. Impure thoughts is among the first to be confessed (a Catholic ritual).
I would challenge anyone’s claim to being a “hardcore christian” and then not living the life they preach.
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today… is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is simply what an unbelieving world finds unbelievable.” -Brennan Manning
What I choose to watch isnt dictated by my religous views. I do have a high moral code which I live my life by. Some of it was taught by religion but not all of it. Just because I like watching “American Psycho” doenst make me evil. In regards to sins and thinking about, as you said adultery, that has no direct relationship in my point of view. Just because I have thoughts about another woman doesn’t make me a sinner. If I were to cheat then yes I sinned. Im, we, simply a human being with feelings and thoughts. Even though, I grew up Catholic I have somewhat strayed away from Church doctrine due to my studies in history. Furthermore, these “hardcore christians” you speak of are hypocrits like priets who molest children and are protected by the Church and still preach their bullshit. To deceive an innocent child and sexual abuse them is one of the greatest sins and I know they will suffer in the 9th Circle of Hell for their betrayal. For all the more reason your quote is flawed. The Bible says that homosexuality is wrong but yet priest commit horrible acts agaisnt young boys. It also says not to murder but so many wars have been fought in the name of religion and God, especially that little one called the Crusades. In regards to my dad, I should have said semi-rigid because he’s HIGHLY intellectual and believes in God, as do I, but isn’t fooled by the bullshit they can preach.
“Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind and unfits it for every noble enterprise.” James Madison
Which is precisely my point Jon. These religions teach that such restrictions are considered sinful and a “foothold for the Devil” and preaching that you should be free of sin then finding entertainment in watching people participate in sins is a contradiction.
I am not saying its a sin to have a sinful nature. But its the people that label themselves as upright and holy with their religion as a banner but then dont actually live what they preach is pure hypocrisy.
A pacifist wouldn’t find entertainment in war films or martial arts slugfests. A chaste and pure person wouldn’t find entertainment in porn. And someone who’s faith preaches that all life is sacred wouldnt find amusement in murder.
If they did, they can’t lay claim to those labels.
While Im not a pacifist Im definitely of pure heart and soul but I still like porn (yes Im comfortable to admit that in front readers I dont know, but what guy doesnt really). I think people in general need to separate issues like this because it leads to conflict both inner and outer. This is my issue with religion. It makes people feel that can’t be themselve in certain aspects. They feel like they have to be someone that they aren’t. This is excluding the true bad people of the world. Organized religion creates such controversy and even in little matters such as this.
Agreed. I just find those religious labels are weak tactics to try and sound like a better person while just illustrating a lack of integrity.
I AM HOLIER THAN YOU – but I participate all the same sinful things you take pleasure in. Still.. I am a better person because I have a fish bumper sticker.
LOL. Those people pass judgement so easily that’s very frustrating to live in this kind of society. As you know you it extends with people in the corporate world too. “Don’t do that” or “Don’t say that!” Meanwhile these high level executives are probably doing the same thing, but no one is reprimanding them.
I would say that up to you, Mike. You’re the parent. Are you a liberal or a conservative? Conservative? Leave the kid home. Liberal … why not take the kid? I was only six and watching movies like Rambo, Aliens, and Predator … I am one of the least exciting and squarest people you’ll ever meet. You’re the parent so it’s up to you to decide based on how your child reacts to things.
Great review Rod =]
No mentioned here, but here goes:
Sure it was funny and had great action. But what i loved was its touching scenes. some scenes where even deep and dark.
SEQUEL.
What did you expect? “Kick-As$” straight kicks as$! Characters Hit Girl and Big Daddy are the most delightful but Kick-Ass is endearing as the cowardly hero. The film isn’t laugh-out-loud funny but it puts a satisfied grin on your face. The music, styling, and editing are great (think Sin City or Kill Bill) My theater was full of guys but not-too-sensitive females (like me) will enjoy it too.