Kick-Ass throws so much brutal intensity at the viewer that it almost becomes exhausting. Equal parts violent, horrifying and even disturbing at times, it can be a lot to take in.
It’s also one hell of a fun ride.
Kick-Ass starts off with Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson), who describes himself as an unremarkable high school student who one day wonders why nobody ever got the nerve to seriously throw on a silly costume and fight crime.
He finds out why the hard way when he dons a wet suit he buys online and becomes the titular Kick-Ass, and gets stabbed trying to stop a car break-in.
The direction showcases some of the most inventive and energetic fight sequences ever put to film, which throws so much into the mix it’s dizzying. This is the kind of movie that just keeps trying to one up itself, to the point where Kick-Ass couldn’t be more awesome even if Jesus Christ showed up riding a robotic Tyrannosaurus Rex. It’s just that good.
The story is essentially a satirical look at the world of super heroes, and much in the same vein as Watchmen; it manages to shine a light on the twisted personality it takes to become one.
Strong characters and performances reinforce this aspect, with Johnson being goofy enough to be a lovable nerd while also being intense enough to carry a name like Kick-Ass. It’s also refreshing to see a kid suit up as a superhero not for honor or vengeance, but because it’s a pretty awesome thing to do.
Mindy Macready/Hit Girl (an 11-year-old Chloe Moretz) steals the show as an energetic, foul mouthed and murderous psychopath who bounces around the screen while slicing up the bad guys.
A lot has been made of the young Moretz’s performance and the social implications of having a child in this role. While it’s genuinely uncomfortable to watch her damaged psyche unfold and even take a beating towards the end, it will never, ever, get old to see a little girl shoot mafia goons in the face.
The other performances of note, Damon Macready/Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) and Chris D’Amico/Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) are a real treat, with Cage doing a spot on impression of Adam West when Big Daddy while being a genuinely touching, with the right amount of creepy, father to Hit Girl.
Mintz-Plasse turns in a surprisingly deep performance as well, adding another layer to an already interesting character in Chris D’Amico.
Some critics have made some valid criticisms in how there are wasted opportunities with aspects such as the relationship between Hit Girl and Bid Daddy, where a more narratively nuanced film could really explore the depths of these two’s situation.
There’s also a love interest in the movie who is so two dimensional it’s almost impossible to remember her name without the help of IMDB.com.
Really though, Kick-Ass isn’t that concerned with character study. Its main focus is being a high caliber action movie, with a few deep aspects being more of a bonus to the whole package.
Kick-Ass lives up to its name. If you like super heroes and don’t mind a whole lot of graphic violence, it’s well worth the price of a ticket.
