Kick Ass is the most fun you might have this year

Rating: 7/10 (16 July 2010)

*** out of (****)
"Kick Ass" is the Matthew Vaughn directed action packed extravaganza that's based off the comic book series and spun a lot of controversy. A majority of the top critics thought it was truly repugnant to see an eleven year old spew out f bombs, kick ass, and take names. And yes, most strict Christians have complained about the film due to its graphic nature and vile profanity. Even without the strong controversy, I know this sounds heavily clichéd, but Kick Ass, kicks, well... ass. It sure kicked mine. How can you not love a film that has strong performances, a great story, and just awe-inspiring cinematography? To regard Kick Ass as another comic book film is like calling Alone in the Dark a cinematic masterpiece. I can't believe how utterly satisfied I was with this movie. This is probably one of the most electrifying and great film experiences I've had. Is this film Citizen Kane? No, but it's such a great film on its own merits, that it doesn't even matter.
Kick Ass revolves around Dave (Johnson), who wonders what it would be like to be a superhero. So Dave decides to buy a heroic costume, scares off a group of street punks in the beginning of the film, and entitles himself "Kick Ass". Along the way, "Kick Ass" meets up with "Hit Girl" and "Big Daddy" who befriend him. However, the juvenile "Red Mist" is trying to take him down.
First off, the cinematography is absolutely breathtaking. The movie is so vibrant and rich with color, that it's like looking at an ancient art painting. The movie has so much texture and detail that it's almost like it jumps off the screen. Furthermore, the action is truly superb and is nothing short of awesome. Seriously folks, this is the best and most plausible action since "The Matrix". And yes, I went that far. Moreover, this movie has been talked about because of its graphic nature and doesn't disappoint in terms of gore. We get a human microwave explosion, a decapitated leg, a shot to the face, and several balls-to-the-wall action sequences. Additionally, the performances in this movie are simply terrific. Every character truly stands out, even the most insignificant of characters. Furthermore, the script is extremely fresh. The jokes pack a punch, the premise is fun, the subplots are great, and the movie's more drastic moments are simply tear-jerkers. Also, the pacing is fantastic. Scenes are paced pretty briskly and you will not be bored.
While the pros outweigh the cons, there are still some flaws, but they are extremely minimal, and minor. First off, I thought before Hit Girl was introduced, the film wasn't that great. Don't get me wrong, if Hit Girl wasn't in this movie, I'd give the movie a 5. It still was good, but things got a lot better when she kicked into gear. To add to that, I thought this movie could have been more fun. There were a little too many depressing moments, that would have made an otherwise non-stop fun escapist summer fare movie.
Overall, Kick Ass is one of the most fun films of the year. It simply is inclusive to the elements of a great movie: terrific acting, story, direction, gore, action, cinematography, and script. Its flaws are so minor and minimal, that they are so easy to overlook. Not to mention, it's just a whole lot of fun. Really, I don't think this movie could have been any better. It shows that Matthew Vaughn doesn't want to make a good movie. He wants to make a great movie and he succeeded. If only directors would be this passionate and ambitious about their movies, then we'd get more films like "Kick Ass". "Kick Ass" is one of those rare movies that's fun and well-crafted. Seek out a matinée.