A superhero movie, minus the super.

Rating: 8/10 (11 May 2010)

Kick-Ass isn't your average superhero movie. Unlike Spiderman or Batman, there are no superpowers or crazy gadgets, well except for maybe one device used at the climax. This isn't a movie making a mockery of superheroes either. The main character, Kick-Ass doesn't live up to his name. The characters don't feel artificial because there's real and sometimes gruesome consequences to their actions throughout the film. Mathew Vaughn, director of Layer Cake and Stardust, has crafted a film that indulges in violence and stays entertaining throughout. It's a hybrid movie that feels like Kill Bill, Superbad, and Spiderman were thrown into a blender. Kick-Ass is the end result, and I feel comfortable saying it actually does, to a certain extent.
The relatively unknown Aaron Johnson plays Dave, a delusional, geeky teen who pretends to be a superhero when he puts on a ridiculous green costume. He has no superpowers and his intelligence and coordination are obviously lacking. However, in his delusion he is determined to stand up for what's right. As Kick-Ass, Dave is a laughable vigilante who gets lucky and becomes an online sensation when someone records him scuffling with some thugs. Throughout the film, Dave conceals the identity of Kick-Ass while his friends poke fun at him and his love interest thinks he's a flamer. As Kick-Ass grows in popularity, he gets the attention of crime-boss, Frank D'Amico, played by Mark Strong. Mark actually gives a "strong" performance as the film's antagonist. Kick-Ass befriends Frank's son played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who will forever be known as McLovin.
The highlight of this film comes in the form of a father-daughter duo played by Nicolas Cage and Chloe Moretz. When they put on their costumes, they are Big Daddy and Hit-Girl. I found their background story very interesting and underdeveloped. They both elevate this movie from mediocrity and quite literally steal the show. Their relationship is entertaining and engaging. Cage adds depth to his small role through his bizarre speech and playful personality. Moretz, playing a foul-mouthed 11 year old, has an aura and panache about her that is quite unique.
Other than Hit-Girl, I didn't find any other adolescent characters very interesting. Dave and his friends were mostly annoying and offered only a few amusing scenes together. I've seen dorky kids like these in countless other movies. I am pleased to say that the script isn't full of cliché's and the dialogue is pretty well-written. As with all action movies, suspension of disbelief is necessary as the body count grows. The violence is a little exaggerated but it fits the tone of the film and makes it more fun to watch.
Just some food for thought: after countless hours of training with specialized weapons, fierce determination, a small stature, and a thirst for vengeance, anything might be possible. If you can't buy that justification, how would you know anyway? Everyday someone in this world goes against all odds and overcomes in something. Why not take a "that's improbable but not impossible" point of view! This was solid entertainment that doesn't become tiresome. Don't let the previews mislead you. This isn't your mindless superhero movie or a spoof on superhero movies. Kick-Ass is of a different breed and some (older) people might take offense while others won't find it very enjoyable. To those people: what the hell are you watching a movie titled "Kick-Ass" for?