Kick-Ass (2010)

director: Matthew Vaughn

writers: Matthew Vaughn, Jane Goldman (based on the graphic novel of the same name) by Mike Millar and John Romita Jr.

starring: Aaron Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Mark Strong, Chloe Grace Moretz, Nicholas Cage

genre: Crime, Comics

One of the most controversial comic book films as of late has arrived. Do people unknown to this property should give it a chance? Well hell yes. Why? Because here is a fun comic book film not like Iron Man 2, that doesn't disappoint at being one of the funniest, most controversial and black humored comic books ever made.

In a world with comics, one kid Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) wonders why no one has ever tried to become a real superhero. He decides its up to him to change that and be the first. Dave with his family problems and geek labeling at school finds something to believe in and change his life for ever. He becomes Kick-Ass. As Kick-Ass he will learn pain, defeat, evil and find friendship in fellow heroes in Red Mist and Hit Girl.

Kick-Ass is violent, provoking and hilarious. If you enjoy comic book films then this just right up your alley. Kick-Ass was an difficulty property to bring to life due its content. But director/writer Matthew Vaughn found a way and believed in the material. The zany ideas, the crazy action and the disgusting details all remain in the adaption of the comic book. But best of all it feels like a comic book film come to life. Ang Lee had tried to accomplish that with the first Hulk (2003) film with various techniques but fell short by going overboard.

I had a lot of fun with the film. All of the actors did bang up job. But there were parts which I was disappointed with. Due to having read the comic I was saddened with change of tone in the film. This is not anything serious but was hoping for a darker Kick Ass as in the comics. The changes made in the story are not tragic nor badly hurt the film but are unnecessary in my opinion compared to the original elements of the comics. Some areas like Kick Ass's romance is not one of the highlights of the film in my opinion as it feels like a copy of the Peter Parker/Mary Jane dynamic that was not in the comic book. Also some other changes to the storyline which make the film feel to much like a comic book film with a lot of desensitized violence. I think have this feeling due to the different emotions i got out from the different mediums. Both the comic and film are great but offer and hit different beats. Which in a way is not a bad thing.

By the end of the film I enjoyed the ride. Kick-Ass's rise to fame and the revenge of Big Daddy and Hit Girl on the Mob make a great story. What Kick Ass shows is that small comic book properties can be made into films and that with good handlers the overall meaning ,quality, spirit and moments of the book will remain. If your in the mood to see a young eleven year old girl be a killing ninja, than your going to love Kick Ass.

Personal Rating:

Review by Paul