For the past hundred years, superhero lore has emerged as a type of modern day mythology, depicting these fantastic tales of romanticized vigilantism where all the heroes have some kind of incredible power and they use it for the greater good. But let’s be serious: there is no such thing as a real superhero. In this day and age, however, some people have been inspired by the comics and films and have taken to the streets, dressed in costumes, to fight crime and help the communities.
In light of this, Kick-Ass is a story that eschews the fantasy and candidly faces the facts. This is not a world where people like Batman, Superman, the X-Men, or whoever can save the day and get the girl completely unscathed. Nor is it a world where everything is a concrete black-and-white good-vs-evil affair. Crimes happen and people often just look on without bothering to intervene. Real heroes get the snot beaten out of them, and can even die; there is no invincibility, only vulnerabilities. The film shows all of this straight-up, approaching the subject of masked vigilantism in a light that’s far more realistic than most other superhero films to date (a few other good contenders being Super and Watchmen).
However, this film is not all about the realism. In fact, realism in superhero lore is just something the film harps on sarcastically. The film has its share of crazy action, extreme violence, and includes some scenes that are just too crazy to happen in real life. The film is also quite the comedy, loaded up with funny lines and situations that are so sad that they’re funny (or just plain funny). It pulls a lot of punches, delivering a shock and awe style of entertainment that will likely offend the most sensitive and conservative of viewers (this film will likely be forever notorious for showcasing an eleven-year-old girl cutting people up and cursing like an adult: you have been warned!). At the same time, the film is colorful and upbeat, contrasting heavily with the messed-up violence and situations; the poignant combination of light and dark is part of what makes the film so funny, so provocative, and so thrilling.
No matter how offensive or unbelievable things get, the story still matters, and it is quite strong. With the premise mentioned above, it does invoke some thought concerning masked vigilantism. It also ties in with the character and helps weave a tale of the characters’ origins. The film follows the comic pretty closely, with only a few liberties taken (including an alternate take on the love interest, which I find better in the film than in the comic).
The film is certainly stylish, with quality photography and unique editing effects. There is one scene I find quite erratic with its use of strobe lighting, but it is mercifully short. Acting is good: Aaron Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Nicolas Cage, and Mark Strong all fulfill their respective roles really well. Exceptional praise goes to Chloe Moretz, whose performance for Hit Girl shows remarkable physical aptitude and skillful nuance (in addition to putting up with the vulgar script). Writing is not bad, cursing and all. This is one of those movies that looks more expensive than it is; all of the sets, props, and costumes look snazzy, with just a few weak spots. There is a plethora of interesting musical choices in this film, and they all help in the experience.
While I find that the vast majority of superhero films entertain one way or another, Kick-Ass is a one-of-a-kind feature that entertains by shattering the standard conventions and smacking the viewers upside the head. Chances are that some of you viewers will find this distasteful; if you are easily offended, then you should probably avoid this film like the plague. For most everybody else, it comes recommended!
5/5 (Entertainment: Perfect | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good)
This film appears on my Top 100 Favorite Movies list at #77.
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