April 18, 2010
My Ass Got Kicked
A review of Kick Ass
By J.D. Cook
Just when I thought movies were dying, my ass got kicked. It was the best
beating I've ever taken, or at least the best one I've taken since The Dark Knight. I just never thought a dude in a
green scuba suit could do that to me.
Now, before I address the story or anything else, I must comment on the language, violence and blood - IT'S AWESOME! I'm sorry
but if you do not like stylish action, do not go see a movie called Kick Ass - it's that simple. Now, to get down to
the kidneys of what makes this movie rock harder then Rush performing "Subdivisions" live - well ok nothing can do that,
but it comes pretty close.
Since I am a plot lover, I will attack that beast first. It is good! I will not spoil it on those of you who have not seen it
yet, but it was much better than just about every other super hero film with the exception of one or two classics, and The
Dark Knight which I can't compare it to just yet. It had twists, it had turns, and it was far from predictable. In contrast
to Clash of the Titans (which I saw last week and reviewed here),
this was heaven. Most of the time I watch modern movies what bothers me most is that I could write a better plot then what I am
watching. Movies like Spider Man 3 and X-men Origins: Wolverine make me want to jump out of a window with their
plot holes, and loss of what made them good comics. While watching Kick Ass I did not get that feeling once. The only
problem I have is minuscule - I did not like the very end because it blatently set up a sequel. But I can accept this without a
true complaint.
The high point of the film was "Hit Girl" - Chloë Grace Moretz does an amazing job for a thirteen-year old. I must say that she should
be nominated for something next awards season. Her character is a super deadly foul mouthed vigilante eleven-year old (I know,
I know - I had you at super deadly). She easily makes this movie as her lines are some of the funniest and her action scenes
are easily the most entertaining as well as the music picked for those scenes is perfect. She easily shows up everyone she is
on screen with. Even if you are not interested in the typical super hero story, go see this movie just to see her. I guarantee
a laugh, and a gasp.
Next up are Nicholas Cage and Aaron Johnson who do admirable jobs. Johnson, who plays the title character of "Kick Ass" is
entertaining and pulls off the nerdy teen as well as it can be done. Nicholas Cage is always good in his roles, but he usually
chooses his scripts terribly. Luckily he made a good choice here and does a great job as Hit Girl's vigilante father "Big Daddy".
He even imitates Adam West's old Batman voice when in his Big Daddy costume. As for the other roles in the film, they
are all done well. Mark Strong does a good bad guy in Frank D’Amico and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (a.k.a. "McLovin" from Super
Bad) takes a small step out of the shadow with his character "Red Mist".
I'll wrap things up although I feel like I could talk all day about this film. The action is fun but the blood is also there if
you are not into that. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cringe, but most importantly, you'll cheer when the credits roll. This
is a must see!
© 2010 Jeremiah Dylan Cook. All rights reserved.
