Title: Kick-Ass (2010)Starring: Aaron Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Nicolas Cage
Directed By: Matthew Vaughn
My only major complaint for Kick-Ass is in the character of Kick-Ass. Equal parts parody of Peter Parker and Bruce Wayne (mostly), he becomes almost inconsequential to the success or failure of the film because the character himself is overshadowed by the supporting cast.
Nic Cage as Big Daddy (an obvious, yet scathing parody of Batman; complete with an AMAZING Adam West impression) is a full-fledged and engaging character. Red Mist, played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse, is an easy-to-relate-to character trying to do what he thinks is right. Clark Duke and Evan Peters as Marty and Todd, the comic book loving best friends of Kick-Ass's secret identity Dave are real comic book nerds. Their conversations are ones I've ACTUALLY partaken in!
Without a doubt though, the real star of this picture (character AND performer) is Chloë Grace Moretz as Hit-Girl. She is incredible! She steals every scene she's in, displaying a level of confidence and grace that most actresses 4x her age would kill for. She owns this role. And the character of Hit-Girl owns this script. She's given the best lines, the best fights, even the most satisfying emotional arc. She really is the movie, and she's fantastic.
The script suffers from a few too familiar comic book movie cliches, but honestly this is parody in its top form. It's a film that pokes fun of, then eventually becomes that exact thing (think Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz). The third act of this film is nowhere near as funny or satisfying as those films, but that's okay. In fact, all of the (very few) plot hiccups are forgiven, if for nothing else than allowing us such a delightful character as Hit-Girl.
If you've ever enjoyed a comic book movie, you owe it to yourself to check out Kick-Ass. Highly recommended.
Score: 8.5/10
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