'Kick-Ass' | Movie Review

Released in 2010 and directed by multi award winner Matthew Vaughn; Kick-Ass adapts a popular graphic novel about a teenage boy who works to become a real-life superhero. I remember watching this movie years ago and absolutely loving it—now that it's on Netflix I thought I'd see if it still lives up what I remember—here's what I thought...

Action-Packed...

Now, I absolutely love a good action movie, and this movie really has many a fight scene. From the first fight scene when Kick-Ass gets into his first big fight to large-scale sequence in the final scenes; the movie is beautifully crafted with intense and action packed fights.

Yes, it could be argued that the gratuitous violence is completely unnecessary; but I would have to disagree. Before the hype of Deadpool in recent years, Kick-Ass ramped up the blood and gore during the various fight scenes. It definitely made for interesting viewing when Hit-Girl, a 12 year old girl, is scene slicing off bad-guys' hands off. I entirely understand people's discomfort around this particular issue, but it was something that never seemed to bother me when I've watched it.

Comic-Book style...

Compared to the other superhero movies that are out there (Marvel & DC) this movie leans so much more into the comic book style. This movie really leans into the original graphic novel when it comes to the creation of the various characters, staying especially true to the costumes the various superheroes wear.

The scenes are also crafted like the different squares of a comic book—moving seamlessly from scene to scene; keeping the story moving at a decent pace, then really ramping it up during the various fight scenes.

Just hilarious...

This is the sort of movie that uses the humour I find super entertaining, even if others don't quite understand it. One of these would be the dry wit that lies very much within the creation of the characters; there are indeed moments that are more obviously funny—but some of the older characters are more subtle in their take downs of the younger characters.

Then there is the more apparently funny jokes, the "stupid" jokes that you can't help but laugh at; sometimes its a silly poo joke or a sexually inexperienced teen losing his cool around a hot person. The combination is such a great match for this film.

Hit-Girl

She is definitely my favourite character; all the others are just as interesting and great to watch, but I can't help but have a soft spot for this ass-kicking child. Just watching her completely destroy a gang of bad guys with brilliant fighting skills and super sharp swords.

I have read what other people said about this movie and how inappropriate it was to have a child acting out this much violence and saying a lot of swear words. My only rebuttle would be—have they seen The Shining, or so many horror movies whereby a child younger than Hit-Girl is surrounded by blood and death.

Overall

I remember watching this movie years ago and absolutely loving it—these feelings still haven't changed years later. The action is still intense and the jokes are still good enough to make me laugh. Yes, there are some jokes that don't quite age well—like a lot of the movies from this era; but its not enough to put me off watching this film again.

If you haven't managed to get around to watching this movie, which is odd seeing as it's been out nearly a decade now, but I would recommend it. It definitely brings something different to the superhero genre, which at this point in time is something that fits right in.