KICK-ASS has just been released on DVD and the controversial comic book film packs a powerful punch with fast paced action scenes, a thoroughly entertaining script, and lots of laugh out loud moments.
The film is an adaptation by director Matthew Vaughn and screenwriter Jane Goldman of a comic book series by Mark Millar and John Romita Jnr.
The story centres on geeky school kid Dave Lizewski played by British actor Aaron Johnston. Lizewski lives a pretty uneventful life and he sees the creation of Kick-Ass as an escape into an exciting testosterone fuelled world. He buys a wetsuit online, designs a mask and appears foolishly optimistic about his chances of cleaning up the crime ridden streets.
He is almost killed after confronting the first gang of crooks, and after begging paramedics to hide his shameful costume, a rumour circulates around school that he was found naked and is gay.
Surprisingly this new camp image proves successful when the gorgeous Katie (Lyndsy Fonseca ) decides that he would make an ideal gay best friend.
With his confidence soaring he takes to the streets again in his shameful green and yellow costume, and due to some outlandish good fortune and some good networking Kick-Ass gains an unlikely reputation.
He teams up with two real superheroes in 11 year old Hit Girl played by Chloe Moretz and her father Big Daddy played by Nicholas Cage.
Big Daddy is on a vengeful mission to eradicate chief crimelord Frank D’Amico (Mark Strong ) and he has trained Hit Girl to be his trusted but violent sidekick.
This relationship has subsequently received some criticism but the film mocks itself satirically throughout and if viewers are looking for a morally righteous film, this film trumpets itself emphatically as the polar opposite. Screenwriter Jane Goldman says: "It's not a movie for kids, it's not something kids should see. Obviously no little kid could go around doing this.”
The comedic moments are delivered in abundance and the stunning fight sequences and cinematography really are spectacular. Kick-Ass’s second attempt at crime fighting ends more positively after onlookers record his fight with villains on their phones. The bad guys panic when they realise that this could lead to a likely appearance on YouTube and dash off leaving the victorious Kick-Ass to soak up the adoration from the media and an adoring public.
More dalliances with the bad guys prove dangerous for Kick-Ass, Big Daddy and Hit Girl as they square up to Frank D’Amico in an explosive and memorable finale.
Kick-Ass is morally controversial but the dark comedy provides a highly entertaining and original spin on the superhero genre.
