According to nerdy Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) a superhero is a “perfect combination of optimism and naiveté.” Of course, skill with lethal weapons and a fearless nature are also required.  In Kick-Ass, however, the powerless become unlikely superheroes.  The film is a parody of superhero movies, but I was still invested in the characters and story. And most of all, Kick-Ass is a hoot.

Dave Lizewski wants to help people and is tired of feeling invisible and helpless. So he orders a costume that “looks like a green condom” and suddenly he is YouTube sensation “Kick-Ass.” The girl he likes is interested and he is happy. But then he encounters a real superhero, in the improbable form of a little girl.  “Hit-Girl” (Chloë Grace Moretz) works with her father “Big Daddy” (Nicolas Cage) to bring down a dangerous drug ring led by Frank D’Amico (Mark Strong). But when Hit-Girl and Kick-Ass join forces, things really get dangerous.

The  screenplay by Jane Goldman  and Matthew Vaughn (he also directs the film) is based on the comic book by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. The film alludes to its comic book origins in ways that are quite effective, but do not detract from the characters or plot. The story starts with voiceovers from Dave Lizewski about his path to becoming Kick-Ass, but follows two other sets of “superhero” types.  Rich kid Chris (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) becomes the Red Mist in a misguided attempt to help his father.  But the toughest superhero combination of the three is “Hit-Girl” and her father. “Hit-Girl” and “Big Daddy” perpetuate violence with gleeful abandon and no remorse. The villains treat “Hit Girl” like any other hardened criminal and do not hesitate for even a moment as they try to kill her.  And of course what is causing controversy is that little “Hit-Girl” uses the kind of R rated language that would be commonplace in a Mamet play.  Some may find this disturbing, but for others (like me) it is hilarious.

All of the performances in Kick-Ass are very strong, but this film belongs to Chloë Grace Moretz and Nicolas Cage.  Moretz, who gave an outstanding performance in (500) Days of Summer, is adorable and hilarious.  Wide-eyed Moretz wears her hair in pigtails and squeals with childlike delight when her father presents her with a nifty knife for her birthday.  But  Moretz is even funnier when she dons a purple wig, curls her lip and shows “Hit-Girl’s” world weary cynicism. When a cowed Kick-Ass asks how he can get a hold of her, she replies, “You just contact the mayor’s office. He has a special signal he shines in the sky; it’s in the shape of a giant cock!” This is mild language from “Hit Girl”; she is as tough as Uma Thurman’s bride in Kill Bill. As “Big Daddy” Cage does a very precise Adam West imitation, complete with exaggerated, uneven pauses and monotone delivery.  When not wearing his Batman-like costume, Cage’s “Big Daddy” is a typical cheery and affectionate father. He calls his daughter “honey bunny” and beams with paternal pride as he watches “Hit Girl” handle a knife with expertise. Moretz and Cage have real chemistry and are convincing as loving father and daughter.  British actor Aaron Johnson is likeable and appealing as “Kick-Ass,” and it is easy to root for him. Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Chris D’Amico/Red Mist), hilarious as Fogell/McLovin in Superbad, is similarly funny here as the rich kid and fake superhero.

 
The advertisements for this film are misleading. The film is about kids, but it is in no way for kids.  Kick-Ass is rated “R” for good reason.  But  I found this cute little girl who spouts obscenities while beating up bad guys to be empowering as well as funny.  Watching “Kick-Ass” and “Hit Girl” triumph over evil is satisfying.  As “Hit Girl” says  when attacked, “So, you wanna play?” Absolutely.

Kick-Ass. Directed by Matthew Vaughn.  Aaron Johnson (Dave Lizewski / Kick-Ass) Lyndsy Fonseca (Katie Deauxma), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Chris D’Amico / Red Mist), Mark Strong (Frank D’Amico), Chloë Grace Moretz (Mindy Macready/ Hit-Girl) and Nicolas Cage (Damon Macready/ Big Daddy). Lionsgate, 2010.  

 

Gail sees a movie appears every Wednesday.

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