Quick Review: Kick Ass

I wasn't totally sure what to expect when this movie arrived in the mail. I'd heard mumblings of it being overly violent but wanted to see it for myself. My biggest problem with Kick Ass wasn't the violence (although at times it did feel unnecessary). No, it was the fact that the people behind Kick Ass clearly didn't know what kind of movie they were trying to make. At times it was a raunchy high school comedy. At others, a dark revenge thriller. And sometimes... a commentary on technology and the de-sensitization of "kids these days"??

The tone was constantly readjusting to fit whichever of the 3 main stories were being told at any given time. Surprisingly enough I didn't hate Nicholas Cage in this role like I usually do. He committed 100% which is more than I can say for the majority of the cast. But Cage's story line alone as the disillusioned father training his young daughter to help seek his revenge could have been it's own movie entirely. The result is a lack of flushed out characters and plots, none of which ever give you the satisfaction you're really looking for in a comic book action movie.

And finally, I don't think I'll ever be okay watching an 11 year old girl get shot, chocked, and shot again. No matter how annoying the child-actor may be (and trust me... she tried).

My advice? Rent "Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World". So much better.