Rated R for strong brutal violence throughout, pervasive language, sexual content, nudity and some drug use - some involving children, 117 minutes
"Kick-Ass" packs a wallop of fun
"Kick-Ass" is the new superhero-movie-based-on-a-comic-book that rocks the house. Based on the comic book series by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr., it stars an engaging group of young folks with a Nicolas Cage thrown in. While a little overlong, it's tremendous fun and could likely end up a big hit. Directed by Matthew Vaughn of "Stardust" and "Layer Cake" fame, it boasts some nice but choppy visuals and an entertaining but predictable ending. Aaron Johnson is a nifty green-suited and masked Kick-Ass, who develops his powers over time and lots of elbow grease, Christopher Mintz-Plaase ("Superbad") is his cheeky, nerdy nemeis Red Mist, though it's little Chloe Moretz ("500 Days of Summer") who steals the show as tougher-than-nails Hit Girl, trained with power by her father Big Daddy (Cage). Other than the length, the biggest drawback may be the fact its Rated R for excessive violence and blood, something young kids may not get a kick out of. "Kick-Ass," interestingly enough, is a superhero movie about teens geared for adults. Go figure.
