Our intrepid music guru Kyle England was fortunate enough to see Matthew Vaughn's irreverent super hero opus Kick-Ass at a special screening a few weeks ago. He indicated that it was an entertaining fusion of Superbad and X-Men. A perfect analogy. After seeing the film myself, I'd also like to offer up my two cents. Kick-Ass does for super hero movies what Shaun of the Dead did for zombie films. This is to say that this adaptation of Mark Millar's comic book series manages to break down the super hero archetype all while managing to establish itself as a perfect entry in the increasingly popular genre inspired it. Tired of being witness to the social disintegration of his crime infested city, Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) decides to do what he and his nerdy buddies have only discussed in theory; become a superhero! Problem is, Dave isn't exactly built for fighting crime. In fact, he isn't the tough sort at all. Regardless, Dave fashions his own makeshift costume and hits the city streets looking to do some good. After video footage of Dave in action becomes a youtube sensation, his selfless acts of courage inspires a handful of other individuals to lend a hand in making this world a better place. None of this sits well with a much feared local crime boss (played by Mark Strong). Kick-Ass is reckless and audacious and I loved every second of it.

It is laugh out loud hilarious virtually ever step of the way, and Vaughn's direction is energetic and stylish. Kick-Ass will have its detractors. This is a film that wears its hard R rating like a badge of honor. Kick-Ass features, among other things, a young female super hero who uses language no kid her age should be using, and a middle aged man who likes to use his child as target practice. Kick-Ass is also incredibly violent, but there's a certain cartoonishness to it all. There are unexpected bursts of spontaneous violence here that are surprisingly unnerving, but for the most part, Kick-Ass is played for laughs. Aaron Johnson is outstanding as the dweebish (and endearing) Dave Lizewski. Mark Strong is lively and playful as the heavy, and this nasty villain is far more memorable than the one he played in Sherlock Holmes. Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad's McLovin) is a riot as a mysterious figure called Red Mist. Nicolas Cage is fittingly zany bringing a distinct Adam West vibe to the role of a man consumed with thoughts of vengeance. The film's most memorable performance comes courtesy of young Chloe Moretz (Joseph Gordon-Levitt's sister in 500 Days of Summer) who brings tenacity and spunk to the role of Hit Girl. Kick-Ass is certainly not a super hero film for kids, but if you like high octane action mixed with irreverent comedy, than this film is for you. It should also be noted that if you look deep you may even find a couple of inspirational messages at the center of this wildly entertaining movie. There wont be a more appropriate film title all year, because this film does, in deed, kick ass!

Grade: B+