Love him or hate him, Mark Millar’s graphic novels are making their way onto the big screen. First we got Wanted (2008) and now we have Kick-Ass (2010). Mark Millar’s work can often be classified as “gritty realism” or self aware of its source material. Kick-Ass, the film, is no different. The film is indeed a comic book movie, not only because of its source material but in the very mise-en-scene and overall look of the film. From the comic book style letter boxes (‘Meanwhile…’, ‘Across town…’) to the overly bright or dark costumes, to the supporting characters and numerous references to both comic books and comic book films, it is just as aware of where it comes from as the source material is.

Set in our world, a world where the only heroes are those four colored superheroes on the inked page, Kick-Ass tells the story of Dave (Aaron Johnson) who takes a stand against indifference and fulfills the dream of every young comic book reading child. Donning a rather outlandish scuba suit, Dave becomes a superhero. Naming himself Kick-Ass (not only because he kicks ass but because he so often gets his ass kicked) and setting up his own MySpace page, he sets out to make a difference in New York City. The film follows others who decide to emulate Kick-Ass, all for their own reasons. Among them are Big Daddy (Nicholas Cage doing a rather good Adam West impersonation) and his show steal daughter, Hit Girl (Chloe Moretz). Together they find themselves going against New York City’s cocaine dealers, lead by Frank D’Amico (played by Mark Strong who it seems is making a career out of playing comic book style baddies). Along the way, the lines start blurring between the fantasy of being a super hero and the harshness of real life.

It is this line between reality and fantasy that is wonderfully drawn and makes Kick-Ass more than just a comedic parody of super heroes. The film very easily switches between the comedic ultra-violence of Hit Girl and the gritty real violence of Kick Ass and Big Daddy. As a result, the gritty violent scenes have a bigger impact when they pop up in the narrative.

All is not perfect though in Kick-Ass land. While the film is titled Kick-Ass, Kick-Ass himself quickly becomes almost a secondary character every time Hit Girl enters the picture. In some ways it feels that the film might have been even better if it just focused on Hit Girl and Big Daddy however by having Kick-Ass in the story, there is more of a contrast between the reality and the fantasy of being a superhero. Hit Girl and Big Daddy represent the fantasy, the ideal of being a super hero. They are an effective crime fighting duo, a murderous Batman and Robin where as Kick-Ass represents the fantasy of crime fighting. A teenager who wants to not only make a difference but wants to score with the girl of his dreams as well. By watching Big Daddy and Hit Girl, he learns the tough decisions that must be made when trying to clear the streets of New York from crime.

In my opinion as a reviewer, I can recommend this film to fans of comic book films and those who enjoy some Bronze Age superheroes trying to make a difference in a more realistic setting.

Jo Kreil