I just got back from the Arclight Screening of "Kick-Ass." I'll make this pretty quick. I've seen a lot of screenings, but I've never felt compelled to write in with any reviews. Until now. This is by far the best comic book movie I have ever seen. Or maybe it's just the most entertaining comic-book movie I have ever seen. It feels like a mixture of Batman Begins (it's an origin story about a powerless hero in a realistic, super-hero free world), Superbad (a coming-of-age teen angst tale with hilarious nerd banter- and the McLovin guy), and The Professional (there's an off-beat, obsessive master-assassin teaching a foul-mouthed, smart-ass young girl how to "hit"). And maybe a little bit Zombieland (with the dry, irreverent voice-over narrative from the film's socially-awkward hero). And maybe let's throw in a bit of the ol' Snatch or Layer Cake (with all the snappy lines and over-the-top antics from the tough-guys). I know that sounds like a narrative and tonal mess, but it really all comes together in perfect harmony.
I couldn't find any flaws in "Kickass." It was nearly a perfect script, filled with at least 8 to maybe 11 "oh ****" moments and lines that made people clap and freak out. Not only was it filled with amazing action sequences reminiscent of the gun play in The Professional or the fight work in the last two Batman films (hold the fast editing), it was simultaneously heartfelt and funny in the manner that JuddApatow tries to make his films (but without the pretentiously long tangents and bland filler that have made his last 3 films half-good, half-lame). I'll just sum it up. The action and stunt-work is cleverly orchestrated and visceral. There's never a dull moment. Stuff blows up real good. An 11 year old girl says bad words and shoots/stabs people (in a non-exploitative way). Nicolas Cage is actually a talented, engaging actor here (or at least his quirky and hyper acting style works perfectly within the context of this film). The dialogue is funny and genuine. And I know it was just temp music, but I pray that the producers decide to keep Morricone's Ecstasy of Gold in the final shoot out.
