Movie Review: Kick-Ass 2 (2013)
Written by Anthony Sargon
I was really excited for "Kick-Ass 2"; I loved the original, and I never expected it to actually get a sequel given its lackluster boxoffice performance. I walked in with high expectations (even after looking at the Rotten Tomatoes score) and, thankfully, walked out feeling pretty satisfied. The movie definitely has some big flaws, but it also has plenty of humor and some very memorable action scenes, and it does more right than it does wrong.
It's been about a couple of years since the events of the first movie, and Kick-Ass/Dave (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is bored of just going at it alone. He joins an Avengers-like team of heroes known as Justice Forever, led by Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey), and they're pretty ridiculous. While Kick-Ass is off doing his thing, Hit-Girl/Mindy (Chloë Grace Moretz) is trying to fit in at school and make friends, but things aren't going as smoothly as she'd like. And who can forget Chris D'Amico (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), also known as The Motherfu**er in this story because of some appropriately cheeky events. He's set out to become the world's first super villain, and his eyes are set squarely on Kick-Ass.
The movie has some insane action sequences; it's significantly more violent than the first film, but it feels more cartoony given how silly most of it is. But there are ample action scenes, and it never felt like there were too many of them. The film is also extremely funny with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and the cast definitely has something to do with that.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is great as Kick-Ass, but Chloë Grace Moretz still owns the movie and could more than handle her own film. Christopher Mintz-Plasse is hilarious as The Motherfu**er, and you can attribute most of the film's laughs to him. Jim Carrey is also awesome as Colonel Stars and Stripes, although I felt he was underused.
Unfortunately, even with great action and humor, the film feels like a hollow fan film made by someone who worshiped the first "Kick-Ass" and wanted to make a crazy action movie set in that universe. All the elements are there; the actors, familiar sets, and even the soundtrack, but it feels slightly off. The storytelling is rushed and the writing is thin, and you'll get most of your exposition through voice overs.
The movie still manages to entertain though, which is testament to the strength and charm of these characters. Jeff Wadlow was a fine choice to direct, but letting him pen the story may have been a bit much.
Anthony's Verdict:
While it doesn't necessarily live up to its predecessor, "Kick-Ass 2" is still an enjoyable endeavor. It feels a little shallow, but it kept me entertained throughout, and I'm game for a third film, so here's hoping it does well at the box office.
Numerical Score: 7/10
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