KICK-ASS (2010)

Summary:

Kick-Ass is a dark action-comedy film that subverts the traditional superhero genre by exploring what would happen if an ordinary, unathletic teenager decided to become a real-life vigilante. Dave Lizewski, a high school outcast obsessed with comic books, dons a wetsuit and the moniker "Kick-Ass," only to quickly discover the brutal reality and severe consequences of crime-fighting without powers or training. His initial, clumsy attempts at heroism inadvertently catapult him into viral fame, drawing the attention of both the criminal underworld and genuine, highly-trained vigilantes.

Dave's naive aspirations soon collide with the harsh world of Big Daddy, a former cop seeking revenge, and his lethal eleven-year-old daughter, Hit-Girl, who are far more effective and violent than Kick-Ass could ever hope to be. As Kick-Ass becomes entangled in their war against crime boss Frank D'Amico, he also encounters D'Amico's son, Chris, who adopts the persona of "Red Mist" to infiltrate the vigilante community. The film blends extreme violence, black humor, and a surprisingly heartfelt exploration of heroism, friendship, and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality.

Keywords: Kick-Ass, 2010, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Nicolas Cage, Action, Comedy, Crime, Superhero, Vigilante.

Plot:

Dave Lizewski is an average, unpopular high school student with a passion for comic books. Frustrated by the lack of real-life heroes, he decides to become one himself, despite possessing no special abilities, training, or even a basic understanding of combat. He orders a green and yellow wetsuit online, dubs himself "Kick-Ass," and ventures out into New York City. His first attempt at heroism results in him being stabbed and then hit by a car, leaving him hospitalized with extensive injuries. Miraculously, the doctors implant metal plates and nerve damage means he can no longer feel pain in certain areas, inadvertently granting him a limited form of superhuman resilience.

Upon his recovery, Dave decides to try again. During a street mugging, he intervenes, awkwardly flailing until the muggers flee. The incident is filmed by a bystander and uploaded to YouTube, quickly going viral. Kick-Ass becomes an internet sensation, inspiring others and catching the attention of both the police and the criminal underworld. Frank D'Amico, a ruthless mob boss, believes Kick-Ass is responsible for disrupting his drug operations. Meanwhile, Dave's personal life is complicated by his crush on Katie Deauxma, whom he initially befriends by pretending to be gay to gain her trust, a deception that later causes him considerable angst.

During one of his patrols, Kick-Ass stumbles upon a drug warehouse where he is overwhelmed by D'Amico's thugs. He is unexpectedly rescued by a highly skilled and brutal eleven-year-old girl named Hit-Girl and her father, Big Daddy. They are true vigilantes, meticulously trained and equipped with an arsenal of weapons. Hit-Girl, whose real name is Mindy Macready, is a hyper-competent fighter who dispatches enemies with shocking efficiency and a complete lack of mercy. Big Daddy, whose real name is Damon Macready, later reveals himself to be a former police officer who was framed by Frank D'Amico, leading him to embark on a violent quest for revenge, raising Mindy as a deadly assassin.

Frank D'Amico, frustrated by the ongoing attacks on his business, tasks his son, Chris, with finding Kick-Ass. Chris, a spoiled and somewhat naive young man, proposes a different approach: he will create his own superhero persona, "Red Mist," to befriend Kick-Ass and lure him into a trap. Red Mist's first encounter with Kick-Ass involves him "saving" Kick-Ass from D'Amico's men, successfully earning Kick-Ass's trust. They form an unlikely duo, with Dave genuinely believing Red Mist is a fellow aspiring hero. This charade culminates in Red Mist luring Kick-Ass to a warehouse, where D'Amico's men capture and torture him, attempting to force him to reveal Big Daddy's identity.

Big Daddy and Hit-Girl arrive just in time, brutally eliminating D'Amico's men and rescuing Kick-Ass. During their escape, Big Daddy explains his origin story to Dave, solidifying his role as a tragic figure driven by vengeance. Dave, now deeply involved, tries to balance his Kick-Ass identity with his normal life, including his relationship with Katie, which is further complicated when he confesses his superhero identity to her, still omitting the truth about his sexuality. The dynamic between Kick-Ass, Big Daddy, and Hit-Girl becomes one of reluctant mentorship, with Dave witnessing firsthand the grim reality of vigilantism.

The D'Amico family eventually discovers Big Daddy's real identity. Red Mist, still playing his part, manages to capture both Big Daddy and Kick-Ass. In a horrifying display, Frank D'Amico sets them ablaze on a live stream, intending to send a message to the city's vigilantes. Hit-Girl, witnessing her father's agonizing death, is devastated. Big Daddy succumbs to his burns, leaving Mindy an orphan. Enraged and heartbroken, Hit-Girl vows to avenge her father, displaying an even more intense and dangerous determination.

Dave, initially wanting to distance himself from the violence after Big Daddy's death, finds he cannot abandon Mindy. He realizes the depth of her pain and resolves to help her. Together, they plan a final assault on Frank D'Amico's headquarters. The climax is a chaotic and ultra-violent showdown. Hit-Girl, using her unparalleled combat skills, systematically takes down D'Amico's entire organization, leaving a trail of bodies in her wake. Kick-Ass, though still outmatched, contributes by piloting Red Mist's custom jetpack, equipped with miniguns, providing crucial air support and taking out key targets.

The confrontation culminates in Hit-Girl cornering Frank D'Amico. Despite his pleas and attempts to overpower her, she executes him with a brutal efficiency that mirrors her father's own vengeful methods. In the aftermath, Mindy goes to live with Marcus, Big Daddy's former partner, promising to lead a normal life. Dave, having survived the ordeal, continues his work as Kick-Ass, now with enhanced skills and a more realistic understanding of his role. The film ends with a post-credits scene revealing Chris D'Amico, having survived the final battle, now fully embracing his villainous side, renaming himself "The Motherfucker" and vowing revenge, setting the stage for a potential sequel.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Dave Lizewski / Kick-Ass
• Chloë Grace Moretz as Mindy Macready / Hit-Girl
• Nicolas Cage as Damon Macready / Big Daddy
• Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Chris D'Amico / Red Mist
• Mark Strong as Frank D'Amico
• Lyndsy Fonseca as Katie Deauxma

Crew:

• Director: Matthew Vaughn
• Screenplay: Jane Goldman & Matthew Vaughn
• Based on the Comic Book by: Mark Millar & John Romita Jr.
• Producers: Matthew Vaughn, Brad Pitt, Kris Thykier, Tarquin Pack, Adam Bohling, David Reid
• Music by: Henry Jackman, John Murphy, Marius de Vries, Ilan Eshkeri
• Cinematography: Ben Davis
• Editing: Eddie Hamilton, Jon Harris

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: March 26, 2010 (UK), April 16, 2010 (US)
• Language: English
• Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
• Running Time: 117 minutes
• Accolades: Empire Award for Best British Film, MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance (Chloë Grace Moretz), Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor (Chloë Grace Moretz). Nominated for various others including Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Action Film.