Kick Ass 2 - Cinema Review

How does one defend the shit physics of Kick Ass 2? That was the main question circulating my friends and I in the aftermath of the blockbuster. Seemingly trivial and crude but actually representing a more serious idea, it suitably reflects the film itself. The focus on this instead of the film’s major themes is telling of the movie’s clouded message. The first Kick Ass was something of a satire on superhero movies or at least the closest we’ve had since Watchmen and whilst it provided a very quirky but realistic view on vigilantism it eventually became the thing it was seemingly parodying.

Kick Ass two is in many ways, everything a sequel should be. Bigger and better in almost every way, but with more power comes more responsibility and the film struggles with its own complex themes and mixed messages. The basic premise centres on the revenge of the former villain’s son and Kick Ass’s own wish for expansion in the superhero occupation. Hit Girl meanwhile, is struggling to integrate into normal society and spurn her superheroine upbringing.

 

The film’s style is thankfully intact with its quirky blend of dark humour, graphic violence, teenage problems and high school turmoil all present but somewhat pushed for space in this very loaded story. It keeps you engaged and adequately raises the stakes at the right moments but upon reflection and your own reintegration into the real world the faults and muddied message flare up.

The film seems to be saying that the real world needs real heroes, not costumed vigilantism, and the consequences for such flamboyance are stark and unforgiving. This is without a doubt darker than the first film with some quite horrifically real consequences coming back to burn our protagonist. The film gives most of them the attention, impact and handling they deserve, with the exception of Jim Carrey’s Colonel Stars And Stripes, who gets all the screen-time in the trailers and disappointingly little in the actual movie.

Ex-Mafia Born Again Christian Superhero played by Jim Carrey...that shouldn't need any other justification.

The consequences and events all lead back to this message of the heroes being in over their heads, of things getting out of hand. It’s a depressing message to be certain and the main characters themselves seem to be bored out of their minds without their past-times to enamour and give them purpose. So what message does this ultimately give? That the real world is safe but dull, full of financial worries, non-heroic pursuits and lacklustre careers. That trying to follow a dream like Kick Ass will lead to real danger and real loss.

The film definitely feels more real and the darkness I previously mentioned is shocking and thought provoking, especially when the film seems to be setting up for a trilogy overall. Without spoiling too much our protagonist Kick Ass seems to be unable to kick his habit and the question now is whether his superheroism is an obsession, a convoluted death wish of sorts or whether a third film will finally give him another purpose in life.

Deeper meanings and messages aside there is a lot to enjoy with Kick Ass 2. It’s a great cinema experience mixing drama, comedy and action, even elements of somewhat confused romance. If it does bite off more than it can chew, it should be commended for trying to handle such heavy topics. 

Some may view Kick Ass as a needlessly crude and offensive series but whilst I disagree regardless of the statement’s accuracy it is a movie quite unlike any other comedy or superhero film currently showing. If the gore (and other bodily fluids) don’t dissuade you from viewing, Kick Ass 2 is a powerful if bloated sequel to what is proving a unique, adventurous and strangely charming series.