Kick-Ass

Kick-Ass is one of the most fun, imaginative movies of the year.

Aaron, a nerdy high school student, tells his friends he can't figure out why anyone in the real world has never announced that they're going to be a superhero. His friends point out correctly that no one has super powers, but that doesn't stop Aaron. He buys a suit online, and goes out with the idea of stopping evil, even though he has no super powers, like Spider-Man or Superman, or money or training, like Batman.

His exploits draw out others in reaction, one a Mafia-type mobman and the other a trained super-hero, the latter a la Batman.

It's obvious to say there are many funny moments in this film, but there are also many cringe-worthy moments as well, especially when Kick-Ass gets his ass kicked. There's some great casting here: Nicolas Cage as Big Daddy, a Batman-lookalike who has been trying to bring down the Mafia for years. Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who has a nasal view of things, as the son of the mafia guy, a kid who wouldn't mind being a superhero as well, or, failing that, the next leader of his dad's gang, is brilliant in this pivoltal role. But the real keeper, and surprise, is young Chloe Moretz, as Cage's daughter, aka Hit-Girl. She's the one with the real "powers" here, and she swears like a sailor, which only adds to the humor.

The movie successfully combines comic book action and wisdom with reality. This is no kiddie film, however: there is violence and some torture scenes. Be prepared for an adult film with humor, action and pathos.

It's a feel-good movie with some great talent. Thumb's up.