Movie: Kick Ass 2
Director: Jeff Wadlow
Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Mortez, Jim Carey, Morris Chestnut, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and John Leguizamo
Rating: **1/2
At the outset, let me clarify that “Kick Ass 2” doesn’t disappoint those who walk in expecting to be entertained with high-octane action. There are some brilliantly choreographed stunt sequences, especially one featuring Chloe atop a moving van. Some of these action scenes are violent too and that makes one wonder how did the makers even think of including so much bloodshed at the first place.
What this sequel misses though is the spirit of its predecessor, which bridged the gap between fantasy and reality by introducing us to a real-life superhero. Even though this superhero, who called himself ‘Kick Ass’, may have ended up getting his own ass kicked, but he taught us what it means to stand up against crime and fight it.
However, In “Kick Ass 2”, the word superhero is literally abused. We witness an army of superheroes divided into two teams pit against each other wonder for what reason.
Despite the aforementioned flaws, the film addresses some issues very sensibly. For instance, Kick Ass and Hit-Girl at one point realize that they are growing up and therefore can’t be fighting crimes forever and instead should finish school, go to college and eventually settle down in life.
Another intelligent aspect is that of the similarities between the two lead characters, the hero and the villain. Both of them share equal amount of grief due to the death of their parents and how do they deal with it is one of the main themes of the film. Do they use the pain to become good or evil? The outcome of this grief makes Kick Ass and The Motherfucker (name of the villain) who they really are.
The humor too in the film is good and never gets boring or drags on for too long. Red Mist who returned as The Motherfucker steals the show with his stupidity, which unknowingly paves way to the unfolding of some extremely hilarious scenes. One of the best scenes could be noted as the one where he hires his entourage.
Chloe Grace Mortez holds this somewhat lame sequel together. Aaron is pretty much the same, a gawky guy in granny spectacles, immaturely pleads his old friend Mindy aka Hit-Girl to be his partner “like Batman and Robin”. The chemistry between them doesn’t quite hit it off as one would’ve expected but nevertheless scenes featuring them are entertaining.
It was sad to see actors such as Jim Carey and John Leguizamo go unnoticed in their brief, nonsensical roles. Some of the new characters with wacky names such as “Dr. Gravity”, “Mother Russia”, “Mr. Radical”, “Ass Kicker” and “Battle Guy” only populate the screen with their presence but don’t quite make a difference or evoke a few laughs.
“Kick Ass 2” isn’t a bad sequel, but it could have definitely been a better one provided the makers didn’t make it an action festival with dumb characters.
