KICK-ASS
RYAN: I was really looking forward to seeing Kick-Ass because I love a good superhero movie and this one has a vigilante twist. Plus it’s directed by Matthew Vaughn who last made one of my favorite movies of all time – Stardust.
CAROLINE: It’s based on a comic book. I’m dying to see this with you, but I had to go to the Death at a Funeral screening instead. How was it?
RYAN: You must see it. It has moments of sheer genius; and I don’t mean the Bravo reality show.
CAROLINE: Honey, I will! Probably this weekend.
RYAN: The cast it great. It’s got Mark Strong, who’s one of my favorite actors, and Nicolas Cage, who I know you don’t like but get over it because his part isn’t that big. And the lead kid who plays the title character is so nerdy cute and likable. It’s very easy to root for him.
CAROLINE: His name is Aaron Johnson and I just read an article about him. Did you know that he’s 19 and expecting a baby with his 43-year-old girlfriend?
RYAN: Holy bejesus! That’s insane! But he’s very good in this.
CAROLINE: McLovin from Superbad is one of the other superhero characters. Nice to know he’s having some career longevity.
RYAN: I’m sorry, but there is no way on this earth I can take him seriously as Mark Strong’s son. No man that hot would have a son who’s that much of a dweeb. I’m just not a huge McLovin fan, but the little girl who plays Hit Girl is so good and a total a scene stealer. This movie is such a showcase for her. She’s incredible.
CAROLINE: She’s one of the reasons I want to see this movie. She drops the C-word and the F-word all over the place. And she’s only 11! Can’t wait.
RYAN: There’s a lot of violence in the movie too, almost like a Quentin Tarantino film. But honestly, the language is truly what makes it rated R.
CAROLINE: I don’t usually dig on movies based on comics, but this one seems like a must see just because it has so much buzz.
RYAN: Well, it’s such an original story, and it’s a great balance of smart and funny. Plus it’s not a typical superhero movie, since the kids aren’t true superheroes. But it reminded me of Spider-Man because it’s funny and charming, Batman because of the action; and in terms of the art direction, it’s very much like Dick Tracy. Every character has his or her own color scheme. Kick-Ass’s room is purple, Mark Strong always wears orange, etc.
CAROLINE: What was the audience reaction like at the screening?
RYAN: I think everyone was into it. I laughed out loud several times, and there’s definitely some jaw-dropping action.
CAROLINE: So it’s worth all the hype?
RYAN: I’d say so. A friend whose opinion I really respect saw it last week and told me it was brilliant, so I had high expectations going in. I was not disappointed.
— BOTTOM LINE —
RYAN: You should get out and see this movie this weekend if you can. It’s lots of fun and just the kind of escapism you want at the movies. It’s not a huge effects film, but it’s got great action and you’ll be on the edge of your seat. If you’re old enough to see it, do so!
— RATING —
