Upon Further Review: Kick Ass 2

Upon Further Review


Hello CBMers!!!

After watching a film in multiple viewings, my opinions on them become more defined and clear. These reviews entail three parts: the good, the bad, and the questionable. After the compilation will come the final grade for the film.


"Okay, Robin wishes he was me."
-Mindy Macready



Kick Ass 2


What's it about?

The film continues the tale of superhero/vigilante Kick Ass as well as his peers Hit Girl and Red Mist. Red Mist undergoes a big transformation, as he now seeks vengeance for his father's death. Hit Girl is trying to adjust to a more normal life; attending school while having doubts about her motivations to being a costumed vigilante. And Kick Ass wants to accomplish more and become a better superhero. To start, he begins teaming and learning from Hit Girl; however Hit Girl discontinues her association with Kick Ass as she tries to be a normal teenage high school student. This leads Kick Ass to find another group of superheroes, which comes in the form of Justice Forever lead by Colonel Stars and Stripes. All the while Red Mist renames himself the Mother[frick]er and he assembles a ruthless crew of costumed villains. Sides become apparent and their eventual confrontation looms throughout the film.


The Good

• Acting. Great performances from the cast all around. The actors take the film material serious which helps as the film traverses a variety of different genres. The two standouts are Christopher Mintz-Plasse as The Mother[frick]er and Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes.

• Action. Great stunt work captured and flashy fight sequences as well.

• Characters. The characters of this feature are wonderful. The protagonists, antagonists, and the supporting cast are memorable and truly shine. Hit Girl is great as she adjusts to high school drama, tying to reign in some of her vigilante tendencies. Col. Stars and Stripes is likable and easy to admire. Mother[frick]er is timid, neurotic, bad, and yet still humorous. Mother Russia is an imposing credibly dangerous threat. Well defined and memorable cast of characters throughout.


The Bad

• Focus. The film has three large primary character arcs portrayed. Leaving a lot of the story feeling rushed and half assed. Certain things are contrived and seem terribly forced, which creates a lack of development to some plot points. It jumps around in tone and genre to much. At one time it appears to be a light hearted high school romp that shifts awkwardly to dark corrupt criminal aspects.

• Editing. Those tonal shifts are most apparent due to a poor edit. A scene of indulgent comedy followed by intense grievance, feels misplaced.


The Questionable

• Why do the main cast members all have the whole three name names?

• Remember that television series Witchblade? Was Red Mist's mother the former Witchblade?

• Where can I get one of those sticks Hit Girl?

• Why do bad guys seem to always need aquariums with sharks?


In the end

This movie is entirely far to unfocused to truly excel. The multi layered narratives of the primary characters feels disjointed, making the film at times tedious and frustrating. Frustrating because, the film accomplishes some great interesting elements that lose their interest as the narrative jumps all over the place. As well, it never finds a true tone or theme. In part, due to the film's sporadic storyline and its attempt to blend several genres; from superhero to dark comedy to touching drama. The comedic efforts aren't really accomplished, however there are several poignant and insightful scenes.


Grade

C


Thanks for reading and take care.