not for kids
Superhero comedy is super-crass, super-twisted.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Kick-Ass is a superhero action/comedy based on a popular comic book that kids will be eager to see. But be prepared: It features teen characters, and -- most notably -- an 11-year-old girl who dole out extreme violence (think slo-mo Matrix-style bloody gunshots to the head) and language (including "f--k" and "c--t" out of the mouth of the 11-year-old). Expect some conspicuous sex scenes between teens and references to drugs. It has some arguably good messages about taking action instead of standing by when bad stuff happens, but it also has a relentless, darkly humorous mean streak. Due to a strong marketing campaign, very positive buzz, and good early reviews, parents are going to have a tough time keeping teens away from this one.
- Families can talk about the character of Hit Girl. Was the idea of a skilled, confident 11-year-old girl superhero cool, or disturbing? Or both? Why? Is she a role model, or a cautionary tale? What responsibility does the movie studio and filmmakers have to the young actress involved in an adult film like this?
- Were the violence, language and sex necessary for this movie? How would it have played without them?
- What do you think about the concept of a regular person becoming a superhero? What are the dangers involved? What are the benefits? Are courage and weapons enough? What are some realistic ways kids and teens can be "superheroes"?
- Can you think of any real-life examples where someone stepping in when they saw something bad happening would have made a big difference?
The good stuff
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Messages: Despite the movie's main theme of taking action and doing something, becoming involved, rather than simply standing by and watching horrible things happen, the methods by which the characters "do something" are questionable at best. And the inclusion of the young girl spewing extremely strong language and gunfire sends a confusing and disturbing message. But nestled in among the violence and foul language, there are also issues of trust, and working together, and the question of whether bravery and recklessness alone can make one a superhero.
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Role models: "Kick Ass," otherwise known as Dave Lizewski, decides to take a stand against bullies and bad guys by becoming a superhero. The main question is whether this is a good idea -- he both makes a small impact in his attempts to do good and suffers some painful consequences. Each superhero is attempting to make a difference in the name of good, but the violence and near-constant extreme language -- especially from the young girl -- make them far from templates for kids.
What to watch for
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Violence: We're talking extreme comic book-style violence with some blood. The main character is transformed after two thugs beat him up and he stumbles into the path of an oncoming car. The 11-year-old Hit Girl is perhaps more skilled and deadly than any other character, and racks up a large body count. In one highly stylized scene she wraps a bad guy around the neck with a cord to make him shoot himself through the head. Otherwise, the movie is filled with fantasy fighting, with knives and billy clubs, and many of the blows feel more real and painful than in a standard superhero movie. There are also tons of weapons (one character has his own arsenal), including a bazooka and a kind of armed jet pack. One character is burned.
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Sex: Aside from endless sex jokes and sex talk, the hero looks at naked women (National Geographic-style women in native dress) on the Internet and prepares to masturbate. There is kissing and breast-grabbing. A teen fantasizes about having sex with his well-endowed teacher and we see her in her bra (in a daydream). Later in the film, the hero and a teen girl have fast, loudly passionate sex in an alley behind a comic book store though no nudity appears on screen.
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Language: The movie features almost constant swearing, including some from the mouth of an 11-year-old girl. Words include all the variations on "f--k" and "s--t," as well as "c--k," "c--ksucker," "dick," "balls," "t-ts," "p---y," "c--t," "ass," "asshole," "Jesus," "Christ," "retard," and "douche." (Not to mention the title itself.)
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Consumerism: Several brands are mentioned or shown, but not in an overt or meaningful way. They include Pepsi, MySpace, the GMC logo, Welch's jelly, and Slurpee. A Hellboy logo can be seen in the comic book shop.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: An adult gangster is a drug dealer, and his teenage son -- who becomes "Red Mist" -- wants to become involved in the family business. Drugs are seen and discussed.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
WHAT A TOTALLY UNEXPECTED TRIP..... by lovestalentmoviefan
...so much so that it obliterates any of the normal objections I have for some R rated material. I don't know if i am open minded enough to see my children in roles like this,but I sure am glad some parents were,because this is at the top of my list for pure cinematic brainstorm. Oh,and I have never had the soundtrack of a movie make such an impact on me. And I am pretty attuned to that venue of film-making. I think it is best to go in not know anything,except not to bring any children, and let this piece of art blow you away..All actors spot on...lead admittedly didn't have alot to make him stand out,but that's who Kick *** is. Hit Girl,Big Daddy and Mark Strong (forget character name) were award winning exceptional and brave from what I know now must have been controversial roles to accept.From the kidnapping to the end,you will have to remind yourself to breathe.violence/language/mild sexual
5
Oh yes! Go now! by keatsgirl
What are you waiting for. Expect to see things you don't think "little kids" should be doing-----and enjoy. It's only a movie!!!! Since the script was out there,and young actors are playing these roles anyway,accept it. The child super heroes lived their respective roles amazingly well. In concert with appropriately backdrop and dead-on adult performances, epic cinematography, and a pitch perfect soundtrack...you will not be disappointed. Soak in the hard work and talent,know what the film is supposed to be,and just love it!
5
Just saw for the 3rd time! by LTMF 2
Barring the element of surprise from 1st time,it was even better! Miss Chloe(hit girl) is going to knock our socks off in the future! Really need to mention the soundtrack again,it was like it's own character. Story is fun and meaningful at the same time...something original,which is hard to come by in an era of sequels and remakes. Mr.Cage and Mr.Strong handled supporting roles with impact that incited deep empathy,yet at the same time gave full stage to their younger co-stars. This is not my kind of movie...at all..popcorn type favorites are GWTW, Donnie Brascoe,and more recently,Remember Me and It's Complicated.I guess i just want it to be clear that this movie is a brilliantly executed myriad of talent and thought. It made me forget about the things I normally criticize like the teacher fantasy,etc.Language and violence from children is hard to watch...but i just realize it's fiction and their jobs....cause anything less would have made this markedly inferior.
5
This instant cult classic is an audio/visual feast! by birac
You will be shocked,you may want to get judgmental,but if you are honest,you will applaud the work and intelligence in this unexpected success.Can't for the life of me figure out what happened at box office this weekend. Spread the word to true cinephiles.... this visceral shock of a movie warrants theater viewing. Extra points to Nicholas Cage and Mark Strong for their vivid interpretations of respective characters,as well as 'framing' the younger actors performances so succinctly. Very offensive in language and violence area if you have concerns.However,in this movie,none of it was obligatory or distractring. It was needed to convey what the comic and film were all about.GO-SEE-KICKASS-TODAY.
5
Kick-Ass: Love and Hate by DaBigMang
As a fan of the comic book, I was loving every minute of this film. I was fortunate enough to be at Wizard World Chicago 2009 when they first introduced exclusive footage with Mark Millar to the public. I highly respect Millar and his crew for taking the time to get the proper funding from the proper people and also being uncompromising in his vision for the movie; which was to stick to the original comic book issues as source material. It isn't often these days that something like this happens. Usually there is a lot more give and sponsors get in the way of a movie's integrity; or the ratings board gets into the way of a movie's integrity.
If you are not into violence, vulgar language, and reality-based crime drama then you can forget going to see this movie. However, if you have an open mind about these things and are loosened up enough to possibly enjoy the humor along with the other elements of this movie, you might enjoy this.
I don't recommend this for children under 13.
4
Kick Ass by KJlovesmovies
Movie showed some extreme violence, but given the context of the story, it seemed appropriate. The underlying themes of revenge against injustice and the battle of good and evile justified the violence. I would want Hit Girl to be my friend, not my enemy, and I could see myself adopting her, but her character provides the comic and edgy components to the storyline. Worth seeing if you can handle blood and adolescent geek humor.
5
Adults that want to screen their children from violence and profanity: DON'T TAKE YOUR KIDS TO SEE A MOVIE CALLED KICK-ASS! by Cjcleo4
Where do people get off saying Hollywood is trying to get children to see R-Rated movies? First of all, they wouldn't be able to get in on their own, especially to a movie as graphic as Kick-Ass. Second, what parent in their right mind would take their little kid to see a movie called Kick-Ass?? Use your brains, and stop trying to blame the media for your lack of awareness and common sense. That totally grinds my gears, just like when Watchmen came out and parents were upset by the portrayal of the characters.. Umm HELLO, it was based off a GRAPHIC** novel, and was rated R. Why would you bring your children to something rated R and expect to see something less? Besides comic books aren't really for kids if you actually read most of them. So yes, you're right for saying not to bring your children to something like Kick-Ass; instead, find a babysitter, bring your friends, and enjoy and epic and hilarious movie
5
Five Word Review by malee90
Hilarious Action-packed Realistic Enjoyable Touching
5
I set up another username to ask a question! by gmorning
What the heck happened to the popularity of this movie.Judging from these reviews and EVERYBODY I know,this movie totally rocks. Now,hear my guess,and see if you agree... I think the word is out that there is extremely hard language and violence involving ooooh...a little girl. Ok,yet the same people who shun this movie for this reason have no problem with the fact that there are movies out that INFLUENCE little girls in life,like thinking sex is fine right away with anyone,or that they have to have perfect body types and dress like little streetwalkers to get attention or that talking like a mechanic is pro forma for young ladies these days. And my favorite,drugs and drinking are simply a right of passage. Where is the consistency???? AM I WRONG? would love some ideas from other fandango friends.......
5
Kick-*** truly does kick ass, but mostly thanks to Hit-Girl!!! by TheBearJew\m/
I have never seen a superhero film like Kick-Ass. It's a raunchy, graphically violent, and hilarious ride that I truly enjoyed taking. The story is about a kid who attempts to be a superhero named Kick-Ass. Aaron Johnson plays the role and pulls off the nerd-turned-superhero to a good degree. But, the star of this show was Chloe Moretz as Hit-Girl. In any scene that she was in, she was either swearing her 12-year old mouth off, or senselessy killing bad guys to a bloody pulp. Her parts of the film were truly epic and fun to watch. Her dad was played by Nicolas Cage , who was Big Daddy, who combined funny and bad*** all in one. The combo of Hit Girl and Big Daddy was great chemistry. McLovin (I mean Christopher Mintz-Plasse) continues his hot streak of films, this time as Red Mist. Mark Strong was also great in his role as the villain and Red Mist's father. And the bombshell who falls for Kick-*** was smokin' hot. Kick-*** truly does kick ass.