Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Kick-Ass 2 (2013)

What is it about?

Kick-Ass returns with a group of inspired citizens who also become "super heroes" to fight the evolved "Red Mist" who vows revenge against everyone Kick-Ass knows. 

Who is in it? 

Aaron Taylor-Johnson - Dave Lizewski/Kick-Ass

Chloe Grace Moretz - Mindy Macready/Hit-Girl

Favorite Scene: 

After being called to audition for the team, Mindy mirrors what she would do if she fought five others. While in her mind she was Hit Girl, in reality she put together an incredibly acrobatic performance which caused immediate friction between her and the "popular girls". 

Favorite Quote: 

Mindy: "You don't have to be a bad-ass to be a superhero, Dave. You just have to be brave."

Review: 

I really enjoyed the original Kick-Ass movie. There is just something about the appeal of a real-life super-hero with real-life consequences that is very intriguing. Dave Lizewski doesn't have Batman's billions or Superman's immeasurable strength. Kick-Ass 2 does a tremendous job of displaying the difficulties of Mindy and Dave trying to fit in as normal people in the real world, while struggling to fit in who they really are - super heroes. 

The sequel picks up where the original left and really had a built-and-ready-to-go plot of Red Mist's revenge of his father. While KA2 goes that route, there were a few things that made the movie feel a bit "cheap." Kick-Ass 2 turned up the gore, blood, and violence to the point of mirroring a Quentin Tarantino film.

While not terrible in any way, there is just a certain quality that was lost from the original with the addition of gimmicks and aspects such as violence, gore, nudity, and language rather than the dynamic story told in the original.

However, despite the very clear difference in vision for the film (very much due to different directors), Kick-Ass 2 is still very much enjoyable. And of course, still a very good watch. 

Grade: 3/5

Recent Favorites

Quick Ponder: The Confident Cynic

Beware of the confident cynic who lacks courage in the moment.

WWE Survivor Series 2023 Review: "Whaddya Wanna Talk About?"

Well, following that premium live event, in the words of Cody Rhodes... "whaddya wanna talk about?"  The obvious is there, right? CM Punk, somehow, makes a bid for another moment-of-the-year candidate for wrestling fans with another "return" - his second over the last four years. This one, back to the WWE, in what felt like the most improbable of opportunities. But as we've learned, WWE truly is where you "never say never".  You can go in so many directions on this one. But without going too far down a road that hasn't developed or we have some headlights on, it's quite clear that WWE is absolutely crushing the wrestling business right now, and adding anything - or anyone - to that continued record success is the mission. They. Are. Not. Settled.  Second, the unveil I thought was great. Just absolute pro wrestling at its peak. As soon as the guitar riff to "Cult of Personality" hit and the familiar graphics hit the screens, my immedia

Quick Ponder: Gratitude

  My sense of gratitude explodes within my heart when I cease expressing it through the tangible, but rather through, time and moments.  Happy Thanksgiving, all.