Kick-Ass
Before I go into Kick-Ass, we have to talk about Mark Millar. This Scot was seen by the comics community as a bit of a wunderkind. Since about '89, comic writing has been going through a bit of British Invasion. It started with Alan Moore (Watchman) and Neil Gaiman (Sandman). The last ten years have been ruled by Morrison (Animal Man), Ellis (Transmetropolitian), Ennis (Preacher) and lastly Millar. Millar became know for writing a 'wide screen style' of story. Beyond just bare knuckle brawling in back alleys, his stories were more like Michael Bay summer blockbusters. I loved his Ultimate X Men stories. Authority and The Ultimates were like action films from the 80's. Big, loud and unashamed of it's bad-assery. He began to get clever with some of his original titles. Wanted (which will appear here soon) was a double twist of the screw, with the villain actually winning the war against the supes, and going so far as to erase their existence. Chosen, which will be called American Jesus when it hits screens, had a last page reveal that I didn't see coming. (Plans call for Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn to helm this as well.)
Now to Kick-Ass the comic.
Using the 'tried and true' Wombat McClaine rating guide of a score of 1 to 20, I give the comic a 13/20.
Artist: John Romita Jr.
I am not a fan of the artist, JRJR. This was his most interesting work, but it still has a flatness that I cannot seem to overlook. Each face seems to be a different form of rhombus full of lines that I guess mean to show texture.
Writer: Mark Millar
I guess that all the bad-assery he had already shown us had made me expect more, or at least something different. We've seen superhero deconstruction pretty consistently used as a story line since Watchmen. Basing Kick-Ass in the 'real world' was a nice plot device, if you care at all about the characters. The sad part is how I had trouble caring about a nerdy little comic geek. I mean, that's me! How can you make him un-relateable when is supposed to be me?
Hit Girl saves the book, and the movie too. She is equal parts Sin City's Miho and Smurfette.
Had the book been about her and Big Daddy, I would have enjoyed it more.
Instead, I just got bored with the story. It felt like it was trying to be shocking. But since Millar had consistently shelled us with over-the-top plot devices, we were too numb to feel it.
Kick-Ass the movie
15/20
Millar's basic story benefits from editing. The dower tone of the comic is replaced by a dash of goofy (God don't let me say whimsy) teenage fun. The movie's Kick-Ass is more fun than the one on the page. He's still no hero, but easier to root for.
Chloe Moretz has been given a direct pass to Fan Boy Heaven for her part as Hit Girl. She stole the show. Expect to see lots of her at Halloween this year. Mostly boys cross dressing, but write it down, this will happen. They will also say "c*#t", so just be ready for it.
IMDB also told me she is the voice of Darby in "My Friends Tigger and Pooh." Bet she lost that gig after this.
Nic Cage... I am still making up my mind on his performance. He played the part doing an Adam West style of delivery. I...kind of liked it....I guess.
While I enjoyed Matthew Vaugh's Layer Cake, I did not care for Stardust. He also did the right thing by changing key parts of the comic to better fit the screen. Kick-Ass does get the girl, for example, instead of getting his ass kicked for being a faux-mosexual.
I have been waiting for a good superhero comedy for a while now. While Mystery Men holds a place near and dear to my heart, I wanted something less parody and more ..... ironic, I suppose.
Battle Royal: Comic Vs. Movie
The movie. Rarely does a movie improve on the source material, but this is one of those cases.
