We had been so conditioned with big budget glossy superhero films that when 'Kick-Ass' came along it was a refreshing burst of lower budget adrenaline. All the other superhero films played it safe with the violence and language to please as many people as possible. But 'Kick-Ass' reveled in the delight of hard core violence and language. Not caring who it offended. The character of Hit Girl probably had a lot to do with the films success, but it also had a nice texture to it which made it so great. It also had a level of clever satire on the superhero genre. All the qualities that are lacking in this sequel. To me it felt like everyone was going through the motions with this film, like they are not really trying. It is a shame considering how great the first film was. The language and violence in the first film seemed to mean something and be more shocking but here just feels ordinary. Writer/director Jeff Wadlow seems to lack the satirical edge that Matthew Vaughn was able to bring. Jeff also had a great opportunity to make something of the revenge story of Chris D'Amico against Kick-Ass. But he squanders that as well and just makes that subplot boring and bland. I also expected a bit more fun and interest with Mindy and her struggle to have a normal teenage life but even there its no fun. There are a couple of funny scenes but largely that aspect is not fully utilized.
Think for an actor like Aaron Taylor-Johnson this is one of those role you play to make some easy money. He is not required to stretch his acting talents too far and no doubt get paid quite handsomely for it. The same can be said of Chloe Grace Moretz. They both do decent work but by virtue of the fact that their roles lack any spark, they themselves lack spark in their acting. Christopher Mintz-Plasse looks to be having some fun but his story does not get the attention it deserves. I also liked seeing John Leguizamo and Donald Faison back on the big screen. The film's real highlight though was Jim Carrey. Once again he plays a small supporting role which steels the whole film. His role is small but his character seems so much more well rounded and interesting than many of the others in the film.
This is very much a straight-to-DVD film that managed to make its way into cinemas. Further proof that there are some films that did not need sequels.
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