Every once in a while there comes a movie that completely sweeps you off your feet. It brings you entirely into its universe and lets you truly care, truly believe in its story. Its music moves you as it moves the characters’ interactions, its writing keeps you alert and attentive and sticks with you for years after you’ve left the theatre, its cinematography causes your jaw to drop and the images that you see are certain to be unforgettable, its characters bring out love and hate, laughter and sorrow. One could say that this kind of movie, rare and genuine as it may be, can be described as a cinematic masterpiece to be revered for all time. Those same people will undoubtedly agree that this kind of movie has one conclusive requirement: It has to kick ass.

Kick-Ass, directed by Matthew Vaughn and starring Aaron Johnson, is the kind of movie where, no matter how hard you try, you will not be able to immediately (or possibly ever) pick out anything wrong with it. It’s an absolute blast from start to finish, and if you don’t utter a laugh or cheer on the inside during at least one part of the film, I’d go as far as to argue that you didn’t watch it.

First and foremost, Kick-Ass is the film adaptation of a series of superhero comic books. It doesn’t try to be hip and new-age by changing too much of the source material to match current standards (Iron Man), it doesn’t go too over the top that it feels more like a work of the director than of the original author (The Dark Knight), and it doesn’t deviate so far from its roots that some directorial moves seem like not the best choice (Watchmen). Everything is handled just as it should have been handled, and it all truly provides an effect of awe and wonder towards such wonderful movie making.

Kick-Ass is the story of one boy’s dream of being a superhero. I mean, why not? It makes complete sense. We live in a world where crime is around every corner, but when you see it, when are you ever really willing to do something about it? With so many great examples out there of people who can change the world for the better, why hasn’t anyone ever tried it out? And with this logic, the plot sets off. We follow young Kick-Ass’s path to knowing true heroism. From the very first time he stands up against crime to his encounters with real heroes to his longing to be in and out of heroism over and over again to the most satisfying ending to a movie ever, Kick-Ass is a nonstop ride on the most wonderfully crafted cinematic roller coaster to date. Watching this movie, I felt as though I could really relate to his character, and I get the feeling that anyone who has been through the teenage phase of their life can agree. The second he puts on a costume for the first time, the film takes a turn for the awesome and you’re more than willing to believe that this guy can truly do anything. He comes across the broadest cast of characters ever, and no matter the problem, you’ll be watching the movie knowing you can rely on Kick-Ass. This is one of the few films based off a comic book where the main character feels so human, so true and real, that you can actually believe he is a hero. And you’ll be rooting for him even after the credits go up.

It’s impossible to talk about this movie without mentioning its visual effects. The number of different camera angles, shots, brilliant placed pans, and overall devices to bring out emotion is too plentiful to count. Every fight keeps you on your toes, and every ounce of joy or sadness that Kick-Ass feels is felt by you as well. With all this still comes a very comical style, from the pop-up dialogue boxes to the transitions in and out of cartoon sketches. By the end of the movie, I’m sure you will agree that the movie feels like the most fantastical journey into a world of heroics all while feeling like the most real and believable tale of adventure ever.

The music is worthy of much praise as well (as a matter of fact, I’m listening to the soundtrack as I write this review!). You can hear the gradual increase of sirens as a climactic fight approaches at one time, while at another you can feel the power of courage overwhelming Kick-Ass through beautifully composed orchestral string sections. The song choice is also quite brilliant for the many action sequences and comedy sequences. As Hit-Girl slays a hallway full of thugs to “Bad Reputation,” I can guarantee you’ll be cheering her on. As Kick-Ass’s fame spreads worldwide to the song “Stand Up” by The Prodigy, you’ll really feel like something big is going down. And even as the credits go up, you’ll feel like you just watched something stupendous to the melodious pop-rhythms of the newly written Kick-Ass theme song by MIKA. Music is a real driving part of the film, and I can’t think of a movie with a more fitting soundtrack.

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m being very spoiler-free with this review. But at this point, you should be convinced, right? Doing so leaves me with very little to say, as the story is just that big in Kick-Ass. I guess all I can say is that you’ll really have to see it for yourself, as you well should. This movie is my new favorite movie of all time, and I can see it staying at that spot for a very long time. With the exception of what will be my biased opinion towards Tron Legacy, this is the best movie of the year, I can guarantee you. This movie will be long talked about for years to come, as it well should be. I give this movie a very well deserved 5 out of 5. I would give it a 10 out of 5 if I could. I was literally sitting here trying to find a negative to critique for the past couple of hours, and in all honesty I can’t find one. Based off the principle that I’m a reviewer, I’m entitled to not state my opinion that this might be the greatest movie in existence. But based off the principle that I’m a good friend, I’m going to say it anyway. The whole theatre was cheering the whole way through, and I’m sure you will be as well.

So what are you waiting for? Head over to your local theatre. Sit down. Relax. Enjoy.

Kick-ass.

…if that wasn’t obvious anyway.

We’ll be back once we recapture the PASSION!

Until then, Geoff and I still post pointless thoughts on twitter and Stephen is still alive which is good.

Interesting Links
Realm of the Mad God
Rainy Mood
Rainy Mood Playlist
Dave Littler’s Tall Blog of Strength
Crab Nicholson Devlog

Also, have a video I found on the internet. Bye!

10.  Moby Dick 

          Wow! The power and emotion you can feel from the character Capitan Ahab in this movie is remarkable! You can almost feel his anger towards Moby Dick. The power in the actors voice was a perfect fit. Give Gregory Peck an award! Oh wait, he got the academy award for his performance in To Kill A Mockingbird (which is a marvelous film). Give him another one! After watching this movie i wanted to ride a whale but then i remembered Monstro from Pinocchio and i changed my mind. I’ll settle for a dolphin. Moby Dick splashes its way to the bottom of my list which is actually at the top when your reading it as a count down.

9.  The Shawshank Redemption

          Have i ever told you that Morgan Freeman is the best actor ever. Oh yah, thats right, you already know that so no need to press on that argument. The Shawshank Redemption is a fantastic movie about a man sent to prison for a crime he did not commet. There he befriends a man who “knows how to get things”. The movie shows how he handles prison life. I love how the main character, in suddle ways, shows his emotions. You never really know how he feels about things. Its almost like your seeing him through Reds (Morgan Freeman) eyes. The Shawshank Redemption shanked its spot on to number 9.