The set-up is pretty simple: Geeky teen who's tired of being victimized decides to don a costume, call himself "Kick-Ass" and go fight crime. But he quickly learns that altruism is no substitute for a badass skillset and some serious weaponry. Enter Hit-Girl to show him how it's done (and totally steal this film).
There are plenty of laughs to be found, of course, but the film is darker and way more violent than I expected. I'm actually glad I was caught off-guard by that because if I'd known what I was getting myself into it wouldn't have had the same impact. And I totally loved it — not just for shocking the hell out of me, but for making me root for a foul-mouthed, 11-year-old girl dishing out some hardcore justice to the bad guys. How did they do that? And not only that, they actually made me like Nicolas Cage! He was awesome as Big Daddy.
Bravo.
I can't wait until this hits DVD. I want to see it again! I think I'll have to read the comics now too.
I might even have to dress up as Hit Girl for Dragon*Con