Scott Gentry reviews "Kick Ass 2", the second installment of the "Kick Ass" series.

"Kick Ass 2" (15)
Director: Jeff Wadlow.
Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jim Carrey and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.
Running time: 103 minutes.
Rated: 15 for containing strong bloody violence, sex references and very strong language.
Out now in UK cinemas.

After the actions of Kick Ass (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Hit Girl (Chloe Grace Moretz) in "Kick Ass", their bravery (or stupidity) inspires people to stand up to injustice, become superheroes and join the crime fighting group named Justice Forever, led by Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey). Soon, Chris D'Amico (formerly known as Red Mist) hears of Justice Forever and decides to counteract the superheroes by assembling his own team, led by the world's first super-villain, The Mo*********.

It is without a doubt, that "Kick Ass" was one of the most original and ambitious creations to be released in 2010. It was different, it was gritty and above all, it dared to go that little bit further. Heralded 'shocking', by both critics and classifiers alike, "Kick Ass" really did turn the tables on the comic book genre, by delivering a fresh and brutal piece of film-making.  

Written and directed by the relatively new, Jeff Wadlow (2008's "Never Back Down"), his direction is good but doesn't offer the same style as Mathew Vaughn and has instead gone for a cheap style of Hollywood remake. His script is entertaining, but not satirical in it's approach. It almost feels as though he has deliberately gone for a script which has very few of the qualities of "Kick Ass", but can slightly relate to people who aren't fans of comic books.

"Kick Ass 2" is just as brutal as it's predecessor, but not as effective. It includes all the stabbings, punches and villainous high jinks, but it never seems to be quite as entertaining as it should be. There are many memorable sequences, including a fight scene which takes place on the motorway and a fight in suburbia; but it just doesn't feel enough. 

The cast have acted well, delivering fun and fresh performances; including Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes who has improved on some of his later roles like "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone". 

Verdict

It may not be the sequel we were all hoping for, but it was a little entertaining. Lets hope, that Mathew Vaughn takes the reigns of the third installment.

3 stars out of 10 = Average .

Written by Scott Gentry.