I can sum up my feelings about Kick-Ass 2 in two words: SHEER AWESOMENESS!

My expectations, going in to this movie, were really lowered. With a new director at the helm, and with Jim Carrey playing (what I assumed was) a new leading role (a role that he later foreswore), I didn’t expect this to be a movie that was likely to capture the subversive spirit of the original. I was completely taken off-guard by just how much of a good time it turned out to be. There was barely a scene in the film that didn’t have me rolling in my seat with laughter. I found it to be smart, sarcastic, over the top funny, and thoroughly engaging.

As with the first movie, Kick-Ass 2 is most definitely not going to be for everyone. The humorous and cavalier manner with which it approaches teenage sexuality, violence, and profanity will undoubtedly be off putting for some. Others may find it cartoonish and simply juvenile. I overheard a couple people complaining, after the screening, that the action sequences seemed toned down from the first movie and that overall it was more disjointed. For myself, however, this film seemed to know just how to speak my language. I found it to be nothing short of hilarious, and just an all around blast to sit through. I thought it had a great cast, great dialogue, and a great sense of timing. Jim Carrey managed to deliver a fun performance without taking over the screen. Aaron Johnson and Chloe Grace Moretz continue to deliver winning performances in their lead roles of Kick-Ass and Hit Girl. Lindy Booth makes for an entertaining (albeit minor) new love interest as Night Bitch, and I like the way they handled the transition of Kick-Ass’ love life to more closely reflect the events of the graphic novel. The action sequences may not go as far over the top as the first movie, but I found them to be both engrossing and amusing. I was laughing my way up to the final fight sequence, and then cheering as the battle royale commenced.

All in all, Kick-Ass 2 was a pleasant surprise and some of the most fun I’ve had in the movie theatres. It’s not going to be for everyone, and I did overhear people that found it disjointed and lacking. For myself, though, this film was an absolute blast that made for a completely worthy follow-up to the original. If this type of chaos and humor appeals to you, I highly recommend it.

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