Kick-Ass

  • 2010
  • R
  • 118m
movieMx RATING
7.1/1012.2K
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: Kick-Ass Review

Last updated: February 24, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 24, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Kick-Ass (2010) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Kick-Ass features a noteworthy lineup led by Aaron Taylor-Johnson . Supported by the likes of Chloë Grace Moretz and Nicolas Cage , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Kick-Ass (2010) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Kick-Ass stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Kick-Ass

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2010, Kick-Ass is a Action, Crime film directed by Matthew Vaughn. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Story Breakdown

In this high-octane feature, Matthew Vaughn establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. Dave Lizewski is an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan who one day decides to become a super-hero, even though he has no powers, training or meaningful reason to do so. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Aaron Taylor-Johnson, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Aaron Taylor-Johnson's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.

Thematic Depth

Beyond the spectacle, the film explores themes of justice, redemption, and the cost of violence. it questions whether the ends justify the means and examines the personal toll of heroism.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Solid execution of genre conventions
  • Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
  • Competent performances from the cast

⚠️ Weaknesses

  • Some narrative choices that feel predictable
  • Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act

Ending Explained: Kick-Ass

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Matthew Vaughn, Kick-Ass resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to action resolution.

The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Aaron Taylor-Johnson, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Kick-Ass reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Kick-Ass Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Kick-Ass incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime film directed by Matthew Vaughn, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Aaron Taylor-Johnson's character.

Historical Context

The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: Kick-Ass adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Kick-Ass?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Aaron Taylor-Johnson or the director
  • Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection

Box Office Collection: Kick-Ass

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $28.0M
Worldwide Gross $96.2M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Kick-Ass Budget

The estimated production budget for Kick-Ass is $28.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Kick-Ass

All Cast & Crew →
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Aaron Taylor-JohnsonDave Lizewski / Kick-Ass
Chloë Grace Moretz
Chloë Grace MoretzMindy Macready / Hit Girl
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas CageDamon Macready / Big Daddy
Lyndsy Fonseca
Lyndsy FonsecaKatie Deauxma
Mark Strong
Mark StrongFrank D'Amico
Deborah Twiss
Deborah TwissMrs. Zane
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Christopher Mintz-PlasseChris D'Amico / Red Mist
Elizabeth McGovern
Elizabeth McGovernMrs. Lizewski
Omari Hardwick
Omari HardwickSergeant Marcus Williams
Xander Berkeley
Xander BerkeleyDetective Gigante
Garrett M. Brown
Garrett M. BrownMr. Lizewski
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Where to Watch Kick-Ass Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

🏷️ Buy on

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Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
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Kick-Ass Parents Guide & Age Rating

2010 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Kick-Ass age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Kick-Ass is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Kick-Ass is 118 minutes (1h 58m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, Kick-Ass is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2010 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Kick-Ass. Rating: 7.1/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kick-Ass worth watching?

Kick-Ass is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Kick-Ass parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Kick-Ass identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Kick-Ass?

The total duration of Kick-Ass is 118 minutes, which is approximately 1h 58m long.

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Critic Reviews for Kick-Ass

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.1
Kick-Ass
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