Kick-Ass
Performance & Direction: Kick-Ass Review
Last updated: February 24, 2026
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?
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 / Region | Collection (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.
Top Cast: Kick-Ass
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Fandango At HomeKick-Ass Parents Guide & Age Rating
2010 AdvisoryWondering about Kick-Ass age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ 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.
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
I thought this movie was a super comedy movie but I was wrong. I didn't know it was a pretty serious movie with real killings and stuff. It was like Kill Bill minus the really gross things. It was not a silly movie after all. The character Kick-Ass was pretty stupid. I mean a high school nobody trying to be somebody. Of all the things he could think of, it's being a super hero. And then there's Big Daddy and Hit Girl who had the real stunts. Their characters were pretty funny. I mean I can't think of any words to describe Nicolas Cage's character. A good daddy who doesn't know how to bring up a girl. And then there's Chloe Moretz. Wow. She did all the action in the movie. I mean this girl is only 13 years old. I'm a fan. And then there's Red Mist who I think is very silly like Kick Ass as well. My rate for this movie is A.
My favourite movie!
Geeky "Dave" (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and his two pals go through life at high school being bullied and reading comic books. Finally fed up being put upon, he buys a superhero suit online and heads out into the night hoping that his green lycra will deter the city's nasties. After his umpteenth beating he is rescued by a like-minded father and daughter team who take him under their own wing and set about training him. Meantime, the kingpin of crime "D'Amico" (Mark Strong) is running the town with a ruthless rod of iron, watched adoringly by his hapless son "Chris" (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). Surprisingly, the former trio start to have some success against this arch-baddie so battle lines are soon drawn and, well you can guess the rest. Up to a point, this works. ATJ (especially with glasses and curly hair) is very easy on the eye and there is a degree of chemistry between his character and his cohort "Mindy" (Chloë Grace Moretz) all under the tutelage of a rather underplayed Nicolas Cage as her dad "Damon". Sadly, the initially quirky start that sees real people aspiring to make their community better - without the ability to fly or laser things with their eyes - peters out quite quickly and the jokes that are quite attitudinally sharp at the start just become a little more puerile and expletive-dependent. Mr. Strong isn't really much of a baddie and the combat scenes are well and truly prolonged to the point where they end up a bit repetitive and dull. It has it's moments, this movie - it's generally quite entertaining but at all but two hours in length it just runs out of ideas around the half way mark and only just struggles over the line.
A blast! What a great near two hours this is! 'Kick-Ass' is a fantastic superhero movie, one that doesn't take itself seriously and that is actually the biggest compliment I can make. It's such a fun movie! That isn't its only strength though, there are some awesome action sequences and the costumes, albeit silly, are great. Aaron (Taylor-)Johnson is a terrific choice of lead, this is the best work I've seen from that guy thus far - up there with his amusing performance in 2022's 'Bullet Train'. The same could be said for Chloë Grace Moretz, who is equally as brilliant. She brings the character of Hit-Girl (arguably should've been her movie tbh) to life incredibly well, suiting both the comedy and the superhero elements. Nicolas Cage is entertaining too, in a role that is undoubtedly right up his alley. That opening scene with him and Moretz is very fun. Everyone onscreen does worthy work, the standout being Mark Strong - a welcomed staple (among others) of director Matthew Vaughn's filmography, of course. Hopefully the sequel didn't disappoint.
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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