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'{{Infobox film | name = Kick-Ass | image = Kick-Ass film poster.jpg | caption = Theatrical release poster | alt = The foreground features the superhero Kick-Ass in his green and yellow costume. Against a black background the words KICK-ASS are written in yellow block capitals. <!-- Alternative description needed, [[WP:ALT]] --> | director = [[Matthew Vaughn]] | producer = {{ubl|Matthew Vaughn|[[Brad Pitt]]|Kris Thykier|Adam Bohling|Tarquin Pack|David Reid}} | writer = | screenplay = {{ubl|Matthew Vaughn|[[Jane Goldman]]}} | based on = {{ubl|''[[Kick-Ass (comics)|Kick-Ass]]'' by|[[Mark Millar]]|[[John Romita, Jr.]]}} | narrator = [[Aaron Johnson (actor)|Aaron Johnson]] | starring = {{ubl|[[Aaron Johnson (actor)|Aaron Johnson]]|[[Christopher Mintz-Plasse]]|[[Chloë Moretz|Chloë Grace Moretz]]|[[Nicolas Cage]]|[[Mark Strong]]}} | music = {{ubl|[[John Murphy (composer)|John Murphy]]|[[Henry Pryce Jackman]]|[[Marius de Vries]]|[[Ilan Eshkeri]]}} | cinematography = [[Ben Davis (cinematographer)|Ben Davis]]<!-- deliberate [[WP:REDLINK]] --> | editing = {{ubl|[[Pietro Scalia]]|[[Jon Harris]]|Eddie Hamilton}} | studio = {{ubl|[[Marv Films]]|[[Plan B Entertainment]]}} | distributor = {{ubl|[[Universal Studios|Universal Pictures]]|[[Lions Gate Entertainment|Lionsgate]]}} | released = {{Film date|df=y|2010|03|26|United Kingdom|2010|04|16|United States}} | runtime = 117 minutes<ref name="bbfc" /><!-- UK BBFC 117m 12s --> <!-- US DVD runtime: 117:41 --> | country = {{ubl|{{FilmUK}}|{{FilmUS}}}} | language = English | budget = $28 million<!-- NOTE: Vaughn specifies USD$28 exactly, at about 14 minutes --><ref name="vaughn-interview" /><ref name="the-numbers" /><!-- early estimate was $30 million --><ref name="hr20080805" /> | gross = $96,130,462<ref name="mojo" /> }} '''''Kick-Ass''''' is a 2010 [[superhero film|superhero]]/[[action-comedy]] [[film]] based on the [[Kick-Ass (comics)|comic book of the same name]] by [[Mark Millar]] and [[John Romita, Jr]]. The film was directed by [[Matthew Vaughn]], who co-produced the film with actor [[Brad Pitt]], and co-wrote the screenplay with [[Jane Goldman]]. The film's general release was on 26 March 2010 in the United Kingdom and on 16 April 2010 in the United States. The film tells the story of an ordinary teenager, Dave, who sets out to become a real-life superhero, calling himself "Kick-Ass". Dave gets caught up in a bigger fight when he meets Big Daddy, a former cop who, in his quest to bring down the drug lord Frank D'Amico, has trained his 11-year-old daughter to be the ruthless [[vigilante]] Hit-Girl. Despite having generated some controversy for its profanity and violence performed by a child actor, ''Kick-Ass'' has received mostly positive reviews.<!-- NOTE: Intro summarizes article. There is no need to repeat the citations again here so long as they are verifiable in the article. See [[Wikipedia:LEAD#Citations]] --> == Plot == {{disputed-section|date=December 2010}} Dave Lizewski ([[Aaron Johnson (actor)|Aaron Johnson]]), an ordinary teenager, wonders why nobody has ever decided to become a [[superhero]] like the ones in the [[comic books]], so he decides to become a [[real-life superhero]], despite having no [[Superpower (ability)|superpower]]s. During his first attempt to fight crime, Dave is beaten, stabbed, and hit by a car. Some of Dave's nerve endings are damaged as a result, giving him an enhanced capacity to endure pain, and metal plates are placed in his skeleton to support his bones. After a painful recovery, concealing the truth behind his mugging, Dave returns to school only to find out that his longtime crush, Katie Deauxma ([[Lyndsy Fonseca]]), is interested in him, but only because she thinks he is [[homosexuality|gay]] due to rumors caused by his mugging excuse. Dave goes along with this in an effort to spend time with her. Undeterred by his setback, Dave continues to patrol the streets. One night, he comes upon a gang fight and defends a victim from his attackers. A bystander records the event, as well as Dave calling himself "Kick-Ass." The video becomes a [[YouTube]] phenomenon, and Dave sets up a [[MySpace]] account so people can contact Kick-Ass for help. Katie tells Dave that she is being harassed by a drug dealer named Rasul, so he convinces her to ask Kick-Ass for help. Kick-Ass tracks down the drug dealer, threatens and [[taser]]s him, but is subdued by the dealer's henchmen, who appear intent on killing him. He is rescued by child costumed vigilante Hit-Girl ([[Chloë Moretz|Chloë Grace Moretz]]), who kills his attackers, then leaves with her father, Big Daddy ([[Nicolas Cage]]). They easily track down Kick-Ass at his home later and inform him that they can work together, and that they will keep in contact. Big Daddy is revealed to be Damon Macready, a former cop who was framed as a drug dealer by local crime syndicate leader Frank D'Amico ([[Mark Strong]]) because D'Amico saw him as a threat to his organization. While Damon was in prison, his wife died while giving birth. On his release, Damon trained Mindy to fight crime as ''Hit-Girl'', and he became ''Big Daddy''. Believing Kick-Ass to be responsible for damage done to his organization, D'Amico orders his men to find and eliminate him. After D'Amico kills an imposter dressed as Kick-Ass, his son, Chris ([[Christopher Mintz-Plasse]]), suggests a different approach: assuming the identity of a superhero named Red Mist to trick Kick-Ass into trusting him, and leading him into a trap. Red Mist meets Kick-Ass, bringing him to D'Amico's warehouse to "ambush" his men. Instead, they find the building on fire with everyone inside dead. Red Mist retrieves surveillance footage which shows that Big Daddy is responsible, and tells his father to leave Kick-Ass alone. Realizing the seriousness of his situation, Dave wants to quit being Kick-Ass. He tells Katie the truth, and she forgives him and becomes his girlfriend. Some time later, Dave finds urgent messages from Red Mist, requesting they meet, and to find Hit-Girl and Big Daddy. Kick-Ass leads Red Mist to one of the Macready's safe houses, with D'Amico's men following. Red Mist shoots Hit-Girl, knocking her out of a window. Big Daddy and Kick-Ass are captured and taken to a warehouse to be tortured in a live Internet broadcast. Kick-Ass and Big Daddy are severely beaten as Katie, Dave's friends (Todd and Marty), Katie's friend Erica Cho, and others watch the broadcast of the beating. Hit-Girl, who survived by wearing a bulletproof vest, arrives and kills the gangsters; during the struggle one thug sets Big Daddy on fire. Hit Girl, after killing the last thug and putting out the fire consuming Big Daddy, destroys the camera trying to film the unmasking of Kick-Ass and Big Daddy. Big Daddy, badly burned, dies from his injuries after saying goodbye to Hit Girl. After Hit Girl and Kick-Ass leave the warehouse, Kick-Ass tries to convince Hit-Girl to quit, but she plans to finish what her father started, and Kick-Ass reluctantly agrees to help. Posing as a schoolgirl, Mindy enters D'Amico's headquarters and kills most of the henchmen in the penthouse, but runs out of ammunition. Just as one of D'Amico's thugs is about to shoot her with a [[Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon|rocket launcher]] stolen from Macready's safe house, Kick-Ass, armed with a [[jet pack]] fitted with [[gatling gun]]s that Big Daddy had purchased prior to his death, kills the remaining men. With all the henchmen dead, Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl take on D'Amico and his son. Kick-Ass fights Red Mist, and the two knock each other out. Hit-Girl fights D'Amico, but she is eventually overpowered. As D'Amico is about to finish off Hit-Girl, Kick-Ass comes to the rescue armed with the rocket launcher, blasting D'Amico out of the window where he explodes in mid-air. Red Mist wakes up, only to see Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl leaving on the jet pack. Hit-Girl and Kick-Ass retire from crime fighting to live a more normal life. Mindy, now in the custody of Damon's ex-partner Sergeant Marcus Williams, enrolls at Dave's school. Dave explains a new wave of superheroes have been inspired by his endeavor. Red Mist is shown donning a new mask as he quotes [[Batman (1989 film)|Jack Nicholson as the Joker]], "As a great man once said, '[[q:Batman (1989 film)|Wait till they get a load of me]]'." == Cast == * [[Aaron Johnson (actor)|Aaron Johnson]] as Dave Lizewski/Kick-Ass. * [[Nicolas Cage]] as Damon Macready/Big Daddy. Brad Pitt, the film's producer, was considered for the role. Vaughn described Cage's performance as a little bit [[Elvis Presley|Elvis]] and a little bit [[Adam West]]. A character in the film even says his costume looks like that of [[Batman]].<!-- from about 2 minutes in --><ref name="vaughn-interview">{{cite video | people = [[Jonathan Ross]], [[Matthew Vaughn]] | title = Jonathan Ross interviews Matthew Vaughn | url = http://timesonline.typepad.com/blockbuster_buzz/2010/03/kick-ass-video-chat-embed.html }} (Video){{Dead link|date=August 2010}} </ref> * [[Chloë Moretz|Chloë Grace Moretz]] as Mindy Macready/Hit-Girl. Vaughn commented on the maturity of Moretz, who said that because she has four older brothers, she was no stranger to much of the language in the script.<!-- time offset 10:50 --><ref name="vaughn-interview" /><!-- 4 brothers --><ref name="mtv-moretz" /> Her mother read the script and permitted her to use the profanity in the movie.<ref>{{cite news | date = March 31, 2010 | author = Daily Mail Reporter | title = My mother allowed me to use the c-word in Kick-Ass, says 13-year-old star Chloe Moretz | url = http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1262331/Kick-Ass-child-star-Chloe-Moretz-says-mother-allowed-say-C-word-controversial-film.html | work = [[Daily Mail]] | accessdate = November 14, 2010 }}</ref> * [[Christopher Mintz-Plasse]] as Chris D'Amico/Red Mist, Frank D'Amico's son. * [[Mark Strong]] as Frank D'Amico, head of a criminal organization. * [[Lyndsy Fonseca]] as Katie Deauxma * [[Michael Rispoli]] as Big Joe * [[Kofi Natei]] as Rasul * [[Yancy Butler]] as Angie D'Amico * [[Jason Flemyng]] as Lobby Goon, the building doorman * [[Elizabeth McGovern]] as Mrs. Lizewski * Garrett M. Brown as Mr. Lizewski * Sophie Wu as Erica Cho * [[Dexter Fletcher]] as Cody * [[Clark Duke]] as Marty * [[Evan Peters]] as Todd * [[Xander Berkeley]] as Detective Gigante, police officer working for D'Amico * [[Omari Hardwick]] as Sergeant Marcus Williams, former partner of Damon Macready * Stu 'Large' Riley as Huge Goon, a bodyguard to the D'Amico family. * [[Craig Ferguson]] as Himself Series-creator Millar, a native of [[Scotland]], asked Scottish television children's-show host [[Glen Michael]] to make a [[cameo appearance]]<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.ayrshirepost.net/ayrshire-news/local-news-ayrshire/ayr-news/2008/10/10/from-ayrshire-to-hollywood-for-cavalcade-legend-102545-21986750/ | title = From Ayrshire to Hollywood for Cavalcade legend | last = Lawrence | first = Edwin | date= 10 October 2008 | newspaper = [[Ayrshire Post]] |accessdate=2008-10-16}}</ref> although his role was cut from the film.<ref name="dailyrecord">{{cite news | date = 2010-03-22 | author = Rick Fulton | title = Cartoon Cavalcade legend Glen Michael's cameo role is cut from new movie Kick-Ass | url = http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/03/22/cartoon-cavalcade-legend-glen-michael-s-cameo-role-is-cut-from-new-movie-kick-ass-86908-22130118/ | newspaper = The Daily Record }} </ref> [[WCBS-TV]] news reporters [[Maurice DuBois]], [[Dana Tyler]], and Lou Young make [[cameo appearance]]s. == Development == {{Anchor|Production|Development}} The rights to a film version of the comic book were sold before the first issue was published.<ref><!-- Cite comic --> See notes by Millar in the comic. Issues 3. Quote: "As you read these words in early June, an official announcement should have been made on the movie, too, with the director name and a 2009 release date inked into the cinema schedule."</ref> {{Anchor|Writing}} Vaughn notes that, "We wrote the script and the comic at the same time so it was a very sort of collaborative, organic process. I met [Millar] at the premiere of ''[[Stardust (2007 film)|Stardust]]''. We got on really well. I knew who he was and what he had done but I didn't know him. He pitched me the idea. I said, 'That's great!' He then wrote a synopsis. I went, 'That's great, let's go do it now! You write the comic, I'll write the script.{{' "}}<ref name="cbrmv">{{cite web | date = 2009-08-24 | last = Philbrick | first = Jami | title = Vaughn & Goldman talk "KICK-ASS" | url = http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22657 | publisher = Comicbook Resources | accessdate = 2010-03-29 }} </ref> {{rquote|right|With ''Kick-Ass'', the book's just out and now the movie's out six weeks later. And I think that's the way things are going to go now, because to go to [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]]'s [[A-list|B and C-list]] characters and try to get movies out them&nbsp;– what's the point of that?|[[Mark Millar]]<ref>{{cite news | title = Kick-Ass changes comic book films forever in a single blow | date = 29 March 2010 | publisher = [[The Guardian]] | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/mar/26/kick-ass-comics-film-adaptations | author = Ben Child| accessdate = 2010-04-10 | location=London}}</ref>}} Millar commented that screenwriters Jane Goldman and Vaughn had made a "[[chick flick]]",<!-- at about 8 minutes --> having placed more emphasis on the character emotions, and particularly in having softened the character of Katie Deauxma.<ref name="vaughn-interview" /> Other changes included having Red Mist be known to be a secret antagonist from the start, as well as making him less outright villainous, and D'Amico's mob initially thinking Kick-Ass is the one slaughtering their men. In the [[Kick-Ass (comics)|original comic-book]], Big Daddy was revealed to be not an ex-cop, but a former accountant who had been motivated to fight crime by a desire to escape from his life and by his love of comic books. In the film, his purported origin and motivations are genuine: writer [[Mark Millar]] considers that the revelation about Big Daddy's background would not have worked in the film adaptation, and would have "messed up the structure of the movie"<ref name="crave">[http://www.craveonline.com/entertainment/comics/article/writer-mark-millar-on-kick-ass-99655 Writer Mark Millar on 'Kick Ass'], ''craveonline.com''</ref> The comic's artist [[John Romita, Jr]] stated that Big Daddy's story in the film "works better stopping short (...) You love him better in the film".<ref>[http://efilmcritic.com/feature.php?feature=3008 KICK-ASS Interview: John Romita, Jr. (Part I of V)], ''efilmcritic.com''</ref> The climax to the film differs significantly from the comics as well, with the use of the jetpack and rocket launcher: Millar called this "necessary" as "we're building up so much stuff that we needed some Luke Skywalker blowing up the Death Star moment".<ref name="crave" /> Comic writer Stephen Grant noted that the film "cheated" on its premise of a 'real life' superhero by having these increasingly fantastic events and that this was "why it works. That's where much of the humor comes from... when the film finally makes the notion [the fantasy] ''explicit'' we're already so deep into the magician's act that our instinct is to play along".<ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=25751 Permanent Damage review of the film]</ref> {{Anchor|Themes}} Both the comic and the film reference popular contemporary web sites. Kick-Ass buys his costume on auction site [[eBay]]; the video of his fight is posted on [[YouTube]]; and he keeps in contact with his fans through social networking website [[MySpace]]. D'Amico even threatens to expose Detective Gigante by posting incriminating photos of him on [[Facebook]]. The film was independently financed. Vaughn initially went to [[Sony Pictures Entertainment|Sony]], which distributed ''[[Layer Cake (film)|Layer Cake]]'', but he rejected calls to tone down the violence. Other studios expressed interest but wanted to make the characters older. Vaughn believed enough in the project to raise the money himself.<ref name="hr20080805">{{cite news | date = 2008-08-15 | author = Borys Kit | title = Matthew Vaughn ready to 'Kick-Ass' | work = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3ide19bac7b91209a2e58975952de2e797 | quote = Vaughn, however, is such a believer in the project that he raised the money for the $30 million indie project himself. }} </ref> == Ratings == {{Anchor|Certification}} In an interview with ''[[Total Film]]'', Aaron Johnson confirmed that the film stays true to the adult nature of the comic series by featuring a large amount of profanity and graphic violence. The film received an R rating by the [[MPAA]] for strong brutal violence throughout, pervasive language, sexual content, nudity and some drug use—some involving children, and it received a 15 rating from the [[BBFC]].<ref name="bbfc">{{cite web | date= 26 February 2010 | title= Kick-Ass | url = http://www.bbfc.co.uk/website/Classified.nsf/0/468BAA2E2C8F4588802576D600411EEB?OpenDocument | publisher = [[British Board of Film Classification]] | accessdate = 2010-04-10 | quote = Contains strong language, once very strong, & strong bloody comic violence }} </ref><ref name="totalfilm">{{cite web | title = Exclusive: Lauro Londe Talks Kick-Ass | url = http://www.totalfilm.com/features/exclusive-lauro-londe-talks-kick-ass }} </ref> Director Matthew Vaughn felt the 15 certificate was about right and expressed some surprise at the film having received a PG rating in France.<!-- time ~12 --><ref name="vaughn-interview" /> == Filming == {{Anchor|Locations}} Filming locations include Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, at [[Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School (Hamilton)|Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School]],<ref>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1250777/locations</ref> Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and various locations in the UK, including [[Elstree Studios]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Kick-Ass (2010) Filming Locations | url = http://www.ukonscreen.com/iiibgdc-Kick-Ass-(2010).html | work = UK Onscreen | accessdate = 2010-04-13 }} </ref> The opening sequence with Nicolas Cage was filmed in a sewage plant in East London.<ref name="crave" /> The ''Atomic Comics'' store in the film is based on a real store owned by a friend of Vaughn.<ref name="crave" /><ref>http://www.atomiccomicsstore.com/apparel-shirts-atomic-kick-ass-shirt.html</ref> == Music == {{Anchor|Score}} === Soundtrack === {{Infobox album <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums --> | Name = Kick-Ass (Music from the Motion Picture) | Type = Soundtrack | Artist = Various Artists | Cover = Kick-asssdtk.jpg | alt = | Released = 29 March 2010 (UK) | Recorded = | Genre = [[Pop music|Pop]], [[dance-pop]], [[pop rock]], [[hard rock]], [[alternative rock]] | Length = 51:19 | Label = [[Polydor Records|Polydor Ltd.]] (UK), [[Interscope Records|Interscope]] (US) | Producer = | Reviews = | Last album = | This album = | Next album = | Misc = {{Singles | Name = Kick-Ass (Music from the Motion Picture) | Type = soundtrack | single 1 = [[Kick Ass (song)|Kick Ass]] | single 1 date = 2 May 2010 (UK) }} }} The film's soundtrack album was released in the United Kingdom on 29 March 2010,<ref name="tracklist">{{cite web | title = Kick Ass – OST: Various Artists | url = http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kick-Ass-Ost-Various-Artists/dp/B003AIEOBK | publisher = Amazon.co.uk | accessdate = 2010-04-09 }} </ref> and in the United States on [[iTunes]] on 30 March 2010.<ref>http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/kick-a-s-music-from-motion/id363203291</ref> The title song is by pop singer-songwriter [[Mika (singer)|Mika]], co-written by Jodi Marr and produced by [[RedOne]]. The song "Kick Ass" was confirmed as Mika's 10th official single in the United Kingdom and was officially released on 2 May 2010.<ref>{{cite web | title = Mika's new 'KICK-ASS' single | url = http://mikasounds.s04.pre.umguk.vvhp.net/news/view/783/Mikas_new_KICK-ASS_single }} </ref> The video for the single shows [[Mika (singer)|Mika]] as a helpless individual left in an alleyway after being mugged.<ref>{{youtube|KPnEhV0bgE0|MIKA – Kick Ass}}</ref> He begins to sing and as he does, the words of empowerment in the lyrics and his finding of an issue of the ''[[Kick-Ass (comics)|Kick-Ass]]'' comic inspire him to run for the rooftops and wail the chorus to the sky. As is the norm with most soundtrack singles, the video features intercut scenes from the film.<ref>{{cite news | title = Ass to be a screen hit | url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/2892186/Watch-exclusive-video-of-Mikas-title-track-for-film-Kick-Ass.html | newspaper = [[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]] | location=London | date=15 March 2010 }} </ref> The soundtrack song "Kick Ass" has received positive views by many websites such as Popjustice.com<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4534&Itemid=9 | title = Q: What do you get when you cross Mika with Lady Gaga's producer? | publisher = Popjustice | date = 2010-03-16 | accessdate = 2010-04-09 }} </ref> and Digitalspy.co.uk <ref>{{cite news | author = Robert Copsey | title = Mika: 'Kick-Ass' | url = http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a210264/mika-kick-ass.html }} </ref> The song "Stand Up" by [[The Prodigy]] features in both the Teaser Trailer<ref name="trailer-teaser">{{cite web | author = | url = http://www.flicksandbits.com/?p=266 | title = Kick-Ass Teaser Trailer | publisher = Flicksandbits.com | date = 2009-11-11 | accessdate = 2010-04-09}}</ref> and [[Film trailer#United States MPAA rating cards|Red Band Trailer]].<ref name="trailer-redband">{{cite web | url = http://www.previewfilms.net/details.php?image_id=1086 | title = Kick-Ass Red Band Trailer | publisher = Previewfilms.net | date= | accessdate = 2010-04-09 }}</ref> A song featured in the film, but not on the soundtrack is "[[Crazy (Gnarls Barkley song)|Crazy]]", by [[Gnarls Barkley]]. This song is played in the Mistmobile while Kick-Ass and Red Mist cruise around town together.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://musicfromfilm.com/movies/kickass.php | title = Music from Kick-Ass | publisher = MusicfromFilm.com | date= | accessdate = 2010-09-01 }}</ref> Also, the version of "Bad Reputation" used in the film was by [[Joan Jett]] but the version on the soundtrack was by a band called "The Hit Girls". The song "Hey Little World" by [[The Hives]], which played in the theatrical trailers was also not included.<ref>{{cite new | url = http://www.gigwise.com/blog/55869/After-The-Supergrass-Split-Praise-Be-To-The-Average-Bands | publisher = GigWise | title = After The Supergrass Split, Praise Be To The Average Bands! | date = 16 April 2010 | first = Robert | last = Leedham | accessdate = 2010-04-25}}</ref> ; Track listing {{Track listing | collapsed = | headline = | extra_column = Performed by | total_length = | all_writing = | all_lyrics = | all_music = | writing_credits = | lyrics_credits = | music_credits = | title1 = [[Invaders Must Die#Track listing|Stand Up]] | note1 = | writer1 = | lyrics1 = | music1 = | extra1 = [[The Prodigy]] | length1 = 5:08 | title2 = [[Kick Ass (song)|Kick Ass]] (Radio Edit) | note2 = | writer2 = | lyrics2 = | music2 = | extra2 = [[Mika (singer)|Mika]] vs. [[RedOne]] | length2 = 3:11 | title3 = [[Can't Go Back]] | note3 = | writer3 = | lyrics3 = | music3 = | extra3 = [[Primal Scream]] | length3 = 3:46 | title4 = There's a Pot a Brewin' | note4 = | writer4 = | lyrics4 = | music4 = | extra4 = [[The Little Ones (band)|The Little Ones]] | length4 = 3:13 | title5 = [[Omen (song)|Omen]] | note5 = | writer5 = | lyrics5 = | music5 = | extra5 = [[The Prodigy]] | length5 = 3:54 | title6 = [[Make Me Wanna Die]] | note6 = | writer6 = | lyrics6 = | music6 = | extra6 = [[The Pretty Reckless]] | length6 = 3:55 | title7 = [[The Tra La La Song (One Banana, Two Banana)|Banana Splits]] (Kick-Ass Film Version) | note7 = | writer7 = | lyrics7 = | music7 = | extra7 = [[The Dickies]] | length7 = 2:04 | title8 = [[Starry Eyed (Ellie Goulding song)|Starry Eyed]] | note8 = | writer8 = | lyrics8 = | music8 = | extra8 = [[Ellie Goulding]] | length8 = 2:57 | title9 = [[This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us]] | note9 = | writer9 = | lyrics9 = | music9 = | extra9 = [[Sparks (band)|Sparks]] | length9 = 3:03 | title10 = [[One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This|We're All In Love]] | note10 = | writer10 = | lyrics10 = | music10 = | extra10 = [[The New York Dolls]] | length10 = 4:50 | title11 = Bongo Song | note11 = | writer11 = | lyrics11 = | music11 = | extra11 = Zongamin | length11 = 5:00 | title12 = Per Qualche Dollaro in Più ([[For a Few Dollars More]]) | note12 = | writer12 = | lyrics12 = | music12 = | extra12 = [[Ennio Morricone]] | length12 = 2:53 | title13 = [[Bad Reputation (Joan Jett song)|Bad Reputation]] | note13 = | writer13 = | lyrics13 = | music13 = | extra13 = The Hit Girls <!-- * Note this was credited as "The Hit Girls" but really performed by [[Joan Jett]] * --> | length13 = 2:56 | title14 = [[An American Trilogy]] | note14 = | writer14 = | lyrics14 = | music14 = | extra14 = [[Elvis Presley]] | length14 = 4:31 }} === Score === {{Infobox album <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums --> | Name = Kick-Ass: The Score | Type = Soundtrack | Artist = Various Artists | Cover = Kick-Ass - Score.jpg | alt = | Released = 17 May 2010 (UK) | Recorded = | Genre = [[Soundtrack]] | Length = 1:06:33 | Label = [[Polydor Records|Polydor Ltd.]] (UK), [[Interscope Records|Interscope]] (US) | Producer = | Reviews = | Last album = | This album = | Next album = | Misc = }} The film's score was released on 17 May 2010 in the UK.<ref name="scoretracklist">{{cite web | title = Kick Ass: The Score - Various Artists | url = http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003MP19XC/ref=dm_sp_alb?ie=UTF8&qid=1274734757&sr=8-1 | publisher = Amazon.co.uk | accessdate = 2010-05-24 }} </ref> Two of the instrumentals in the film are altered versions of songs from other [[John Murphy (composer)|John Murphy]] composed soundtracks. These are "In The House&nbsp;– In A Heartbeat" from ''[[28 Days Later: The Soundtrack Album]]'' and "Adagio in D-minor" track from the ''[[Sunshine (2007 film)|Sunshine]]'' soundtrack. The former was used in the scene where Big Daddy guns down D'Amico's men in the warehouse and the latter was used when Hit-Girl is trying to rescue Kick-Ass and Big Daddy. They are called "Big Daddy Kills" and "Strobe (Adagio in D Minor)" respectively on the ''Kick-Ass'' score. One track, "Walk To Rasul's" was composed by [[Danny Elfman]], who was referenced in the original comic. ; Track listing <!-- If you want to change this list see [[Template:Tracklist]] --> {{Track listing | collapsed = | headline = | extra_column = Composer | total_length = | all_writing = | all_lyrics = | all_music = | writing_credits = | lyrics_credits = | music_credits = | title1 = The Armenian Superhero | note1 = | writer1 = | lyrics1 = | music1 = | extra1 = [[Henry Jackman]], [[Marius De Vries]] | length1 = 1:59 | title2 = [[Invaders Must Die#Track listing|Stand Up]] | note2 = | writer2 = | lyrics2 = | music2 = | extra2 = [[The Prodigy]] | length2 = 3:32 | title3 = Forcefield | note3 = | writer3 = | lyrics3 = | music3 = | extra3 = Marius De Vries | length3 = 1:05 | title4 = Watching | note4 = | writer4 = | lyrics4 = | music4 = | extra4 = Henry Jackman | length4 = 1:01 | title5 = Man in the Mirror | note5 = | writer5 = | lyrics5 = | music5 = | extra5 = Henry Jackman | length5 = 1:08 | title6 = A Punch in the Chest | note6 = | writer6 = | lyrics6 = | music6 = | extra6 = Marius De Vries | length6 = 0:45 | title7 = Roof Jump | note7 = | writer7 = | lyrics7 = | music7 = | extra7 = Marius De Vries, [[Ilan Eshkeri]] | length7 = 1:31 | title8 = Time to Engage | note8 = | writer8 = | lyrics8 = | music8 = | extra8 = Henry Jackman | length8 = 0:26 | title9 = Stabbing-Morphine | note9 = | writer9 = | lyrics9 = | music9 = | extra9 = Marius De Vries, The Prodigy | length9 = 1:56 | title10 = I'm Kick-Ass | note10 = | writer10 = | lyrics10 = | music10 = | extra10 = Henry Jackman | length10 = 1:16 | title11 = Famous | note11 = | writer11 = | lyrics11 = | music11 = | extra11 = Henry Jackman, [[John Murphy (composer)|John Murphy]], Marius De Vries, Ilan Eshkeri | length11 = 2:22 | title12 = A Friend Like You | note12 = | writer12 = | lyrics12 = | music12 = | extra12 = Marius De Vries | length12 = 0:43 | title13 = Walk to Rasul's | note13 = | writer13 = | lyrics13 = | music13 = | extra13 = [[Danny Elfman]] | length13 = 0:58 | title14 = Trick or Treat? | note14 = | writer14 = | lyrics14 = | music14 = | extra14 = Marius De Vries, Ilan Eshkeri | length14 = 2:43 | title15 = Leaving Rasul's | note15 = | writer15 = | lyrics15 = | music15 = | extra15 = John Murphy | length15 = 1:18 | title16 = Hit-Girl & Big Daddy | note16 = | writer16 = | lyrics16 = | music16 = | extra16 = John Murphy | length16 = 2:39 | title17 = Damon & Marcus Comic Book | note17 = | writer17 = | lyrics17 = | music17 = | extra17 = Henry Jackman, John Murphy | length17 = 3:24 | title18 = I Miss You Both | note18 = | writer18 = | lyrics18 = | music18 = | extra18 = John Murphy, Ilan Eshkeri | length18 = 1:40 | title19 = Hunting Kick-Ass | note19 = | writer19 = | lyrics19 = | music19 = | extra19 = Henry Jackman | length19 = 1:04 | title20 = MistMobile | note20 = | writer20 = | lyrics20 = | music20 = | extra20 = Henry Jackman | length20 = 1:40 | title21 = Big Daddy Kills | note21 = | writer21 = | lyrics21 = | music21 = | extra21 = John Murphy | length21 = 2:50 | title22 = One Last Time | note22 = | writer22 = | lyrics22 = | music22 = | extra22 = Marius De Vries | length22 = 0:57 | title23 = Sleepover | note23 = | writer23 = | lyrics23 = | music23 = | extra23 = Marius De Vries | length23 = 1:57 | title24 = To Brooklyn Bridge | note24 = | writer24 = | lyrics24 = | music24 = | extra24 = Marius De Vries | length24 = 1:42 | title25 = Safehouse / Ambush | note25 = | writer25 = | lyrics25 = | music25 = | extra25 = John Murphy | length25 = 2:34 | title26 = Showtime Pt. 2 (It's Only the End of the World) | note26 = | writer26 = | lyrics26 = | music26 = | extra26 = John Murphy | length26 = 2:25 | title27 = Nightvision | note27 = | writer27 = | lyrics27 = | music27 = | extra27 = John Murphy | length27 = 1:57 | title28 = Strobe (Adagio in D Minor) | note28 = | writer28 = | lyrics28 = | music28 = | extra28 = John Murphy | length28 = 2:02 | title29 = Big Daddy Dies | note29 = | writer29 = | lyrics29 = | music29 = | extra29 = Henry Jackman, John Murphy | length29 = 1:33 | title30 = Hit-Girl Drives Home | note30 = | writer30 = | lyrics30 = | music30 = | extra30 = John Murphy | length30 = 1:42 | title31 = Marshmallows | note31 = | writer31 = | lyrics31 = | music31 = | extra31 = John Murphy | length31 = 1:12 | title32 = Choose Your Weapon | note32 = | writer32 = | lyrics32 = | music32 = | extra32 = Ilan Eshkeri | length32 = 1:26 | title33 = You Got Five Minutes | note33 = | writer33 = | lyrics33 = | music33 = | extra33 = Marius De Vries | length33 = 0:35 | title34 = No Power, No Responsibility | note34 = | writer34 = | lyrics34 = | music34 = | extra34 = Henry Jackman | length34 = 1:16 | title35 = The Corridor | note35 = | writer35 = | lyrics35 = | music35 = | extra35 = John Murphy | length35 = 1:16 | title36 = Kitchen Stand Off | note36 = | writer36 = | lyrics36 = | music36 = | extra36 = John Murphy, Ilan Eshkeri | length36 = 1:19 | title37 = The Fight | note37 = | writer37 = | lyrics37 = | music37 = | extra37 = Henry Jackman, John Murphy, Marius De Vries, Ilan Eshkeri | length37 = 3:12 | title38 = Flying Home | note38 = | writer38 = | lyrics38 = | music38 = | extra38 = Henry Jackman, John Murphy | length38 = 1:49 | title39 = True Identity | note39 = | writer39 = | lyrics39 = | music39 = | extra39 = Henry Jackman | length39 = 1:39 }} == Release == ''Kick-Ass'' was released in the United Kingdom on 26 March 2010.<ref>{{cite news | date = 23 March 2010 | last = Wilson | first = Ollie | title = Kick-Ass superheroes 'are real people' and 'can die' | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/entertainment/newsid_10070000/newsid_10071400/10071434.stm | archiveurl = | archivedate = | work = BBC }}</ref> The film opened in Australia on 8 April.<ref>9 News, [Wilkins slams controversial film 'Kick-Ass'], 8 April 2010]</ref> The North American release was on 16 April by [[Lionsgate]].<ref>{{cite news | date 2009-08-17 | title = 'Kick-Ass' Gets Distributor | url = http://thefilmstage.com/2009/08/17/kick-ass-gets-distributor/ }} </ref><ref>{{cite news | date = 2009-09-01 | title = Lionsgate Sets KICK-ASS For 16 April 2010; Moves THE EXPENDABLES To August! | url = http://aintitcool.com/node/42220 | work = [[Ain't It Cool News]] }} </ref> France's opening was scheduled for 21 April.<ref>{{cite news | title=http://www.leparisien.fr/cinema/actualite-cinema/exclusif-quand-nicolas-cage-joue-les-super-heros-15-04-2010-887954.php | publisher=[[Le Parisien]] | title=Exclusif : quand Nicolas Cage joue les super héros... | language=French | date=15 April 2010 | accessdate=2010-04-19 }}</ref> A screening of the unfinished film was shown at the 11th [[Butt-Numb-A-Thon]] film festival on 13 December 2009, where it was received with wild enthusiasm by the event's attendees.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.aintitcool.com/node/43367 |title = Fresh from BNAT Quint shows some love to KICK-ASS and has a rundown of the Iron Man 2 trailer! | work = AintItCool.com | date = 2009-12-14 | accessdate = 2010-04-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | date = 2009-12-14 | first = John | last = Gholson | title = 'Kick-Ass' Kicks Ass at BNAT | url = http://www.scifisquad.com/2009/12/14/kick-ass-kicks-ass-at-bnat/ | publisher = ScifiSquad.com | accessdate = 2010-04-09 }}</ref> == Controversy == In January 2010, an uncensored preview clip of the film was attacked by family advocacy groups for its display of violence and use of the line "Okay you cunts, let's see what you can do now," delivered by [[Chloë Moretz]], who was 11 at the time of filming. Australian Family Association spokesman John Morrissey claimed that "the language [was] offensive and the values inappropriate&nbsp;– without the saving grace of the bloodless victory of traditional superheroes".<ref>{{cite news | date = 2010-01-13 | title = Family outrage at film Kick Ass (''sic'') violence and swearing | url = http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/family-outrage-at-film-kick-ass-violence-and-swearing/story-e6frewz0-1225818799884/ | work = Daily Telegraph }} </ref> Several critics like [[Roger Ebert]] and the [[Daily Mail]]'s Christopher Tookey accused the film of glorifying violence, particularly violence by young children,<ref>[http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100414/REVIEWS/100419986 Ebert's review of Kick-Ass]</ref> while Tookey also claimed Hit Girl was "made to look as seductive as possible".<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/reviews/article-1262948/Kick-Ass-Dont-fooled-hype--This-crime-cinema-twisted-cynical-revels-abuse-childhood.html Daily Mail review of Kick-Ass]</ref> Tookey's view on Hit Girl was strongly criticised, with many commentators—including the film editor of ''[[Radio Times]]''—wondering why he'd found the character sexualised, causing him to claim he was a victim of cyber-bullying.<ref>[http://www.movie-film-review.com/devFilm.asp?ID=15578 Response by Tookey]</ref> In response to the controversy, Moretz stated in an interview, "If I ''ever'' uttered one word that I said in ''Kick-Ass'', I would be grounded for years! I'd be stuck in my room until I was 20! I would never in a million years say that. I'm an average, everyday girl."<ref name="mtv-moretz">{{cite web | date = 2010-01-20 | author = Larry Carroll | title = 'Kick-Ass' Star Chloe Moretz Is One Of 10 To Watch In 2010 | url = http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1630006/story.jhtml | quote = Moretz: I would love to. I can't say anything about [the ending], but I would love to be Hit-Girl twice, three times, four times in my life. }} </ref> Moretz has said that while filming, she could not bring herself to say the film's title out loud in interviews, instead calling it "the film" in public and "Kick-Butt" at home.<ref name="scotsman-moretz">{{cite web | date = 2010-03-24 | author = Siobhan Synnot | title = What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice, punches and the odd four-letter word, when they're the surprise star of ''Kick-Ass''. | url = http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment/-What-are-little-girls.6171794.jp | newspaper = The Scotsman }} </ref> Christopher Mintz-Plasse expressed surprise that people were angry about the language, but did not seem to be offended that Hit-Girl kills many people.<ref name="metro"><!-- title -->Christopher Mintz-Passe:60 Second interview <!-- author -->by Lucy White <!-- URL -->http://e-edition.metroherald.ie/2010/04/14/ <!-- work -->[[MetroHerald]] <!-- date -->2010-04-14 page 17. Quote "People are so angry at Chloe [Grace Moretz] for saying bad language but she murders a ton of people and no one seems to be offended by that."</ref> When asked what the typically conservative ''Daily Mail'' readers would think Millar noted he himself is a ''Daily Mail'' reader and joked he was very comfortable with the film.<ref>http://entertainment.stv.tv/film/161583-kick-ass-doesnt-sound-out-to-offend-with-killer-kid-character/</ref> Millar said he thought "it's the most naïve and idealistic movie I've seen in years because it's about a wee guy who every night could get killed... It's so hard when I was watching it last night when he was fighting those three characters. There was something so nice about the fact that he was just waiting until the cops arrived. I see it as quite a sweet movie".<ref name="crave" /> == Reception == === Critical response === {{Anchor|Critics}} The film was met with generally positive reviews. Review aggregation website [[Rotten Tomatoes]] gave the film a rating of 76% based on 229 reviews, with an average score of 7.0/10.<ref name="tomatoes">{{cite web | title = Kick-Ass Reviews | url = http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1217700-kick_ass/ | work = [[Rotten Tomatoes]] | publisher = [[Flixster]] | quote = Consensus: Not for the faint of heart, ''Kick-Ass'' takes the comic adaptation genre to new levels of visual style, bloody violence, and gleeful profanity. | accessdate = 2010-06-24 }} </ref> Rotten Tomatoes' selected top critics gave the film a rating of 85% based on 13 reviews.<ref name="tomatoes-cream">{{cite web | title = ''Kick-Ass'' Reviews (Cream of the Crop) | url = http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1217700-kick_ass/?critic=creamcrop | work = [[Rotten Tomatoes]] | publisher = [[Flixster]] | accessdate = 2010-04-16 }} </ref> [[Metacritic]] assigned the film a score of 66%, based on a weighted average of 38 reviews from mainstream critics.<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web | title = Kick-Ass reviews at Metacritic.com: | url = http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/kickass | work = [[Metacritic]] | publisher = [[CBS Interactive]] | accessdate = 2010-04-18 }} </ref> Critics who enjoyed the film generally singled out its audacity, humor, and performance from Chloë Moretz. Peter Howell of the ''[[Toronto Star]]'' gave ''Kick-Ass'' a top rating, noting that the production "succeeds as a violent fantasy about our perilous and fretful times, where regular citizens feel compelled to take action against a social order rotting from within."<ref>{{cite news | date = 15 April 2010 | author = Peter Howell | title = Kick-Ass: A violent, five-alarm, four-star fantasy | url = http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/article/795714--kick-ass-a-violent-five-alarm-four-star-fantasy | accessdate = 2010-04-19 | location=Toronto | work=The Star}} {{Rating|4|4}}</ref> ''[[USA Today]]'' critic Claudia Puig praised Moretz as "terrific...Even as she wields outlandish weaponry, she comes off as adorable."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2010-04-16-kickass16_ST_N.htm |title=The real hero of 'Kick-Ass' is a little girl: Chloe Moretz |author=Claudia Puig |accessdate=2010-04-16 | work=USA Today | date=16 April 2010}}</ref> Manohla Dargis from ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote, "Fast, periodically spit-funny and often grotesquely violent, the film at once embraces and satirizes contemporary action-film clichés with Tarantino-esque self-regard."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/2010/04/16/movies/16kick.html?partner=Rotten Tomatoes&ei=5083 |title=Movie Review: Kick-Ass (2010) |author=Manohla Dargis |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave the film a B+, but noted that "personally, I just wish that the film had ended up a bit less of an over-the-top action ride." <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20360874,00.html |title=Movie Review: Kick-Ass (2010) |author=Owen Gleiberman |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> In ''[[Film Journal International]]'', former [[Marvel Comics]] writer [[Frank Lovece]] said the "delightfully dynamic" movie "actually improves on the comic by not metaphorically kicking in our hero's teeth ... and making him a sad-sack schmuck who was wrong about nearly everything." He found that, "Comedy-of-manners dry humor ... plays seamlessly amid scenes of stylized, off-camera mayhem."<ref>{{cite web | date = 5 April 2010 | authorlink = Frank Lovece | last = Lovece | first = Frank | url = http://www.filmjournal.com/filmjournal/content_display/reviews/major-releases/e3id348f97334badeb3361f8c04555372d2 | title = Film Review: ''Kick-Ass''| work = [[Film Journal International]] }}</ref> Some critics were repulsed by its violence, inconsistent tone, and the unoriginality of its observations. [[Roger Ebert]] was especially disdainful of the film, awarding it only one star. He began his review with a question, "Shall I have feelings, or should I pretend to be cool? Will I seem hopelessly square if I find ''Kick-Ass'' morally reprehensible and will I appear to have missed the point?"<ref>{{cite news | date = 2010-04-14 | first = Roger | last = Ebert | authorlink = Roger Ebert | title = Review: Kick-Ass | url = http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100414/REVIEWS/100419986 | work= [[Chicago Sun-Times]] }}</ref> In the United Kingdom ''[[The Guardian]]'' gave the film extensive coverage by several of its critics and journalists.<ref>{{cite news | title = Kick-Ass: Britain's debt to American action films is underlined by this violent comedy about a superhero with no superpowers | publisher = [[The Guardian]] | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/135252/kick-ass | accessdate = 2010-04-10 | location=London | date=12 March 2010}}</ref> [[Peter Bradshaw]] called the film an "explosion in a bad taste factory" and a "thoroughly outrageous, jaw-droppingly violent and very funny riff on the quasi-porn world of comic books&nbsp;– except that there is absolutely no 'quasi-' about it."<ref>{{cite news | title = Kick-Ass: A hilarious, very violent black comedy puts a new twist on superheroics | publisher=[[The Guardian]] | author = Peter Bradshaw | date=31 March 2010 | url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/mar/31/kick-ass-review-film | accessdate=2010-04-10 | location=London}} {{Rating|5|5}}</ref> [[Philip French]], writing for ''The Guardian'''s Sunday associate paper ''[[The Observer]]'', called the film "relentlessly violent" with "the foulest mouthed child ever to appear on screen, [who makes] [[Louis Malle]]'s [[Zazie dans le Métro|Zazie]] sound like Colette" and one "extremely knowing in its appeal to connoisseurs of comic strips and video games."<ref>{{cite news | date=4 April 2010 | first = Philip | last = French | title = Kick-Ass | work = [[The Guardian]] | url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/apr/04/kickass-film-review | accessdate = 2010-04-10 | location=London }} </ref> [[David Cox]] noted that the film "kicks the c-word into the mainstream...inadvertently dispatch[ing] our last big expletive."<ref>{{cite news | date = 2 April 2010 | first = David | last = Cox | title = Kick-Ass kicks the c-word into the mainstream | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2010/apr/02/kick-ass-bad-language | work = [[The Guardian]] | accessdate = 2010-04-10 | location=London }} </ref> Tim Robey of ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' did not like the film and stated, "Matthew Vaughn's ''Kick Ass'' is hollow, glazed, and not quite there".<ref name="telegraph">{{cite news | author = Tim Robey | date=1 April 2010 | title = Kick-Ass, review | url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/7545480/Kick-Ass-review.html | newspaper = [[The Daily Telegraph]] | accessdate = 2010-04-10 | location=London}} {{Rating|1|5}} </ref> [[Christopher Tookey]] of ''[[The Daily Mail]]'' warned, "Don't be fooled by the hype: This crime against cinema is twisted, cynical, and revels in the abuse of childhood".<ref>{{cite news | date= 2 April 2010 | first = Christopher | last = Tookey | title = Don't be fooled by the hype: This crime against cinema is twisted, cynical, and revels in the abuse of childhood | url = http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/reviews/article-1262948/Kick-Ass-Dont-fooled-hype--This-crime-cinema-twisted-cynical-revels-abuse-childhood.html | work = [[The Daily Mail]] | accessdate = 2010-04-10 | location=London }} {{Rating|1|5}} </ref> Chris Hewitt of ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' magazine declared it, "A ridiculously entertaining, perfectly paced, ultra-violent cinematic rush that kicks the places other movies struggle to reach. ... [T]he film's violence is clearly fantastical and cartoonish and not to be taken seriously."<ref>{{cite journal | author = Chris Hewitt | url = http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=135694 | title = ''Kick-Ass'' (review), | work = ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' | issue = | pages = | ISBN = }} {{Rating|5|5}} </ref> Both [[A.O. Scott]] and [[Michael Philips]] gave the film their signature "Skip It" rating in their review on ''[[At the Movies]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/atm/index.html |title=At the Movies |author=Buena Vista Entertainment |accessdate=2010-04-14}} {{Dead link|date=November 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> CinemaBlend accused the film of simply rehashing ideas from older superhero films, saying, "It's a subject which has already been covered endlessly by other movies, but Matthew Vaughn's film seems completely unaware of this fact, and bulls its way onward as if it's discovered something new."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cinemablend.com/dvds/Kick-Ass-4546.html |title=Kick-Ass - Review |author=Josh Tyler |accessdate=2010-04-12}}</ref> Karina Longworth was also not impressed with the film's intended satire and themes: "Never as shocking as it thinks it is, as funny as it should be, or as engaged in cultural critique as it could be, ''Kick-Ass'' is half-assed."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-04-13/film/kick-ass-faster-than-a-speeding-internet/ |title=Kick-Ass, Faster Than a Speeding Internet |author=Karina Longworth |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref> === Box office === The film earned over $12&nbsp;million internationally in advance of opening in the United States.<ref name="the-numbers">{{cite web | title = Movie Kick-Ass | url = http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2010/KCKAS.php | work = The Numbers | publisher = Nash Information Services | accessdate = 2010-04-12 }} </ref><ref name="mojo">{{cite web | title = Kick Ass (2010) | url = http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=kickass.htm | work = [[Box Office Mojo]] | publisher = [[Amazon.com]] | accessdate = 2010-04-12 }} </ref> On its debut weekend in the United States, it took in $19.8&nbsp;million in 3,065 theaters, averaging $6,469 per theater.<ref name="mojo" /> ''Kick-Ass'' was reported #1, ahead of ''[[How to Train Your Dragon (film)|How to Train Your Dragon]]'' by $200,000, which was in its third week of release. These numbers for ''Kick-Ass'''s debut weekend gross included non-weekend earnings, as the film was previewed during the Thursday night prior to its release. This has led to the speculation that ''How to Train Your Dragon'' would have been #1 for the weekend of April 16 had these earnings not been counted.<ref>{{cite web | title = Weekend Box Office Results for April 16–18, 2010 | url = http://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2724&p=.htm | quote = Kick-Ass distributor Lionsgate included the movie's 10 p.m. Thursday previews in the weekend gross, when, objectively, the weekend is Friday-Sunday. | work = [[Box Office Mojo]] | publisher = [[Amazon.com]] | accessdate = 2010-08-02 }} </ref> The opening week numbers were considered by some analysts and the media to be a disappointment,<ref>{{cite web | date = 19 April 2010 | first = Jordan | last = Hoffman | title = Why Did Kick-Ass Fail to Kick As Much Ass As Expected? | url = http://www.ugo.com/movies/kick-ass-box-office | publisher = [[UGO Networks]] | accessdate=29 August 2010 }} </ref><!-- Expand --><ref>{{cite news | date = 2010-04-18 | title = 'Kick-Ass' opens somewhat soft but still may have plenty of kick | url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/04/just-because-kick-ass-disappointed-doesnt-mean-its-a-flop.html | newspaper = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = 2010-04-22 }} </ref> though by others to be "fairly solid."<ref name="mojo-review">{{cite news | date = 2010-04-19 | author = Brandon Gray | title = Weekend Report: 'Kick-Ass' Opens Up a Can of Weak Sauce | url = http://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2724&p=.htm | work = [[Box Office Mojo]] | publisher = Amazon.com }} </ref> The film's final gross in the U.S. was $48,071,303 and $47,960,570 outside of the U.S.<ref name="mojo" /> {{Anchor|Awards}} == Home media == {{Anchor|DVD|Video}} In an interview Matthew Vaughn said, "There is about 18 minutes of [deleted] footage, which is really good stuff. If the film is a hit, I'll do an extended cut."<ref>{{cite video | date = 2010-04-15 | author = Josh Wigler | title = 'Kick-Ass' Deleted Scenes... Revealed! | url = http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/04/15/kick-ass-deleted-scenes/ | work = MTV.com | publisher = [[Viacom]] }} </ref> The film was released on DVD and Blu-Ray on 3 August 2010 in North America.<ref>{{cite web | date = 3 August 2010 | first = Nick | last = McAnulty | title = Sometimes being a hero takes more than leaping off of tall buildings | url = http://www.mtv.ca/moviehead/article.jhtml?id=27628 | publisher = [[CTVglobemedia]] | work = [[MTV Canada]] | accessdate = 29 August 2010 }} </ref> This version does not contain the aforementioned deleted content.{{Citation needed|date=September 2010}} Selling 1.4&nbsp;million units within its first week, one-third of these in Blu-Ray format, ''Kick-Ass'' debuted at number one on the DVD sales chart.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.cnbc.com/id/38821668 | title = Lionsgate's Blockbuster defense vs. Icahn | date = 23 August 2010 | first = Julia | last = Boorstin | publisher = [[CNBC]] | accessdate = 29 August 2010 }} </ref><ref>{{cite news | date = 12 August 2010 | title = "Kick-Ass" debuts at number one on the DVD sales chart | url = http://www.hollywoodnews.com/2010/08/12/kick-ass-debuts-at-number-one-on-the-dvd-sales-chart/ | work = HollywoodNews.com | accessdate = 29 August 2010 }} </ref> The discs {{show by date|2010|09|06|will be|were}} released in the United Kingdom on 6 September 2010.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.syfy.co.uk/blog/exclusive-kick-ass-concept-art | title= Exclusive - Kick-Ass Concept Art | publisher=[[Syfy (United Kingdom)|Syfy]] | accessdate=29 August 2010 }}</ref> == Video games == The video game based on the movie was produced by WHA Entertainment and [[Frozen Codebase]]. It was released through the [[App Store]] on 15 April 2010 for [[iPhone]] and [[iPod Touch]].<ref name="IGNGame">{{cite news | date=16 April 2010 | url = http://wireless.ign.com/articles/108/1084199p1.html | title = WHA Entertainment Launches Kick-Ass for Apple iPhone, iTouch, and iPad | work = [[IGN]] | publisher = [[News Corporation]] | accessdate = 2010-04-19 }} </ref> The initial Apple platform releases were reportedly unfinished beta versions and were withdrawn from circulation pending a relaunch of a finished version.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPhone/Kick-Ass/news.asp?c=20018 | title = Kick-Ass iPhone game suffers early criticism, gets pulled from the App Store | first = Rob | last = Hearn | publisher = Pocket Gamer | date=18 April 2010 | accessdate = 2010-04-19 }}</ref> The game was released on [[PlayStation Network]] on 29 April 2010.<ref name="IGNGame" /> Kick-Ass, Hit-Girl and Big Daddy are playable characters. The game features [[Facebook]] missions and integration.<ref>{{cite web | title = PlayStation Network, iPhone Getting A Kick-Ass Game | url = http://kotaku.com/5477740/playstation-network-iphone-getting-a-kick+ass-game }} {{Youtube|rxErqessLnA|Kick-Ass movie game – iPhone / PlayStation 3 ( PS3 PSN ) – Hit-Girl gameplay official debut trailer}} </ref> Both versions of the game received poor reviews.<ref name="meta-game">{{cite web | title = Kick-Ass PlayStation 3 | url = http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/kickass | work = [[Metacritic]] | publisher = [[CBS Interactive]] | accessdate = 2010-08-15 }} </ref> == Sequels == {{Anchor|Sequel|Sequels}} Director Matthew Vaughn has expressed interest in a sequel.<ref name="vaughn-interview" /> Vaughn also said, "No, we're not [planning a sequel]. If it continues doing well, then we might but I just don't like counting my chickens before the eggs hatched."<ref>{{cite web | date = 6 April 2010 | title = Kick-Ass Sequel Delayed | url = http://movies.sky.com/kick-ass-sequel-delayed | work = Sky movies | publisher = [[News Corporation]] | accessdate = 2010-04-06 }}</ref> Moretz is enthusiastic about the idea of a sequel and said she would love to reprise the role of Hit-Girl.<ref name="mtv-moretz" /> On 16 March 2010, Mark Millar said he would begin writing a sequel comic book in April.<ref>{{cite web | title = Millar talks up Kick-Ass 2 | url = http://www.totalfilm.com/news/millar-talks-up-kick-ass-2 | work = [[Total Film]] }} </ref> On 9 April 2010, Millar revealed details for the second series, which he said would involve criminals taking on supervillain personae to counter the superheroes, and Hit-Girl trying to lead a normal life.<ref>{{cite video | date = April 9, 2010 | url = http://movies.ign.com/dor/objects/32667/kick-ass-2/videos/MarkMillar_KickAss2.html | title = Kick-Ass 2 Movie Interview | work = [[IGN]] | publisher = [[News Corporation]] }} (Video)</ref> In a 31 August 2010 interview with [[Richard Bacon (TV presenter)|Richard Bacon]] on [[BBC Radio 5 Live]], Millar suggested that a sequel might have been given a go-ahead, speculating, "The estimate is [''Kick-Ass''] will do 100 to 150&nbsp;million on DVD based on the American sales, you know, so it'll end up making a quarter of a billion on a 28&nbsp;million investment. So it should be okay. So the sequel's green-lit, we can go ahead and do the follow up now, you know. The first made so much compared to what it cost it would be crazy not to."<ref>{{cite web | date = August 31, 2010 | last1 = Connelly | first1 = Brendon | url = http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/08/31/millar-says-kick-ass-2-has-been-greenlit-tony-scott-is-going-after-johnny-depp-and-brad-pitt/ | title = Millar Says ''Kick-Ass 2'' Has Been Greenlit, Tony Scott Is 'Going After' Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt | work = BleedingCool.com }} includes transcription of portion of radio interview. </ref> == References == {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} == External links == {{Portalbox|United States|United Kingdom|Comics|Films}} {{Wikiquote|Kick-Ass}} {{Commons category}} * {{Official website|http://kickass-themovie.com/}} * [http://www.youtube.com/user/kickass Kick-Ass] at [[YouTube]] * {{IMDB title|1250777|Kick-Ass}} * {{Amg title|468124|Kick-Ass}} * {{mojo title|kickass|Kick-Ass}} * {{rotten-tomatoes|1217700|Kick-Ass}} * {{metacritic film|kickass|Kick-Ass}} * {{top250 movie|id=1250777|title=Kick-Ass}} {{Matthew Vaughn}} {{Mark Millar|type=film}} {{Marvel Comics films}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2010}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Kick-Ass (Film)}} [[Category:2010 films]] [[Category:American action comedy films]] [[Category:British films]] [[Category:English-language films]] [[Category:2010s action films]] [[Category:2010s comedy films]] [[Category:British action films]] [[Category:British comedy films]] [[Category:Films based on Marvel comics]] [[Category:Films set in New York City]] [[Category:Films shot anamorphically]] [[Category:Films shot in Toronto]] [[Category:Focus Features films]] [[Category:Lions Gate films]] [[Category:Pinewood films]] [[Category:Superhero comedy films]] [[Category:Superhero films]] [[Category:American teen films]] [[Category:Universal Pictures films]] [[Category:Girls with guns films]] [[Category:American teen comedy films]] [[Category:Vigilante films]] [[da:Kick-Ass (film)]] [[de:Kick-Ass (Film)]] [[et:Kick-Ass (film)]] [[es:Kick-Ass (película)]] [[fa:کیک-اس]] [[fr:Kick-Ass]] [[it:Kick-Ass (film)]] [[he:קיק אס]] [[ms:Kick-Ass (filem)]] [[nl:Kick-Ass (film)]] [[ja:キック・アス (映画)]] [[no:Kick-Ass]] [[pl:Kick-Ass]] [[pt:Kick-Ass (filme)]] [[ru:Пипец (фильм)]] [[simple:Kick-Ass]] [[fi:Kick-Ass]] [[sv:Kick-Ass (film)]] [[th:เกรียนโคตร มหาประลัย]] [[tr:Kick-Ass]] [[zh:特攻聯盟]]'