Kick-Ass 2
Release Date: August 16 Oscar Prospects: Bad So far, the thing Kick-Ass 2 has become most known for is Jim Carrey's refusal to promote the violent film due to his new found hard line stance on gun control and violence. Regardless of Mr. Carrey's political conscious though, fans of the original film are just excited to see a continuation of the DIY superhero saga. Based on the comic book by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr., the original Kick-Ass followed the exploits of the teenage Dave Lizewski, a low-fi, self-made super hero of sorts who becomes a cultural sensation when an internet video of his alter ego, Kick-Ass, doing some heroic deeds goes viral. The original film, with its uber-violence and relatively realistic feel for the superhero genre, proved to be a small but distinct hit in the early months of 2010. Especially considering its comparatively modest budget for the action genre (around $30 million), the film made quite a tidy profit for the companies involved. The sequel finds Kick-Ass joining a brigade of self-appointed vigilantes citizens who decide to fight crime on their own terms. Meanwhile, Kick-Ass' arch nemesis, Red Mist, is behind the scenes plotting a devious plan of revenge against the hero for the events of the first film. Other than the aforementioned Carrey, the film sees the return of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Chloe Grace Mortez (what's with all the long names in the Kick-Ass ensemble?). My gut tells me the film won't do as good as the original. Kick-Ass 2 is being directed by Jeff Wadlow, stepping in the shoes of the original film's director Matthew Vaughn, who doesn't has much to his name in terms of resume. I also get the feeling that while the original was successful, it wasn't necessarily a story that audiences were begging for a sequel to (unlike the Marvel movies with all their lore and interconnections), so don't be surprised if the movie flops. As for the Academy Awards... Uh, no. Possible nominations: None