The premise of this great film is so simple one has to wonder why nobody thought of it before. Young Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) decides to fight crime and becomes a non super hero, aka Kick-Ass.

Matthew Vaughn goes from strength to strength in the directorial stakes. Layer Cake was a terrific gangster film, Stardust was a wonderful fantasy/fairytale and with Kick-Ass he cements his place as one the most inventive and entertaining directors ever to grace the silver screen. By arranging funding for the film himself, he was free of studio interference, thereby creating his own vision, and what vision. This has to be the most entertaining, original, visceral and mindblowingly brilliant comic book film ever made.

When Kick-Ass first hits the streets he gets his ass well and truly kicked and ends up with a long stay in hospital. A lot of his bones are replaced with metal, (perhaps a nod to Wolverine). He toughens up and hits the steets again with better results. On the way he meets up with crime fighting duo Big Daddy(Cage really enjoying himself)) and Hitgirl (a stunning performance from 11 yr old Chloe Moretz). The ripe language Hitgirl uses may offend the more sensitive, but it suits the character perfectly. Between them they plan to take down mob boss Frank D'Amico (the dependable Mark Strong). The fly in their ointment is Chris D'Amico/Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse taking a step up from his great turn as McLovin in Superbad).
The action is first class, great stuntwork and incredible and convincing fight scenes add to the potent mix of profanity and ultra violence.

Nicholas Cage deserves a special mention for his great performance as Big Daddy, doing an admirable impression of Adam Wests' Batman. However all the plaudits have to go to newcomer Chloe Moretz as Hitgirl, she completely steals the show.

I defy anyone not to feel entertained after viewing this fantastic film. If you only see one film this year make it Kick-Ass. I can't recommend it enough.