Even more violent DIY superheroes take to the streets.

2010′s Kick Ass was a fresh take on the superhero genre and successfully adapted a popular comic book to the big screen. Although it didn’t make blockbuster money the movie was relatively inexpensive to make and found a bigger audience once it was released on DVD. Matthew Vaughn decided not to return to the director’s chair for this unexpected sequel, he remains involved as one of the producers but this follow-up lacks the punch of the original.

Three years on from the first film, nerdy high-school kid Dave Lizewski (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is still just as much of an underdog despite his secret identity. When his offer of a crime fighting partnership is rejected by the now orphaned Mindy (AKA Hit Girl Chloë Grace Moretz) she agrees to train him so he stands a chance of not getting instantly killed. As Mindy goes off to high-school and faces a new set of challenges, Dave joins forces with hero team Justice Forever lead by the deeply unbalanced Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey).

Making good (or should that be bad) on his promise at the end of Kick Ass, Christopher Mintz-Plasse stands his ground as the main villain and he’s rebranded himself from Red Midst to The Motherf***er (after accidentally killing his mother in a freak tanning accident). Using his new found wealth The Motherf***er hires the ultimate band of misfits and they wreak havoc across the city in a bid to avenge his father’s death.

Jeff Wadlow makes his directorial debut assuming the reigns from Matthew Vaughn, Wadlow’s script is peppered with the same sense of humour but lacks the polish of Vaughn and his regular writing partner Jane Goldman (Stardust, X-Men). Rather than expanding on the existing characters Wadlow feels the need to overcrowd the movie with too many masked vigilantes.

Jim Carrey did the marketing department a massive favour when he withdrew his support for the film owing to the high levels of violence. Naturally this caused a wave of controversy and once again raised the question of violence in movies. Without wadding too deeply into this subject the fact that the film has been rated 15 not 18 should give you an indication of what too expect. Yes it’s a violent profanity heavy movie that tests the limits of what a 15 rated film can get away with, so if this isn’t your particular cup of tea just don’t go and see it. Carrey’s performance is tremendous (albeit brief) fun and it’s a shame he has distanced himself from the movie as it’s the most enjoyable he’s been onscreen in years.

Occasionally all the violence and offensive names for superheroes comes off as forced with some shameless pandering to the lowest common denominator. However, if you have read any of the comic books it’s based on, the movie version has actually toned things down drastically. The knowing self aware streak that ran through the first film doesn’t work as well second time round and the movie suffers all the major problems that just about every superhero sequel faces. Thankfully the pint sized Chloë Grace Moretz acts her socks off once again and steals the whole film, no superhero skills required just awesome acting.

Following a relentless summer of big movies something smaller and more grown up is a welcome pallet cleanser, even if it is rough around the edges. The ending leaves the door open for further adventures but the poor box office so far and negative reviews would suggest another sequel is unlikely. To class Kick Ass 2 as a failure would be unfair, given the modest success of the original the sequel only has to get within touching distance of its $96 million worldwide tally to be considered a minor win. We’re constantly bombarded with super-sized sequels that simply don’t deliver, Kick Ass 2 might not be as good as the original but it’s a heck of a lot better than some of the other summer sequels that cost five times as much.

Kick Ass 2 is out now in cinemas everywhere.

*****

Kick Ass 2 Trailer