The Nicolas Cage Violent Comedy On Netflix That’s Better Than Any Marvel Movie
The 2010 Nicolas Cage movie, Kick-Ass is currently streaming on Netflix. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the black comedy action film challenges traditional superhero tropes while offering a unique blend of humor, violence, and social commentary. It is based on the 2008 comic book of the same name by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.
Nicolas Cage plays a superhero in Kick-Ass, now streaming on Netflix.
The story follows Dave Lizewski (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), an ordinary high school student who decides to become a real-life superhero. Armed with determination and no special abilities, Dave creates the Kick-Ass persona and hits the streets to fight crime. However, the harsh reality of crime-fighting quickly dawns upon him as he faces dangerous and ruthless adversaries.
In his crusade, Kick-Ass crosses paths with Big Daddy/Damon Macready (Nicolas Cage) and his young daughter Hit-Girl/ Mindy Macready (Chloe Grace Moretz). The dynamic vigilante duo seeks vengeance against crime lord Frank D’Amico (Mark Strong), who framed Damon, resulting in his incarceration. After his wife’s suicide, their daughter Mindy was left in his care.
Disregarding the advice of his former partner Marcus Williams (Omari Hardwick), Damon trained himself and Mindy to counter Frank’s criminal operations. Their attacks on Frank’s warehouses, funds, and drugs attract his attention, though the crime boss believes Kick-Ass is responsible. Frank’s son Chris (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) takes on the mantle of Red Mist and befriends Kick-Ass to learn his identity.
As tensions escalate, Kick-Ass contemplates retiring from his superhero role and shares his secret identity with his crush, Katie. Meanwhile, Red Mist orchestrates a plan to uncover the truth about Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) and Hit-Girl. A series of fights lead to an intense showdown between vigilantes and criminals. Amid the chaos, secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and loyalties are questioned.
How Kick-Ass Was Received
Kick-Ass received mostly positive reviews from viewers and critics who celebrated the film’s innovative approach of blending gritty realism with dark humor. Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of Big Daddy and Chloe Grace Moretz’s fearless performance as Hit-Girl received acclaim. However, there was some controversy regarding the film’s depiction of violence and profanity involving Hit-Girl’s character.
Kick-Ass enjoyed modest success at the global box office, grossing approximately $96 million against a budget of $30-38 million. The film’s popularity laid the foundation for a sequel. Released in 2013 and directed by Jeff Wadlow, Kick-Ass 2 continues the story of the amateur superheroes in a world where more individuals are inspired to don costumes and fight crime.
The movie starts with Dave Lizewski (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Mindy Macready (Chloe Grace Moretz) trying to lead normal lives without their superhero alter egos, Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl. Dave (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) joins a team of fellow amateur superheroes called “Justice Forever,” led by the ex-mafia enforcer Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey), who is a born-again Christian.
Kick-Ass 2 delves deeper into the complexities of being a superhero, exploring the consequences of choices made in the name of justice. The film retains the dark humor and intense action of its predecessor while delving into the emotional struggles and growth of its characters. Nicolas Cage’s character, Damon Macready/Big Daddy, does not appear in the sequel.
Interestingly, Nicolas Cage drew inspiration from Adam West’s Batman for his portrayal of Big Daddy. The character Red Mist was portrayed differently in the movie compared to the source material. In the realm of superhero films, Kick-Ass stands as a trailblazer, delivering an unconventional take on heroism while exploring the moral complexities that arise from wielding power.
Nicolas Cage In Hollywood
Nicolas Cage’s acting career has been a rollercoaster of hits and misses, but his unwavering commitment to diverse roles is undeniable. From his iconic performances in Leaving Las Vegas and Adaptation to more unconventional choices in films like The Wicker Man, Cage’s range knows no bounds.
Nicolas Cage will next be seen in The Retirement Plan. Billed as an action comedy, the movie is directed and written by Tim Brown. The story follows Matt, a retired beach dweller, who leaves his quiet life behind to help his estranged daughter, Ashley escape a dangerous crime boss. The more time Ashley spends with her father, she realizes he has a secret identity she didn’t know about.
The Retirement Plan is set to release on August 25. In the meantime, Nicolas Cage fans can catch him in Kick-Ass, currently streaming on Netflix.
