Kick-Ass 2 Review

Jeff Wadlow's 'Kick-Ass 2' is a shallow sequel. It's one of those follow-ups that doesn't understand what made the original film work. Becoming an occasionally enjoyable knock-off while Matthew Vaughn's 'Kick-Ass' was an absurdly entertaining mix of violence and comedy. On top of that, this sequel is so mean spirited it makes you feel downright dirty.

All the big elements are back. Aaron Taylor-Johnson returns as the geeky superhero Kick-Ass. Chloë Moretz reignites controversy as Hit Girl. And Christoper Mintz-Plasse takes over from Mark Strong as the film's main baddie. The biggest new name must be Jim Carrey. Who plays a religious nutcase known as Colonel Stars & Stripes. Carrey is the one of the film's sole highlights.

Much like the original there's lots of swearing and cussing. Of course there's also an unhealthy amount of violence, but if you're going to see a movie called 'Kick-Ass 2' you can't really complain about that. You can complain about the overall quality. This flick feels like it should've gone straight to DVD. It's simply doesn't operate on the same level as Vaughn's original.

I'm not arguing that the first 'Kick-Ass' was some kind of masterpiece. However it was funny, well-paced and action packed. It had a huge amount of wit and (semi-)intelligence. All of which 'Kick-Ass 2' isn't able to match. The first film had Nicholas Cage in a role that didn't feel like stunt casting. Cage was a perfect fit for an insane superhero. Here we get Jim Carry, whose greatness is wasted on a bit part. It's just a missed opportunity.

The only real exception to the rule is Chloë Moretz. Who jumps at the chance to explore Hit Girl's twisted psyche. Along with Moretz we discover that the apple didn't fall from the tree. Hit Girl (aka Mindy) is just as bat-shit insane as her old man. Stubbornly believing in the virtues of vigilantism even though everything that happens to her and her loved ones should make her think twice.

So while 'Kick-Ass' seemed aware of its skewed morality, this sequel isn't. In fact, the filmmakers seem to revel in being as crass and violent as possible. There's a handful of moments that echo the original's sense of fun but those aren't enough for 'Kick-Ass 2' to redeem itself. As it stands, this sequel is barely worth your time. You're better off watching Matthew Vaughn's original again instead. 

The Expendables 2 Review

It's safe to say that 'The Expendables 2' is the film 'The Expendables' should have been. The original film, directed by none other than Sylvester Stallone, teased us by featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis. However we never really got what we wanted. We wanted to see these badasses go to battle, shoulder to shoulder. Now with the sequel we get that, and more.

'The Expendables 2' is a bad movie, however it's my favourite kind of bad movie. The one that knows exactly how bad it is and doesn't give a rat's ass. Instead, it just goes all out on violence and stupidity. Unlike the first film the humor in this one works. Sure, most of it's funny moments consist of movie references that are as subtle as an armour piercing bullet to the head. But it's all in good fun and I, for one, can't get enough of Schwarzenegger's hilarious delivery of the line ''I'll be back!''.

Taking over directing duties is Simon West, an experienced director whose 'Con Air' still ranks as one of the most enjoyable action flicks of the '90s. The film feels a lot less tired than its predecessor and gives us a good blend of over the top violence and comedy. Of course, it's the talent in front of the camera that people are interested in. And as if the first film wasn't star-studded enough Stallone found some other well-known faces.

Aside from Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Willis, Jet Li, Jason Statham and Dolph Lundgren the sequel adds Jean-Claude van Damme and Chuck Norris to the mix. Norris, whose image has been inflated by a dated internet hype, feels shoe-horned in and his introduction marks yet another cinematic insult to Ennio Morricone's iconic theme for 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly'.

No, of all the stars in this movie there are two who really steal the show. First is Jean-Claude van Damme, whose aptly-named character Vilain is wonderful. His playful but violent behaviour makes him a great adversary for the rather bland Stallone character. The other actor is Dolph Lundgren who, with his Lurch-like appearance, manages to pull off some of the film's best gags.

Basically, 'The Expendables 2' has everything you might want in an action movie. There's carnage, explosions, lame oneliners, a good villain and a familiar cast. Some of the CGI might not be up to snuff but aside from that you get a ludicrous amount of loud noises and fancy fistfights. It's definitely good enough to warrant another sequel. Rumour has it that Wesley Snipes, Harrison Ford and Clint Eastwood are being considered to join the cast. If any of those fellows end up in part three my butt is in the seat for sure!