I saw the movie "Kick-Ass" this afternoon at the Capitol. First time with the main screen, and I must say, they did a nice job with the restoration. However, we gotta support it. Today, there were 4 of us there. That ups the total for my last two movies there to 5 patrons. Ouch. Can't figure if it was reviews or the fact the R-rating prevented the kiddies from attending.

Anyhow, I was going to pass on "Kick-Ass". The previews did nothing for me. I'm not Comic Book Guy either, but with all of the debate going on about this movie (Roger Ebert called it "morally reprehensible"), I had to see it. And I'm glad I did. I loved it.

It's funny, the story that involved the character Kick-Ass didn't really do too much for me. The "bored teen as superhero" angle was decent enough, but the movie kicks into the highest gear when "Hit Girl" and "Big Daddy" come on the scene. Big Daddy is Damon Macready, played by Nicolas Cage and he is insanely over-the-top as an ex-cop with revenge on his mind. And an Adam West voice when he dons Big Daddy's pseudo-Batman outfit. And Hit Girl is his 11-year old daughter, Mindy Macready, played by Chloe Grace Moretz, who steals the movie. See, Big Daddy has trained his little daughter in all different sorts of weaponry: Guns, knives, ninja stars, etc. Plus, she has a foul mouth, too. We are introduced to them as Big Daddy is firing bullets at her, so she's not scared when the real thing happens.

For all of the talk, I didn't think it was that violent. I understand the trepidation of an 11-year old wreaking havoc with all of the weapons, but it was never an issue for me. Really good choreography on the shooting sequences, mindful of "Shoot Em Up". The villains were great, especially the main drug kingpin, played by Mark Strong, who I last saw in "RocknRolla". McLovin played his son, who'll do anything to get into Dad's business. The head sidekick was Joey Fusco, Jr. No matter what movie he shows up in, he'll always be Joey Fusco, Jr. to me.















And the soundtrack. Good God, full of choice tunes. I heard the "Banana Splits Theme" by The Dickies during Hit Girl's first fight scene. Of course, "Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett was the only choice as she was blasting away near the end. Even Sparks with "This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us" was used as Kick-Ass realized there were other superheroes out there. "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley was featured. Morricone's "A Few Dollars More" was in there, too. And last, but not least, Elvis(!) with the "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Kudos to whoever chose the music.

We always get bored with the formulaic when it comes to film, but this is so unique, I can't see how anyone wouldn't like it. And if you wear the Hit Girl costume for Halloween, trust me, you'll be the coolest kid on the block.

Meal of Links

How to access blocked websites. The BBC one might be worth a look.

Tina Fey backlash. Huh? Includes "Brownie Husband".

The concept of True Fans. If you are a musician and can somehow find 300-400 "true fans' willing to spend $100 a year on you, you could make a decent living.

Exercise Yard

Cavs, Cavs, Cavs! Forget the closeness of the score, they won this one early.

Visitor

10 Down: Pitcher who was a 2008 post-season standout for the Phillies (10 letters) Answer: Cole Hamels