This movie starts out by satirizing the comic book genre, then showing the reality of what would happen if you were to become a superhero, and then finally becomes a part of the genre that it began satirizing. All the way to the final frame where the movie leaves itself open for a sequel. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it actually reaches out to its main fanbase and thus makes the movie more enjoyable.The movie follows the evolution of nerdy high school student as Dave Lizewski wishes to become a superhero without any training or superior talent, just the drive and passion. As you would imagine he becomes capable of taking quite the beating. But really he is just the catalyst for all the other characters around him
The real heroes of the story turn out to be a former cop and his 13 year old daughter (played by Nicolas Cage and Chloe Moretz respectively). I have never hidden my vile for Nicolas Cage and everything he has ever been in, but I actually enjoy him in this role. The character combines the loving support of Ward Cleaver with the blood lust of The Bride from the Kill Bill series. His Adam West speaking voice combined with the soft and loving nature of his voice with the content of his message creates a wonderful character.
Then there is Mindy Macready the little girl in pig tails. The sensible man of society in me should be disgusted that Hollywood can allow a little girl to be subjected to so much for the sake of entertainment. But the fan boy in me tells the other half to shut the hell up because its funny to watch a little girl use the C-word.
The movie shifts focus about half way through when the these three characters meet up. It becomes more about Hit Girl and Big Daddy then Dave using his superhero alter ego to gain confidence and to bang the school hottie.
The movie caught a lot of flack for casting a 13 year old in a role that harbors so much death, but the movie is a comedy. We laugh at the gruesome and awesome ways the bad guys are laid to waste, and that's how we know that the movie shouldn't be taken seriously. Parents be warned this isn't for younger eyes, but the movie is definitely for the kid in you. B
