Three years ago, “Kick-Ass” burst into theatres and won over a lot of fans with its over the top action and endless one-liners. Besides super heroes are all the rage these days and the R-rated comedy and violence was a surprisingly refreshing change of pace.

But the truth is, it worked mainly because of Chloe Grace-Moretz and her, for lack of a better phrase, kick ass turn as the sweet and innocent little bad ass, Hit Girl. But it was funny then because not a lot of girls that age run around with a mouth like that.

In “Kick-Ass 2”, she’s in high school. It’s still funny but it’s just not shocking anymore. 

Picking up some time after the first movie, “Kick-Ass” finds both Dave Lizewski (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Mindy Macready (Grace-Moretz) on a journey to discover who they really are. There’s a lot of hokey super hero stuff, you know, the ‘you’re a hero because of what’s in your heart not because you wear a mask’….that sort of thing.

It’s not necessarily bad, it’s just not as fresh. There’s great action but sadly, no Nicolas Cage. Instead we get Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes. The dude is barely recognizable and gives one of his best performances in years.

Read my full review for ‘Kick-Ass 2’ at Examiner.com

Release date: August 17, 2013

Written and directed by: Jeff Wadlow

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Clark Duke, and Jim Carrey

‘Kick-Ass 2’ extended RED BAND theatrical trailer

Photo and trailer are property of Universal Pictures