Universal Pictures
Kick-Ass 2 may be a live-action cartoon, but its clear-eyed sentiments go well below the surface. The movie, directed by Jeff Wadlow, poses the question of whether the costumed life one takes on – as do the superheroes here – is more true and valid than one’s “real” life without an alternate wardrobe. This question – which includes the ideas of secrecy and concealment (Pluto), deceit (Neptune), and identity (Saturn) – delivers a grown-up punch to KA2’s puerile frame.
Chris a/k/a Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) is still reeling from the demise of his father at the hands of Dave a/k/a Kick-Ass (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), whose heroics have inspired other would-be good-guy vigilantes to save the city from criminal activity.
After a respite from his feats, Kick-Ass wants back in the game, despite his father’s protests to stay out. He starts a grueling fitness regime with his co-hort Mindy a/k/a Hit Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) – these teens would like to fight as a superheroes pair. But Mindy’s lovingly stern guardian Marcus – he was the law-enforcement partner of the girl’s now deceased father – forbids her to go back into the field for her own safety. (She nevertheless gets to wage a different battle of comeuppance with supervillain mean girls at her school.) Dave begins patrolling with a group of likeable superheroes under the aegis of Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey).
What fuels Mindy to disobey Marcus and don her street attire is the decision of Chris – he’s taken on the name Motherf**ker, with a goal of avenging his father’s death – to create a cadre of supervillains under his command.
The movie makes a strong case that the persona we take on is, indeed, a validation of our gifts at birth – and that owning it is worth the fight (Mars). Astrologically, this speaks to the importance of a person’s rising sign, a/k/a ascendant, in fulfilling one’s life plan.
An even more intriguing element in the script is the word “archetype,” included in the dialog spoken by Motherf**cker, who uses the term to describe supervillain code names, such as Genghis Carnage, Tumor, Mother Russia. Archetypes – patterns that spring up from the collective unconscious – are instantly recognized by all cultures because of their universality.
KA2 wisely hints that high school is a good place for young people to get their masks on straight. As Hit Girl says, “Kick Ass is not a costume – it’s who you really are.”
Astrology Film Review: ♂ (Mars)
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