Based on the graphic novel sensation by Mark Millar (Wanted), director Matthew Vaughn's cutting-edge adaptation is refreshing, if somewhat controversial. It follows the exploits of high-school nerd Dave Lizewski (a perfectly cast Aaron Johnson), whose attempts to reinvent himself as real-world superhero Kick-Ass seem doomed to failure - largely owing to his utter lack of powers. Until, that is, the boy blunder meets Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage in hilarious, Adam West as Batman mode) and his 11-year-old daughter Hit Girl (Chloë Moretz), who are determined to crush Mafia boss Frank D'Amico (Mark Strong). The movie is unsteady and slapdash before the main revenge plot sets in, but once Hit Girl starts swearing like a trooper and causing major bad-guy damage, Vaughn's witty verve, instinctive knack for bizarre counterpoint and sheer bravado speed the cartoon violence towards a manic action climax. A sophisticated and sometimes shocking parody laced with wistful comic-book nostalgia, this is cult film-making on a big scale.

Dave Lizewski is an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan who one day decides to become a super-hero, even though he has no powers, training or meaningful reason to do so.