Aaron Taylor-Johnson Was ‘Kick-Ass’ Before ‘Kraven the Hunter’

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  • ‘Kick-Ass’ Is a Fun Movie With a Dark Side
  • ‘Kick-Ass’ Is a Very 2010s Movie
  • ‘Kick-Ass’ Fans Should Be Excited for ‘Kraven the Hunter’

As a long-time fan of action films and a connoisseur of Aaron Taylor-Johnson‘s versatile acting prowess, I must say that the upcoming “Kraven the Hunter” movie has me more than just a tad excited! Having watched Taylor-Johnson’s journey from Kick-Ass to his roles in movies like “Nocturnal Animals” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” it’s fascinating to see how he’s grown as an actor.

It appears that effectively subverting traditional superhero tropes has been challenging in contemporary cinema, primarily because we’re still in the golden age of these characters for a significant portion. Only when we gain some distance from the genre’s peak can we truly make fun of it. The 2010 film “Kick-Ass” by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, in this context, represents a unique moment in popular culture and superhero culture. It managed to strike a balance between parody and fulfillment of desires, offering both satire and a nod to the appeal of costumed heroes, making it an underrated gem that delivers as well as takes punches.

Prior to Matthew Vaughn stirring up controversy with Argylle, he infused his unique mix of playful ultra-violence and sophisticated storytelling into the relatively overlooked film, Kick-Ass. In retrospect, while not every aspect has held up flawlessly over time, there remains a raw edge to it that shrewdly satirizes our fixation on superheroes. The main character, Kick-Ass, embarks on a coming-of-age tale filled with teenage turmoil reminiscent of a Spider-Man comic book series.

With Taylor-Johnson unveiling “Kraven the Hunter”, there’s much to glean about the genre he satirized around 15 years ago, as demonstrated in “Kick-Ass”. This film cleverly embraces superhero tropes while keeping in mind the gritty, less heroic aspects of the role. What makes “Kick-Ass” a standout film? How does it hold up today? Why should fans of this movie look forward to “Kraven the Hunter”? Here’s a rundown.

‘Kick-Ass’ Is a Fun Movie With a Dark Side

The movie “Kick-Ass” begins just as it plans to continue, by depicting an aspiring hero accidentally falling from a skyscraper. Essentially, that’s the gist of the film, where Taylor-Johnson transforms into Kick-Ass and endures numerous beatings while attempting to combat crime. The movie is brutal, merciless, and somewhat disquieting initially. Taylor-Johnson portrays Kick-Ass with the innocent enthusiasm fitting for the character. He isn’t the central figure in his own narrative; instead, he tags along with two seasoned heroes, one of whom is a young girl, to observe their actions.

The film “Kick-Ass” offers an insight into the perils and mind-altering effects of this profession, making individuals believe they are supreme guardians. During that era, superhero movies were predominantly in their cheesy phases, with titles like “Elektra” and “X-Men.” Few films had depicted superheroes from a gritty, realistic angle at the time. Vaughn infuses his signature violent style to demonstrate the enjoyment it can provide as well. It’s challenging to discern the movie’s intended stance, as it often appears more like a reflection of 2010’s superhero culture than a timeless parody piece. This is primarily due to the scarcity of high-quality superhero film examples back then.

‘Kick-Ass’ Is a Very 2010s Movie

Kick-Ass straddles the line between glorifying and satirizing, creating a tone distinctively tied to its release period. It effectively distinguishes heroes from ordinary individuals, elevating the former to mythical status that resembles comic book adaptations more than contemporary films. Initially, Kick-Ass begins by dissecting the hero’s persona but eventually blends Kick-Ass with them, rather than maintaining a clear distinction in portraying what it means to be a hero. This narrative approach is characteristic of its era, which doesn’t necessarily imply a negative aspect. With superheroes becoming increasingly popular in pop culture, current movies no longer need to depict civilians viewing them as ‘oddities’ or ‘misfits.’

The movie “Kick-Ass” grapples with an intriguing question about its maturation process, making its evolution over time even more fascinating. Just like many of Vaughn’s productions, it subtly adds a touch of maturity to a familiar genre, much like “Kingsman: The Secret Service”. It invites us into this world without fully revealing its mysteries, offering an engaging viewing experience. However, it hasn’t provided any groundbreaking insights on how to depict heroes and villains in the future.

‘Kick-Ass’ Fans Should Be Excited for ‘Kraven the Hunter’

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is an underestimated actor with a knack for portraying characters across the emotional spectrum. The maturity required for Kraven, as depicted in the movie “Kick-Ass,” becomes more evident as the story unfolds. Kraven represents the kind of figure that Kick-Ass looks up to and aspires to emulate, provided he could save a cat from a tree rather than killing people. In essence, Kraven embodies the stereotypical macho figure that Kick-Ass mocks, making his potential transformation intriguing for Taylor-Johnson, who hasn’t had many opportunities to shine as a main character. This role also highlights how contemporary superhero movies seem to be moving away from self-awareness compared to earlier productions.

While not all films need to be intellectually complex, Kick-Ass aimed to revolutionize the depiction of gritty realities in superhero stories. If Kraven the Hunter appears more conventional, it might suggest that Kick-Ass didn’t quite achieve its goal. A break from superhero narratives could offer a broader perspective on the genre’s evolution, from X-Men and Spider-Man to Captain Marvel and Agatha All Along. The genre has faced an unusual trajectory in its eagerness to tell reimagined stories before the trend fully subsides. Kick-Ass serves as one of the early instances of this phenomenon. It explores the aftermath of a hero’s fall and the harsh impact of such a descent. Kraven the Hunter is set to hit cinemas on December 13.

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2024-12-14 18:01