Kick-Ass

Kick-Ass is currently streaming in the US on Peacock Premium and Philo, and its case-by-case structure never gets in the way of the bigger story. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. 12,464 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Watch Aaron Taylor-Johnson work — the performance is a masterclass in restraint. Put it on tonight on Peacock Premium and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Kick-Ass is worth clearing space for. The plotting in Kick-Ass is tight enough that the twists feel earned rather than assembled. 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. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Chloë Grace Moretz lead a cast that gives the tension real weight. It hit screens in 2010. Kick-Ass is at its best in the quiet scenes between the plot beats, where the character work actually happens. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Crime and mystery fans will find exactly what they are after in Kick-Ass. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Aaron Taylor-Johnson's performance is the kind that shows up on best-of lists years later. If you have been looking for something to fill the gap left by a recently finished story, this is a reliable answer.