Can Roger Ebert's 'Kick-Ass' Movie Review Protect America's Youth?

By Amber James Posted Apr 16th 2010 03:00PM

As 'Kick-Ass' opens in theaters, critic Roger Ebert warns movie fans in his one star review that the action flick is "morally reprehensible." Despite the film's R rating, the famed movie critic is fixated on the effect its 11-year-old main character Hit Girl will have on younger audiences.

In the film, Mindy (Chloe Grace Moretz) and her father (Nicolas Cage) try to become superheroes. During one scene, the young girl kills a gangster mob by shooting, stabbing and kicking them all to death. The knife-carrying child has quite a dirty mouth, too, uttering words even adults would be embarrassed to say. While the satire likely won't birth a new group of gun-slingers in America, Ebert stands by his review. "Say what you will about her character, but Chloe Grace Moretz has presence and appeal. Then the movie moved into dark, dark territory, and I grew sad," he wrote.

It's no secret Ebert has been an outspoken opponent of the Motion Picture Association of America's film rating system when it comes to which movies are "suitable for children." Ebert often attacks films featuring a diluted message that bad behavior can bring happiness -- especially when young characters are involved in the controversial, adult-themed plots.

(Warning mature audiences only: watch the red band trailer.)

Earlier this year, Ebert gave 'The Lovely Bones' a scathing review and pondered the psychological effects the film may have on young female audiences. "It is a deplorable film with this message: If you're a 14-year-old girl who has been brutally raped and murdered by a serial killer, you have a lot to look forward to," he wrote. "Sure, you miss your friends, but your fellow fatalities come dancing to greet you in a meadow of wildflowers, and how cool is that?"

"The murder of a young person is a tragedy, the murderer is a monster, and making the victim a sweet, poetic narrator is creepy. This movie sells the philosophy that even evil things are God's will, and their victims are happier now. Isn't it nice to think so. I think it's best if they don't happen at all. But if they do, why pretend they don't hurt? Those girls are dead," he wrote.

In the past, Ebert has challenged the MPAA Code and Ratings Administration claiming, "The bottom line is not much of a surprise: The board is much more lenient towards violence than toward sex," he said. "In turn, America's youth has more exposure to violence in these PG-13 rated films and are becoming desensitized to the lasting effects of crime and violence."

In 1998, Ebert called out 'Small Soldiers,' saying it was "a family picture on the outside, and a mean, violent action picture on the inside... It's rated PG-13, but if the characters were human, the movie would be a hard 'R.'"

Interestingly, Ebert urged that PG-13 films like 'School of Rock,' 'Whale Rider' and 'Bend It Like Beckham' were actually perfect for the family with inspiring messages and appropriate story lines. "There is a vast difference between movies for 12-year-old girls and movies about 12-year-old girls, and 'Whale Rider' proves it," Ebert wrote in his 2003 review. "So many films by and about teenagers are mired in vulgarity and stupidity; this one, like its heroine, dares to dream."

On the flip-side, Ebert gladly applauded Dakota Fanning's role in 'Hounddog,' a controversial, independent film in which Fanning, then 14, played a troubled 12-year-old who is sexually abused by her father. Although Fanning's character is raped by an older teenager, she eventually learns how to make people treat her with respect. Ebert admits Fanning's "impressive step forward in her career" reminded him of Jodie Foster in 'Taxi Driver,' who played a twelve-year-old prostitute. Perhaps it is all about the final message (and it's effect on youth) that can make or break a film for Ebert.

While some critics say Ebert needs to lighten up on 'Kick-Ass,' it's obvious he has an agenda against violence and doesn't want movies to sensationalize an onslaught's "cool" factor. All moral stances aside, Ebert is passionate about his message -- even if it comes in the form of a 'Kick-Ass' movie review.

Video: PopEater asked New Yorkers -- generally of the parental persuasion -- for their reactions to the red-band trailer featuring Hit Girl. Check it out:

Tell us what you think about 'Kick-Ass.'

Tags: Kick-Ass, Roger Ebert

Comments

(82)

Saturday 17 April

By Ed

Vote down Vote up Report this

Nicholas cage is a turd and he has found his level.

By p

Personally speaking, I like N.Cage... but WHY he agrees to do more and more cheesy flicks, I'll never understand.
He must be desperately in need of the money !
Too bad.... So sad. .

By Brandy

Yeah, it's a R- rated movie. Treat it just like any other R-rated movie and don't prohibit your kids to see it just cuz it has kids and teenagers in it. There are plenty of movies that are R-rated and have kids in it. This is not the first time. If you can't stop your kids from seeing it, then I'm sure they know the difference of what is wrong and good and probably have already seen worse and do worse without you even knowing. Most 11yr olds to 15yr olds aren't as innocent as u would like to think. I heard 10yr olds talking sex and other crap at the playgrounds. Doesn't mean it's right. Just a fact.

By Troy

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

First of all, Ebert shouldn't use his reviews to evaluate whether a movie is 'moral' or not and rate it based on that. A review should analyze the quality of the movie, such as the acting, special effects, etc. So Ebert isn't really writing a review at all, more just a blog.
Also, the film is rated R, so how is the MPAA going easy on this film?? If the movie is rated R, 11-year-olds probably shouldn't see it anyway, their parents should see it first and decide. teenagers are exposed to so many 'immoral' things today that a movie like this won't have a catastrophic effect on their lives. Maybe parents should stop worrying about this and get their kids to stop smoking weed and having sex.

By Nicole

Heres an idea....if you don't like the film or the idea or anything....don't watch it and don't talk about it. it is a movie for people 17+ they put the R rating on it because it is not meant for the child audience and if you don't feel like it is worth your while don't see it. pretty simple

By Brad

I am sick of Hollywood movies that cater to violence. We have far too much in real life. I don't understand the need for people to see this crap as entertainment. When I go to a movie I want to be ENTERTAINED... that doesn't include blood, things blowing up or any of the down side of life. Give me a good movie with a REAL story! Where are the writers?

By cant wait

My kind of movie action adventure, not a teary eyed drama that no one pays to see. The idiots are saying i will not take my kids to see a violent movie, but they buy far worse disgusting video games for their kids. Its a fantasy not real life its time for Ebert to retire into the sunset.

By erik

It is rated R which means the movie is for adults. Also ebert if you do not like the movie there is an easy fix wait for it..........DONT GO TO IT.

By Patti

Does anyone consider how this just de-sensitizes our kids one more level? It just makes all those words and attitudes acceptable to them! Is this the direction we want them to go? Obviously some people onhere don't realize how movies affect young kids. It stays with them whether it's "just a movie" or not! And what does it say about the parents or guardians who allow them to see it? That's it no big deal??? Geeeez, Hollywood, get a higher standard for our kids today!!

By Moviegoer

If Ebert didn't like it, it'll be a great movie!! I rarely ever agree with his picks or opinions of movies.
If anybody goes to this type of movie and expects reality then they need their head examined.

By michael j. gallick

blame the ppl who let the movie out having cuss words
in em. focus on those ppl, PPl !! what sh--ty and greedy
way to suck ppl into a movie, just to line there pockets.
ppl who go and spend money to go and see a movie, just cause
it has the word a-- in it, are the real suckers! what a cryin
shame! LMAO!

By ck

The world today is filled with demonic possessed adults acting out every abomination they can conjure up. Hollywood is infested with these darklings who take great pleasure in sadomasochism. If anyone stands up against them, they are mocked and ridiculed. The media has attacked the Catholic Church for children being abused yet Hollywood is the biggest abuser out there and the media is silent. God is not mocked and every action of man will be judged. These films are putrid filth from hell. And Hollywood is proof that hell exist because it is channelling it right into existence through this medium.

By Truth Be Known

Cage is totally broke, and needs any gig he can get!

By John C. Williams

Nic Cage in another bummer of a movie, with no redeeming qualities. Seems like he is playing out the remainder of career in the fashion of the character who drowned in a sea of booze. Since his Oscar turn, he has failed to dazzle to say the least. What a shame. Hollywood cares NOTHING about our kids and their psyches.....it's always, and I DO mean ALWAYS about THE MONEY, which of course goes into projects that promote sensationalism, extreme violence, and demeaning situations that appeal to the ever-growing audience in this country that feeds off of all that. My trips to the cinema and few and far between these days.

By steve b

AMERICA IS SICK OF HOLLYWOOD & BROADWAY TRING TO CHANGE THE PEOPLES VIEW OF LIFE IN AMERICA..... WITH FILM , MUSIC, AND TV, IT'S MORE EVIDENT THAN EVER.... THERE WILL BE NO AMERICAN DREAM IN THIS NEXT GENERATION.......

By surlydog

Though I may agree on many points about a young gril cast in this role, I frankly found his approval and hype for "Broke Back Mountain" disgusting. I guess the message to the kids from Mr. Ebert ..Don't be violent= BAD Be GAY=GOOD..Sorry, he has no credibility with me.

By osdcr

People always look for a reason to blame the ills of society on something. They need to spend more time with their kids so they explain that the difference between funny fictional characters , violent hero movies , & sex versus how proper conduct is to be displayed in the real world.

By Gina

Thank you, Roger Ebert, for putting the concerns of our children first and for standing up to the film industry whose remaining fragments of moral responsibility are mere whispers of what it used to be.

We wish you well, Mr. Ebert.

Monday 19 April

By al

You people are killing me. The movie is rated R people. If you're worried about how it affects children then seriously look at the people who are bringing their children to see the movie. How it affects youth when the movie is rated and targeted at adults is a ridiculous argument in itself. Be serious and pick another debate.

By David

It's an R-Rated movie. Kids aren't supposed to see it anyway its the parents responsiblity to know what their kids are doing and watching. Don't force your views on the rest of us please. If you don't like it don't watch it it's your opinion.

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