Kick-Ass 2
After Kick-Ass’ insane bravery inspires a new wave of self-made masked crusaders, he joins a patrol led by the Colonel Stars and Stripes. When these amateur superheroes are hunted down by Red Mist — reborn as The Mother Fucker — only the blade-wielding Hit-Girl can prevent their annihilation.
Despite a moderate budget of $28.0M, Kick-Ass 2 became a commercial success, earning $60.8M worldwide—a 117% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Kick-Ass 2 (2013) exhibits strategically placed story structure, characteristic of Jeff Wadlow's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 43 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Dave Lizewski tries to return to normal life after the events of the first film, training with Hit-Girl in secret while struggling with the mundane reality of high school and the loss of his superhero identity.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Marcus discovers Mindy is still operating as Hit-Girl and forbids her from continuing, forcing her to promise to quit. Dave loses his training partner and is left alone to figure out his superhero identity.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 26% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Dave makes the active choice to join Justice Forever, fully committing to the superhero life. He embraces his identity as Kick-Ass and becomes part of a larger movement., moving from reaction to action.
At 52 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat The Motherfucker's team attacks Night Bitch's apartment. Colonel Stars and Stripes is brutally murdered by The Motherfucker's enforcers. The stakes become deadly real - this is no longer a game. False defeat: the villains prove they're willing to kill., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 76 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Dave's father is murdered in prison by The Motherfucker's henchmen. The literal death of his last parent - the ultimate loss. Dave is devastated, broken, and ready to quit being Kick-Ass forever., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 82 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Dave realizes his father would want him to stand up and fight. He synthesizes his grief into purpose, reunites Justice Forever, and partners with Hit-Girl for the final battle. The team rallies for one last stand against The Motherfucker., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Kick-Ass 2's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Kick-Ass 2 against these established plot points, we can identify how Jeff Wadlow utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Kick-Ass 2 within the action genre.
Jeff Wadlow's Structural Approach
Among the 6 Jeff Wadlow films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Kick-Ass 2 represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jeff Wadlow filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Jeff Wadlow analyses, see Fantasy Island, Never Back Down and Imaginary.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Dave Lizewski tries to return to normal life after the events of the first film, training with Hit-Girl in secret while struggling with the mundane reality of high school and the loss of his superhero identity.
Theme
Mindy/Hit-Girl tells Dave that trying to be a normal kid is impossible for them - "You either gotta be who you are, or you gotta be nobody." The theme: authentic identity versus social conformity.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of the post-Big Daddy world: Dave and Mindy training together, Marcus becoming Mindy's guardian, the emergence of copycat heroes inspired by Kick-Ass, and Chris D'Amico plotting revenge for his father's death.
Disruption
Marcus discovers Mindy is still operating as Hit-Girl and forbids her from continuing, forcing her to promise to quit. Dave loses his training partner and is left alone to figure out his superhero identity.
Resistance
Dave debates how to continue as Kick-Ass without Hit-Girl. He discovers Justice Forever, a superhero team led by Colonel Stars and Stripes. Meanwhile, Mindy attempts to navigate high school social politics, and Chris D'Amico begins assembling his villain team.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Dave makes the active choice to join Justice Forever, fully committing to the superhero life. He embraces his identity as Kick-Ass and becomes part of a larger movement.
Mirror World
Dave begins a romantic relationship with Night Bitch within the superhero community, representing the possibility of being his authentic self while finding acceptance and connection.
Premise
The fun of being part of Justice Forever: training montages, bonding with fellow heroes, stopping criminals, and the superhero team dynamic. Meanwhile, Chris becomes The Motherfucker and builds his villain army, setting up the coming conflict.
Midpoint
The Motherfucker's team attacks Night Bitch's apartment. Colonel Stars and Stripes is brutally murdered by The Motherfucker's enforcers. The stakes become deadly real - this is no longer a game. False defeat: the villains prove they're willing to kill.
Opposition
The villains intensify their campaign of terror. Justice Forever struggles with fear and doubt. Dave's father is arrested for his crimes as Kick-Ass. Mindy is betrayed by the popular girls and humiliated. The Motherfucker threatens Dave's loved ones, targeting his father in prison.
Collapse
Dave's father is murdered in prison by The Motherfucker's henchmen. The literal death of his last parent - the ultimate loss. Dave is devastated, broken, and ready to quit being Kick-Ass forever.
Crisis
Dave mourns his father and processes his guilt. He believes his superhero activities caused his father's death. Mindy returns, having rejected the shallow high school life, ready to embrace who she really is. She helps Dave see that he can't quit - he must finish this.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Dave realizes his father would want him to stand up and fight. He synthesizes his grief into purpose, reunites Justice Forever, and partners with Hit-Girl for the final battle. The team rallies for one last stand against The Motherfucker.
Synthesis
The finale battle: Justice Forever versus The Motherfucker's army. Hit-Girl takes on Mother Russia in an epic fight. Kick-Ass confronts The Motherfucker. The heroes triumph, with Chris defeated and his villain empire destroyed. Dave chooses to retire as Kick-Ass, but on his own terms.
Transformation
Dave narrates that he's retiring the Kick-Ass costume, but not because of fear - because he proved anyone can be a hero. He leaves the superhero life behind having achieved authentic identity and inspired others. Mindy continues as Hit-Girl, fully embracing who she is.