Over the last few years we have been inundated with comic-book movies, most of them of the superhero variety done with varying degrees of success. Although the books are mostly an American cultural phenomenon, the most intriguing stories in recent times have come out of Britain, mainly from Alan Moore's pen with WATCHMEN and V FOR VENDETTA.

However, these American-made films weren't the big hits they were expected to be. It is the British directors who seem to have beaten the Yanks at their own game, in particular Chris Nolan. Ubergeek Edgar Wright has just done a highly commendable adaptation of Scott Pilgrim, even if the lead was miscast, but it was Matthew Vaughn (STARDUST, LAYER CAKE) who made one of the most exciting comic-book movies in years with KICK-ASS.

Adapted by Jane Goldman (Mrs Jonathan Ross) from a story by Scottish writer Mark Millar, it owed more to comic-book culture than the traditional superhero comic. Both SCOTT PILGRIM and KICK-ASS both met with adulation from the fans, which, somehow, didn't translate into box-office success, especially in the US. Nevertheless, KICK-ASS proved itself on its home turf and is still one of the most entertaining action movies of the year.

Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) is your average teenage comic-book geek who decides that the city needs a crime-fighting hero. He makes himself a costume from a wetsuit and mask, gives himself the name Kick-Ass and sets about combating muggers, except not only does he not have any superpowers but also no fighting skills either.

When he becomes an internet sensation after being filmed in a fight with some thugs, he also becomes the target of mob boss Frank D'Amico (Mark Strong), who thinks it is Kick-Ass that is destroying his drug-running business. Kick-Ass's newfound fame also attracts some new wannabe heroes in the form of Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). However, the real heroes are Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) and his 11-year-old daughter and sidekick Hit Girl (Chloë Moretz).

Although it is supposed to be Johnson's film, it is Moretz who steals every scene she is in. She gets the best lines with the most swearing and also the best action scenes. It is a bit brutal at times, but it is cartoon action (and toned down from the comic-book version), and although the trailer with Moretz effing and blinding got some people angry with righteous indignation when it was released in cinemas, it is done for brilliant comic effect.

KICK-ASS is released on DVD on September 6 and has to be the DVD/Blu-ray to buy for a great night in, with the surround sound turned right up so you can't hear the neighbours complaining about the noise and the language. A review disc with special features was not available, but includes commentaries and making-of featurettes.

KICK-ASS is out on DVD/Blu-ray on September 6 and available from Play and all good retailers.