FACT: In a surprise announcement, actor and kinda-sorta
funnyman Jim Carrey has publicly denounced the violent content of his upcoming
film, KICK-ASS 2.
KICK-ASS 2 is a follow-up to the successful KICK-ASS (2010,
rated R), in which a teenager takes on a superhero persona and inspires others
to do the same. In the sequel, Carrey plays a vigilante named Colonel Stars and
Stripes who combats crime with a baseball bat. Carrey cites the recent school shooting
at Sandy Hook as the reason behind his change of heart.
OPINION: Many people have a change of heart after tragic
events, but Jim Carrey’s denouncing of his first major film role in a few years
is a head-scratcher, and could possibly spell trouble for himself. When actors
sign a contract to do a film, there are most likely clauses which obligate them
to do promotional tours to help push people to go to the theatre to see it.
Carrey seems unlikely to do this considering his new stance, and could be
opening himself up to a lawsuit for breach of contract. From a legal
perspective, he may get himself into trouble.
From a common-sense angle, even more question-marks pop up. The
first KICK-ASS film was a violent one; chock-full of gunplay, fistfights,
stabbings, and blood-splatter. You have to wonder if Carrey ever saw the first
film, or was even aware of it. On top of that, he must have read the script
before filming (one would hope), and was obviously on the set when the cameras
were rolling. When did the violent aspect of his own movie suddenly come as a
surprise? The whole thing is so out of left-field it almost feels like a publicity stunt.
Carrey’s denouncement just may wind up being a lot of
hot-air as the release date gets closer and pressures start to mount. Of
course, if he really believed in what he was doing and wanted no association
with the film, he could always give back his paycheck.
What say you?
*
KICK-ASS 2 is slated for an August 16th release.
It stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Jim Carrey.
It would be nice to believe he is sincere and has that kind of compassion. Some, however, might make the argument that his position is just another clever way to promote his latest film. The proof may have to wait until we know what potential future roles he is offered but rejects. It may be, in this situation, that a closd mouth gathers no feet.
ReplyDelete