IT'S HERE! 2010 Opening Night Film will Kick-Ass!

We're delighted to announce that Matthew Vaughn's Kick-Ass will open SXSW Film 2010!

The movie tells the story of average teen Dave (Aaron Johnson), a comic-book fanboy who decides to take his obsession as inspiration to become a real-life superhero.

His life is forever changed as he inspires a subculture of copy cats, is hunted by assorted violent and unpleasant characters, and meets up with a pair of crazed vigilantes, including Hit Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) and Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage), and another fledgling superhero, Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). But thanks to the scheming of a local mob boss Frank D’Amico (Mark Strong), that new alliance will be put to the test.

Mashing up bone-cracking action, dark comedy and razor sharp dialogue, Kick-Ass is a raucous thrill ride you won't want to miss!

Check out the trailer below, or if you're of the NSFW persuasion, click here for the no-holds-barred red band version.

In addition to Kick-Ass, we're proud to announce a sampling of five awesome features in the 2010 program.

• Cold Weather
SXSW Alum Aaron Katz directs this feature about a former forensic science major and avid reader of detective fiction, who, after making a mess of his life in Chicago, returns to his hometown of Portland, Oregon. There, he, his sister Gail, and new friend Carlos become embroiled in something unexpected.
• Elektra Luxx
Following the successful world premiere of Women In Trouble at SXSW 2009, writer/director Sebastian Gutierrez returns with the world premiere of its hotly anticipated sequel. The film follows a hectic day in the life of former adult film superstar Elektra Luxx as she tries to survive in the straight world. The film stars Carla Gugino in the title role, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Timothy Olyphant, Emmanuelle Chriqui and Malin Akerman.
• Hubble 3D
SXSW will present the first public screening of Tony Myers' Hubble 3D at the Bob Bullock IMAX® Theater. Through the power of IMAX® 3D, the film will enable movie-goers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history.
• Lemmy
A feature-length documentary delving into the personal and public lives of heavy metal icon and Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister. Nearly three years in the making, and featuring appearances by such friends/peers as Metallica, Dave Grohl, Billy Bob Thornton and pro wrestler Triple H, the world premiere follows Lemmy from his Hollywood bedroom to the hockey arenas of Scandinavia and Russia. The film is Co-Directed & Co-Produced by Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski
• SATURDAY NIGHT
Directed by actor James Franco, this doc looks at what it takes to create an episode of the legendary comedy show, Saturday Night Live. Follow behind the scenes as the actors, writers and producers go through one frenetic week of trials and tribulations as each volley to get sketches on air.

Don't miss your chance to see these amazing movies! Stay tuned for more announcements, and sign up to our feeds and newsletters to get the most up-to-date info. And don't forget to register for your badge - prices go up January 15!

Photo of Aaron Johnson in "Kick-Ass" courtesy of Marv Films; Carla Gugino and Marley Shelton in "Elektra Luxx" courtesy of Sebastian Gutierrez; Lemmy by Wes Orshoski