Although The Hit Girl has been out since 2013 and I've enjoyed many of director James Ward's other projects, I only just got around to renting this movie now.

I loved it! Fans of magical age regression and transgender transformation stories definitely won't be disappointed, because this film serves up a few of our favorite tropes and makes them seem fresh again. (There is actually a valid plot reason for the transformed guy to wear a sexy schoolgirl outfit, for instance.) It reminded me of my novel He's Stuck as a Schoolgirl, in the sense that it was kind of a kinky TG AR story but also kind of a kids' adventure comedy following these two girls around while they argue and hang out. Both my book and The Hit Girl are TG AR stories obviously influenced by snarky 1980s John Hughes teen movies, although Ward's film also throws a little James Bond espionage in there too and somehow makes it work.

The Hit Girl is a fun and surprisingly sweet movie, and the characters have more depth than you'd usually expect in a high concept, gender-bender comedy. Even some of the minor characters and villains have surprising texture to them. It is violent at times, but then again this IS a story about a pro killer and we're not talking about a lot of gore or anything. There is some dark humor here, so go in knowing that while it's a very cute, funny movie it does have an edge and it's not just rainbows and fluffy kittens.

I could definitely see some improved technique since Ward's previous movie, Identity Theft. While I did enjoy Identity Theft, this movie had sharper scripting and cinematography, and a more professional sheen to it overall. The two lead actresses were great, and I was especially impressed by Ella Bowen, the actress who played Jessica. (Minor spoiler warning:) There's a scene where she sings, and she has to play a man in the body of a teenage girl, singing a song well, while being SURPRISED that she can sing like that. That is a hell of an acting challenge, and she totally sold it.

This film is available for rent on Amazon and Youtube, and I strongly suggest that anybody who enjoys my stuff should give this movie a look. It's a lot of fun, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what Ward does next! (Dare we hope for a sequel?)