Deadpool - Gory and crass, but hilarious
The cinema is being overtaken by superhero films. Apparently, people aren’t quite tired of them yet because my theater was filled to the brim seeing “Deadpool” at 1:00 pm on Sunday afternoon. With six more DC or Marvel related films coming out this year, I think people might be overwhelmed in these next few months with the abundance of these films. Perhaps comic book fans and movie audiences asked for too much, because now every studio is attempting to expand their universes in an attempt to copy the successful ideas of Marvel’s expanded universe films. That being said, if comic book movies can find a way to be as innovative and fun as “Deadpool” then comic book fans, such as myself, and general movie fans will be better off because of it.
Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is a New York City mercenary who after discovering he is terminally ill with late stage cancer tries to find a way to get rid of his disease to protect himself and Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), who he knows will devastated by his death. He quickly decides to join up with a secret program that will remove his cancer, and give him superhuman powers. He meets Ajax (Ed Skrein) who injects him with a serum and tortures him for days in an attempt to cause a mutation. Driven insane by the torture and his disfigurement he uses his combat skills and regenerative healing to enact revenge on Ajax and his crew.
If there was a better man to play the “merc with a mouth” other than Ryan Reynolds than I don’t know who it is. His comedic timing is perfect and he perfectly captures switching on and off between Deadpool’s multiple personalities. Some of the funniest moments come from his fourth wall breaks, which don’t break the momentum of the film, but create a humorous rapport with the audience. Seamlessly offering commentary on audience opinions towards superhero movies. It also is perfectly injected in a way that only works for this particular style of filmmaking. Its unique, and something that we have never seen in a comic book film before. The fourth wall breaks not only come from the mouth of our red-suited antihero, but the movie itself is a brilliant parody of all superhero films, even the opening credits follow this style of irreverence towards the medium that the film exists in.
For all of Reynold’s comedic abilities, I also should praise his dramatic ones, he not only makes Deadpool a humorous character, but a compelling one who is driven by difficult decisions. A character this obnoxious should be easily detestable, but Wade Wilson’s moments of heart turn him into a very likeable and enjoyable onscreen presence. Vanessa, portrayed by the wonderful Morena Baccarin, is an enjoyable love interest for Wade, who share a relationship just as raunchy as the film that surrounds it. Yet, their love feels real, they make for a compelling and interesting couple, and the difficult moment of discovering Wade’s cancer reveals that Vanessa is much more than her escort stereotype. The rest of the characters drive the plot forward, but aren’t as compelling as our leads. Skrein’s Ajax is an ordinary bad guy that we’ve seen before, but he does have a certain menacing gravitas that makes him an enjoyable villain.
The action scenes of the film are incredible, fast paced and showing every hit in incredibly well-filmed cinematography from Ken Seng. Occasionally throwing in some great comedic timing from Reynolds. Every action scene feels clever and unique. Constantly aware of the setting and the restrictions of fighting in that setting make for intriguing and well-filmed action that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
“Deadpool” is grounded in a somewhat average revenge film, but its humor, well balanced characters, amazing action and risky “don’t care” attitude makes for an amazing and fun thrill ride.