The Merc with the Mouth is back in action with an all-new, comic accurate version of the anti-hero. Deadpool/Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) sees the titular super being attempting to track down the man who has wronged him and save the love of his life. With the mutant Ajax (Ed Skrein) prepared to do whatever he can to put an end to Deadpool, Wade’s fiancé, Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), is in harm’s way. Deadpool will do whatever he can to save his love and put an end to the menacing mutant.
After years in the making, Reynolds finally landed his dream role. He had been advocating for the development of this film for more than a decade, and after what felt like literal begging, writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, and director Tim Miller, decided that it was time to bring this character to life the right way (not the way in which 20th Century Fox attempted to in X-Men Origins: Wolverine). This was more than a superhero film, more than a film that was sure to entertain viewers, it was Reynolds’ passion project, and that passion transcends the entirety of Deadpool.
First of all, Deadpool is entirely different from any other superhero film you’ve seen before. It’s full of nudity, harsh language, and raunchy comedy–afterall, that is what Deadpool is all about. This doesn’t necessarily appeal to the typical fan of the genre, and it requires a certain amount of understanding and appreciation for this type of comedy and content in order to appreciate Deadpool. From literally the opening seconds viewers understand the sort of comedy that will transcend the entirety of the film–and from that moment forward the comedy works perfectly. This cast and crew not only understand the intricacies of superhero cinema but comedy as well, and they refuse to relent, cut corners, or come up short at any moment throughout the film. The world is well aware of who and what Reynolds is and what he is capable of, but we’ve never seen him quite like this before. This is the perfect role for the often outspoken Reynolds, and Deadpool sees him fill the shoes of the raunchy hero with greatness, perfection even. He delivers each and every line brilliantly, and he, as everyone would have guessed, is the primary reason why Deadpool is successful.
Deadpool is framed in an interesting fashion. Starting right in the middle of the narrative and flashing back to important moments in Deadpool’s story, Deadpool always comes back to the same, pivotal moment in the journey. Coming back to that same point not only expresses to viewers how important it is, but it helps to center the film. In a film as crazy as Deadpool, it can sometimes be easy to get lost in the shuffle. This isn’t because the story is convoluted, but rather because with so much going on it can be easy to forget the purpose and simply focus on the brilliant comedy and action. The film is structured brilliantly; it keeps viewers involved and in the know, and it allows this story to flow smoothly, leaving nothing and no one behind.
The X-Men franchise as a whole is a continuity error, and there are certainly some issues that exist regarding this film in the grand scheme of the franchise as well, but Deadpool isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself. Addressing this ongoing issue and breaking the fourth wall expresses how down to earth and understanding these filmmakers are, and their effort toward being able to reach viewers on a personal level does not go unnoticed.
There are very few solo films throughout the course of the X-Men universe, but Deadpool alters the reality of the X-Men to a degree, and he shines brightly in his own film. Action-packed, hilarious, and well-developed, Deadpool compares to some of the best superhero films ever. Reynolds’ passion project came to life in an invigorating way, and he took the world by storm, created something brilliant, and instantly had fans begging for more.
Directed by Tim Miller.
Written by Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick.
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Ed Skrein, Karan Soni, Stefan Kapicic, Briana Hildebrand, Gina Carano, Leslie Uggams, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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