Deadpool, 2016.
Directed by Tim Miller.
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, Brianna Hildebrand, Gina Carano and T.J. Miller.
SYNOPSIS:
A former Special Forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopting the alter ego Deadpool.
After sitting in development hell for what seemed like forever, Deadpool has finally arrived on our screens – and he arrives with style. If you’re not a fan of Ryan Reynolds then you will hate this film from start to finish and will probably tear your hair out with every quip that he makes. Luckily I’m a fan of Reynolds and it’s refreshing to finally see him in a decent superhero film.
Deadpool isn’t like the typical superhero films we’ve come to see dominate the box office – whilst it’s light on plot it is hilarious to watch from start to finish. Filled with meta references, over the top gore, swearing, sex and everything in between it’s a joyful film if you’re a bit bored with the standard hero saves the world, has strong morals and never says anything that wouldn’t secure a 12A/PG13 rating.
Reynolds is Wade Wilson, a former Special Forces operative turned mercenary who discovers that he’s riddled with cancer. Instead of giving up, he lets himself become part of a rogue experiment which leaves him looking pretty disgusting, whilst also giving him accelerated healing powers. It’s an origin story that we’ve seen before, only this time it’s done with a good sense of humour and a self-awareness of how stupid the whole thing is. The fourth wall is broken throughout and it sits perfectly with Reynolds’ fast talking wise cracking acting that you either loathe or love. If you enjoyed Van Wilder, then you will enjoy Deadpool, there’s no question about it. There are tons of quotes which will work their way into the daily vernacular of teenagers everywhere and hilarious action sequences that show that a superhero movie can do something different.
This isn’t to say that Deadpool isn’t without its flaws. Like many superhero movies, the film lacks a truly interesting and intimidating villain. Ed Skrein is so one-dimensional and as much as they rip on the fact that he’s a “British Villain”, that doesn’t help with the fact that he just isn’t very good. His motivations are atypical, he lacks charisma and if it weren’t for the sheer enjoyment of the journey, the payoff would be quite dull. Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead is also under used throughout and her super power isn’t that interesting. Colossus’ character traits are also one-dimensional with little back story.
With all this said, it can’t detract from the fact that Deadpool is a fun popcorn film. It’s highly stylised, self-aware, funny, packed with action and is the perfect vehicle for Reynolds style of comedy. It is also essentially a love story. Not your typical Valentine’s Day weekend film, but ultimately the film is about Wade’s relationship with his girlfriend Vanessa (Baccarin) and how they overcome his disfigurement – whilst still blowing tons of stuff up and having a laugh from start to finish. It’s one of the most enjoyable superhero films to be released for some time. After Fox’s disastrous Fantastic Four reboot in 2015, it’s good to see that they’ve bounced back. Whilst still not completely owned by Marvel, there are references throughout and Stan Lee’s cameo is sure to get fan boys hearts racing at the prospect.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Helen Murdoch is a freelance writer – Follow me on Twitter
https://youtu.be/b7Ozs5mj5ao?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
Originally published February 16, 2016. Updated April 15, 2018.
