Title: Deadpool
Release Date: February 11th, 2016
Studios: 20th Century Fox and Marvel Entertainment
Director: Tim Miller
Release Format: Theatrical
From its opening credits roll to its final moments and its inevitable signature Marvel “stinger”, Deadpool is exactly what you want it to be: A sarcastic fourth wall breaking silver screen adaptation of the story of one of Marvels most treasured anti-heroes, Deadpool.
There is so much that I would like to talk about but for the fact that it would spoil much of the film. To be brief, Deadpool is the tale of how Wade Wilson, the ex-military mercenary, got his powers, and why he decided to use them to become the “hero” known as Deadpool. It may not stray as far from the formula as some would like but it certainly breaks the mold for what a superhero movie, in this day and age of expanded universes, is allowed to be.
Well before the hype train and the aggressive marketing campaign took hold, people were excited about this film. Deadpool has almost always been a fan favorite and it is very apparent that the hearts of the films staff quickly became enamored with the Merc with the Mouth as well.
As many superhero fans are aware Deadpool received pretty poor treatment in X-men Origins: Wolverine (the first film Deadpool appeared in). This film more than makes up for that past tragedy, and in fact, revels in it as only a character piece based off of the most flippant of mutants could. Deadpool not only makes light of this past blemish but of anything the writers could get their hands on, mocking everything from pop culture to the films own budget restrictions.
Right from the beginning, it is clear that Ryan Reynolds, who reprises the role of Deadpool from Origins, has gained a whole new respect for the character and is enjoying his time under that mask at least as much as the audience enjoys watching him in it.
Deadpool takes the overall concept of the character and turns that into a full-bodied script offering manic action, violence, comedy, one-liner and the occasional emotional moment in fair proportions.
Whether Reynolds is decapitating someone, harassing one of the other characters, or making an obscene joke the film roles along in a quick draw ramshackle fashion that is very indicative of the mind and mannerisms of its primary protagonist. They really nailed that quintessential Deadpool attitude.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vN6DHB6bJc[/embedyt]
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(Please take note that many of the lines from this trailer were either different or non-existent in the version I saw.)
I went into this film with some reservations, as many of the trailers looked a bit heavy on the CG for my tastes. As it turns out those trailers were fairly deceptive; the subtle CG used to animate the face of the Merc’s suit as well as all of the grander effects seen throughout the film were all well done and everything felt extremely authentic in the context of the world presented in the film.
This movie could almost be considered a one-man show, as Deadpool, much like the comic book character he is based on, rarely shuts his mouth. However the rest of the cast does an admirable job keeping pace with Reynolds and I feel special credit is due to the actors who played the taxi cab driver, and Deadpool’s blind roommate, small as their characters may be. They made it possible for some of the films best, and subtlest, instances of comic relief to occur (Stan Lees cameo is, as always, also highly amusing).
The best advice that I can give to anyone interested in Deadpool is to go see it. The film is in turn, chaotic, unabashed and nuts. And a word of warning: don’t bring the kids (Or do. It’s up to you.). This film is R rated for a reason and while it’s no torture porn, there are more than enough dicks, tits, and gore both visually and aurally represented to ensure that Deadpool is in a class of its own as far as “hero” movies are concerned.
- Acting: Superb. Ryan Reynolds hams it up in the leading role and everyone else plays their part very well. Surprisingly some of the best performances come from the “smallest” roles, but overall the cast does a great job.
- Cinematography: Deadpool makes great use of all kinds of different effects, from slow-mo time stops to straight up animation, there is even room for a few wordless gags. The CGI works very well and adds that necessary extra depth to Deadpool’s get up.
- Story: A decent enough origin story that while occasionally sticking a little too close to the already well established Marvel movie mold, still ultimately feels like a great introduction to the world of Deadpool.
- Characters: This film more than makes up for the way Deadpool was treated in the past and is a fair and honest rendition of the Merc with the Mouth. All of the characters from the ones making minor cameos, to the Big Bad Guy all feel appropriate for the level of depth put into this tale.
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